To void a check, you’d have to cancel it before the recipient had deposited it. Card images shown are illustrative and may vary from the card you receive. For more smart money tips, visit the Greenlight’s Learning Center to help you manage your finances effectively. To send the check to the recipient you can send it by mail, hand it in person or take a photo and send it by email.

Try Wise – A safe and easy way to transfer money

No, once a check is voided, it cannot be reinstated or reused as a valid form of payment. It ensures that the check cannot be accepted by banks or financial institutions for payment. If a mistake was made in voiding the check, a new check must be issued.

Electronic money, or e-money, is a simple way to send, spend, and receive payments online. As we start to move away from cash or checks, e-money transfers are… You can open a Wise account and receive money from around the world with local bank details. All you need to do if you want to establish a direct deposit is take an existing check and write the word ‘VOID’ across the front of it in large capital letters. All you need to do is write « VOID » in big letters across the front of the check. The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Q: Can I use a voided check to verify my account?

The Smart Investor does not include all companies or all offers available in the marketplace and voided check means cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete. A voided check is simply a paper check with the word “VOID” written across it, often in big letters, indicating without a doubt that it shouldn’t be used for making a payment. For example, if your company’s payroll department needs a check from you to set up direct deposit, you can provide a voided check. Then you know that no one would be able to alter the check and spend it, because it has been voided. Often, banks will provide instructions on how you can set up a direct deposit without a voided check. Reach out to your bank, or see if there’s any information online about how you can do this.

  • Consumers often provide their own routing and account numbers online without any problem, so voided checks are required less frequently.
  • It’s a check that has been intentionally voided to ensure that it can never be cashed.
  • You can try the alternatives below if your account does not offer checks.
  • If you prefer the convenience that online banking provides, then check out Wise.
  • Some places may require a voided check to receive your account information and even get set up an electronic transfer of your money too.

In the image, the check has the word ‘VOID’ written across its face in capital letters. You can then treat it as if it came from your checkbook and then void it right there. Instead of trying to correct the error you may have made on a check, it’s better and safer to cancel the check completely by voiding it. Sometimes writing a check is easier if you are not comfortable with managing your finances all online or using apps. We’ve put together a list of the best banks that don’t use ChexSystems or require a credit check.

  • Though they contain sensitive data, their selective use with trusted institutions fosters security.
  • The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website may receives compensation.
  • Voided checks can serve an important role in direct deposits and other ongoing transactions.

So it’s important to understand what purpose they serve and how to void a check if there’s a need to do so. The thought of writing a check may seem a bit archaic, but there are still many that use personal checks at the point of sale to make purchases. Furthermore, some have no problem writing checks each month, heading to the post office, and mailing them off to their lenders and service providers to cover bills. You may also be able to set up deposit or withdrawal instructions using a deposit slip instead of a voided check.

Q: How do I create a voided check?

It’s essential to note that some businesses may not accept such corrections. The check could still be run through the bank’s system for the incorrect amount. And in such cases, the mistake may not be noticed until the check is returned to your bank or rejected by the recipient’s bank, causing the check to bounce.

For example, consider encrypting the image or uploading it to a secure file vault. The Smart Investor (this website) is an independent financial website. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website may receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies. This article is part of our free series on sending money, including the ultimate guide to bank checks, which you can access here. You’ll just need your bank details at hand and then input them directly. Your bank’s routing number is usually written on their homepage of their website and you can find your account number when you sign-in. Once you’ve voided your check, make sure to keep the correct records.

Do I sign a voided check?

Although it might sound complicated, voiding a check is actually quite easy. You can do this by taking a check from your checkbook and writing VOID in big letters all across its front page. It’s important that the letters cover the whole front part of the check but without covering the bank details on it. Another important thing is to use a black marker or a pen that can’t be erased, making it easier for thieves to use it as a blank check.

How Do You Get a Voided Check Without Going to the Bank?

Voided checks may not be as popular as they once were, but it’s still important to know how to void a check, what they look like, and what their purpose is. Always remember to keep track of any checks you void out to prevent identity theft or fraud. Although some mistakes can be corrected by marking the incorrect information and initialing it, this is not always a safe practice.

Crediful is committed to helping you make smarter financial decisions by presenting you with the best information possible. We’re able to offer this content free of charge because some of the companies featured on our site compensate us. Your name, address, and phone number won’t be listed at the top of the check. If this won’t suffice, you may have to order a batch of checks overnight from your bank or a third-party and opt for overnight shipping. But what if you write a check from your checking account and later discover that you’ve made an error?

To enroll, your employer will give you a form that includes information for you to enter your banking information and preferred account(s) that funds should be deposited to. And there are some instances where you’ll need to provide a voided check to make a special arrangement, such as setting up direct deposit or online bill pay. Typically, you’ll need to void a check when you need to provide new account verification for setting up a direct deposit or direct withdrawal. You can provide written informaition about your account, but many companies require the voided check for verification. If you’re going to provide the voided check electronically, don’t just send it out in the open, in a standard email message. Take steps to hide your account information from thieves and hackers.