Because of this, knowing how to void a check comes in handy for you when you need to void one. We will learn how to void checks in this article and other topics revolving around voided checks.
To void a check is just to inscribe a bold VOID either in uppercase or lowercase letters on the front and back of the check slip. This can be done with a blue or black pen and should not be written over the routing or bank number at the bottom of the check. This is because those numbers are needed to identify a voided check.
After inscribing the word on the check, make a copy of it and keep it for reference purposes or future issues.
Why Do I Need A Voided Check?
Voided checks are needed for certain transactions to be processed fully and some of these uses have been mentioned in this article. But for a recap:
Setting Up Direct Deposits:
While filling out the form for making direct deposits, you will be asked to add a Voided check or a deposit slip before the deposit is processed fully.
Payment Of Regular Bills:
Bills like mortgages, car loans, online bills, and others need to have a voided check attached to them to schedule payment from checking accounts.
Setting Up Automatic Payments:
With Voided checks, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to pay your bills as Automatic payments will help make the payments for you and you need a voided check to set them up.
Canceling Signed Checks:
In case you made a mistake while writing a check for someone, it is important to void the check to avoid someone else using it to defraud you.
Voiding the check makes it useless to whoever might want to defraud you with it.
Note though that you can only void a signed check before handing it over to the payee. So take your time to cross your Ts and dot your Is before giving your payee a check.
If you make a mistake and do not void the check before giving it to the payee, you can cancel the transaction by asking your bank to stop the transaction and this will attract a fee. Or you withdraw the money from your account such that the check will bounce when the payee wants to cash it.
How Do I Get A Voided Check When I Don’t Have A Checkbook?
Sometimes, you can open a checking account without getting a checkbook as some banks require that you purchase the checkbook differently. But if you generally don’t have a checkbook, here are other ways to go about your transactions and automation.
Use Deposit Slips In Place Of Voided Checks:
For some transactions like setting up direct deposits, you can use deposit slips as they also have your routing number if the bank allows it.
Submit Details Online:
For some automation like setting up bill payments, you can enter your bank details online in place of voided checks.
Ask For Starter Checks:
You can ask the bank to print a starter or sample check with your routing number on it for you to use in place of voided checks.
Use Other Documentations:
If you are unable to get deposit slips or starter checks, you can ask your bank to provide an official letter bearing your routing number that can be used in place of voided checks.
Conclusion
Voided checks are important if you wish to perform certain transactions and automation. Therefore, it is important to know how to void a check and this has been discussed in this article.
Can I Cash A Voided Check?
Checks that have been signed are voided to stop the transactions and so, voided checks cannot be cashed. That is what makes them void in the first place.
How Do I Void A Check For Direct Deposit?
Voiding a check for whatever reason is the same process as getting a biro and writing the word VOID boldly on the check. The checks used for direct deposits are usually blank checks bearing your routing number and other personal information that may give room for fraud.
With the word VOID boldly inscribed on the check, no one will be able to cash the check.
Why Do Banks Require Voided Checks?
The voided checks you are sometimes asked to submit while carrying out some transactions are for the company or bank to get your routing number and other account details they may need.
Each check slip contains this information including deposit slips and that’s why they can be used in place of voided checks sometimes. The voiding is just to avoid forgery or fraud from the check slip.
