The most common way to void a check is to write VOID in large capital letters that cover the entire check. This method of how to write a void check works best for checks where you’ve made a mistake and want to write a new check with the correct information on it. Personal, business, and payroll checks are good for https://investorbill.com/what-is-a-voided-check/ 6 months . Some businesses have “void after 90 days” pre-printed on their checks. Most banks will honor those checks for up to 180 days and the pre-printed language is meant to encourage people to deposit or cash a check sooner than later. No, it isn’t necessary to sign or put any information on a voided check.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning. Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert. Many people make the mistake and only write VOID in smaller letters on the payee line. This will create a lot of headaches and stress that you can easily avoid by voiding checks.
- Even if the check has been made out to an individual, store, or other institution, it can no longer be used.
- Using a voided check for this purpose decreases the risk that you might forget to pay and makes for a more seamless payment experience for the other party.
- When in doubt, you can reach out to your bank and they can confirm whether the money has already been issued—either over the phone or in person.
- Vendors are unlikely to steal from your account, and the image might be safely stored or deleted after it gets used.
- Although it might sound complicated, voiding a check is actually quite easy.
- That might make it seem useless, but in fact a voided check has a specific purpose, which is to make it easier for you to share your banking information with someone else.
You can use the bank’s website to create your profile and set up an account. You will probably have to fill in an online form on your bank’s website, so make sure to have all the relevant info before you begin. A voided check is one that can’t be used to make a payment or otherwise withdraw money from your bank account. Whether your check is void and you don’t understand why or you’d like to void a check yourself, we can help.
What Can Someone Do With A Voided Check?
You may want to make sure no one else uses it, or, you may need to present a voided check for someone to access and confirm your banking information. In today’s increasingly digital world, a voided check seems like a rather quaint way to send your banking information. However, there are advantages to using one rather than sending your information electronically.
All you need to do is draw out a check, grab a pen, and write the word VOID across it. When doing this, make sure that the writing covers all of the blank space in the check yet don’t cover the account details. Use a pen or marker that is bold and dark enough so that the writing is visible. No one should be able to erase the wording on a properly voided check.
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If you need a voided check and you don’t have a checkbook, your best bet is to ask the recipient about submitting your account details online as an alternative. As such, there are people out there with bank accounts who simply do not have a checkbook. Get your paycheck directly deposited into your bank account to save yourself some time and hassle.
Direct Deposits
Voiding a check means that the check is no longer valid. However, even if you void a check, it is possible for it to be used to gain information about your account. If an employer or financial institution asks for a voided check, consider asking if they accept https://investorbill.com/ the alternatives mentioned above. That’s almost always a solid approach, though circumstances will rarely dictate you have to go down that road. Pull a blank check from your checkbook, making sure to note its official check number in your ledger as you do.
You should consult your own financial, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. You may have written down the wrong amount, addressed it to the wrong person, or dated the check incorrectly. If you keep a check register, make note of which checks you void. Each check is numbered to help you keep track of each transaction. Alternatively, you can write “void” in each field of the check separately.