checking

How to Void a Check (Properly)

People are using online banking to manage their finances more than ever, something that was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a few necessary real-world checkbook skills remain important, even as people move further and further toward conducting paperless transactions.

Updated Nov 01 2022

| Read Time: 9 minutes

Important to Know

1. Voided checks are often used to set up direct deposits, electronic bill payments, or automated clearing house (ACH) transfers.
2. A check that has been voided cannot be used to withdraw money from your checking account, such as in the case of making a payment to someone.
3. A voided paper check is not the only method for setting up electronic payments or direct deposit. Do not write over the routing and account numbers though, that information is needed by the receiving party.
4. Use Permanent Ink when writing "VOID"

We're here to help you understand not only the steps that are required to void a check, but the reasons why you would potentially need to. We also cover everything there is to know about the anatomy of a check and how to fill one out properly in our guide to check writing.

What Do People Use a Voided Check for?

Voiding a check prevents the person (or business) receiving the check from cashing it. Common reasons for voiding a check include the following:

• Setting up Direct Deposit. The majority of Americans receive their pay through direct deposit. A voided check helps employers set up automatic payments for their employees as it gives them access to your bank account number and bank routing number. You receive the benefit of the faster, direct payments and they don't need to print physical paper checks. Direct deposit is a win-win.
• Setting up Direct Payments. Setting up direct electronic payments, whether to a person, business or other entity may require a check that has been voided.
• Setting up Bill & Loan Payments. Important bill (credit card, utilities, etc.) and loans (mortgage, auto, student, etc.) are often available to be paid online. In order to schedule those online payments, it may be necessary to present a voided check to complete the authorization. This includes online/digital payments.
• Mistakes. We're all human. Sometimes we write the wrong date on the front of the check or the wrong number in the amount box. Mistakes are not only a perfectly valid reason to void a check, they were the original reason to do so.

Learn: Do Checks Expire?

How to Void a Check in 2 Steps

The process of voiding a check is simple and straightforward.

1. Write "VOID" on the check in blue or black permanent ink*, preferably using large letters.
2. Make a note of it in your records.

You can also write the word "VOID" on the amount line and box, date line, payee line, and signature line, as doing so will effectively void the paper check. Be careful so as to not write over the routing and account numbers, they are vital information that gets passed along.

As to record keeping, making note of the check number that you just voided will go along way toward keeping your check register up to date.

*Permanent ink is used when voiding a check to prevent fraud. For example, using a pencil would allow someone to erase "VOID" and have a blank check - your blank check. Destroying a paper check is also an acceptable way to void a check.

What to Use When You Don't Have a Checking Account

Having a checking account is not a personal finance requirement of adulthood. If you are a savings account-only person or live your life with a series of debit and credit cards, then you may have some challenges when you're performing certain actions with regard to automatic payments. Filling out a direct deposit authorization form is one such example.

Here are some alternatives to using voided checks for people without a checking account, and, for the unbanked American, of which there were approximately 7.1 million according to a 2019 survey from the FDIC.

• Deposit Slip. A deposit slip typically has your bank account information listed on it, including your account number and routing number. Your checkbook is one such place that should contain usable deposit slips.
• Conduct Online Banking. Online (and mobile) banking often offers ways to set up online payments for all of your monthly bills. Furthermore, using online banking services helps reduce paper waste.
• Counter Check. Asking your bank if they offer a sample or counter check is also a viable option. Voiding a counter checks works exactly the same as voiding a check from a paper checking account, writing "VOID" in big letters on the face of the check.
• Use a Letter. If counter checks or deposit slips are not available, and you don't have online banking set up, then you could try using a letter to share your banking information. Financial institutions such as commercial banks, direct lenders and credit unions may be able to provide you with an official letter that performs the functions of a voided check. Make sure that it is printed on official letterhead or it may not be considered valid by the receiving party.

Voided Check FAQs

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions surrounding voided checks.

Can I Void a Starter Check?

Starter checks from new checking accounts can be voided, yes.

Can You Get a Voided Check Online?

Paying yourself with an online bill pay function that resulted in a check being sent to your home address, even if it is for a single penny, could potentially offer similar functionality to a voided check when it comes to setting up auto-pay.

Does a Voided Check have to be Blank?

No. Oftentimes fully-written checks are voided because an error is spotted. With regard to blank checks, never give someone one. In fact, it is recommended that you should always treat a blank check as if it were cash.

Does a Voided Check have to be Signed?

No, a voided check does not need to be signed. You can void a check whether it is signed or not.

When Can't You Void a Check?

Once it has been delivered to the payee. You can request that the payee not cash the check, but it is too late to void at that point.

What is the Difference Between a Voided Check and a Cancelled Check?

The difference is that a canceled check has been cleared after cashing or depositing by the bank it was drawn on and cannot be used again, whereas a voided check can never be cashed. Requesting that your bank cancel a check prior to it being cashed or deposited will effectively void a check.

Wrapping Up

Voiding a check is a straightforward, yet sometimes necessary process that can be useful for a variety of financial transactions, including paying companies that accept e-checks or establishing an electronic link to your bank account when setting up direct deposit.

Always remembering to write "VOID" in large letters and use permanent ink will leave you in good hands. Just don't forget to mark your check register, or you may be wondering why you're one check number off next time you open your checkbook.