How To Void A Check?

Are you thinking about how to void a check? Give this article a thorough read to find out.

Nowadays it is not very popular to write paper checks. This is because most individuals use online means to deal with their accounts and usually prefer to settle on electronic checks. For example, 55% of Americans say that they like to pay their bills online. Furthermore, almost 93% of Americans are paid by means of a direct deposit, as opposed to being paid via an actual check. Setting up such transactions implies that you need to be skilled at voiding a check, which is actually quite simple.

You might have to give a voided check when you set up automated bill payments, deposits from your manager, or speculations from your financial balance. Moreover, your ledger data shows up on those checks, and whoever requested the voided check will go through the required subtleties to set an electronic connection to your bank account. However, there is just one hitch, you need to understand how to void a check, and you might not have done that previously. If you don’t know how to void a check, read on.

What is a check?

Are you wondering as to what a check is? A check is a dated, written, and signed document that assists a bank in paying a specific amount of cash to the bearer. The individual who composes the check is alluded to as a drawer or payor. On the other hand, the individual that the check is written to is alluded to as the payee. In the present circumstance, the bank on which the check is drawn is the drawee. In addition to this, checks can be introduced to a bank or an alternate monetary foundation by the payee. This occurs on the grounds that the payee needs to make negotiations. Then, at that point, the assets are taken from the payor’s bank account.

What is a voided check?

Now that you know what a check is, you should know what a voided check is. A check with the word “void” written on the front is called a voided check which means that it shouldn’t be approved for payment. However, the check can be utilized to gather the data required to make electronic payments. At the point when you void a check, it can no longer be deposited. Typically, a check is a document you sign to permit the beneficiary to pull out the sum you indicated from your bank’s checking account. Voiding the check makes the beneficiary unfit to do this any longer.

Voiding a check renders it inoperative so it can’t be utilized as a blank check. At the point when you void something, it implies that you’ve made it empty, invalid, and completely ineffective. So, if you void a check that is already written, it becomes financially empty. All in all, a robber who steals a voided check can’t make the check out to himself, enter a huge sum, and sign it.

How does a voided check work?

A voided check is regularly used to give your bank details so that an electronic connection can be set up with your bank account. They request a voided check since it has some important information concerning your bank and your account, such as:

  • Where you bank (or which credit union you use)
  • Your bank account number
  • A code that identifies your bank (called a routing number)

The numbers present at the bottom of your check give all the information required to deposit or withdraw funds. Do not forget to make a note in your check register so that you know where the check went.

Reasons to void a check

For what reason would somebody void a check? There are different reasons why somebody may have to void a check. Let us look at some of them below:

Direct deposit: Many individuals incline toward direct deposits since quicker payments are made this way. Therefore, assuming you need to be paid quicker by your manager, then, at that point voiding a check will help. However, before this occurs, your manager will require some data from you to begin this procedure. A voided check is a basic way for your employer to get this data and guarantee that it’s right.

Setting up payments: If you need to quit writing checks for costs like lease, home loan, and insurance, you may have to give a voided check to set up programmed electronic payments. This is vital when your vendors need electronic payments. Contingent upon how you set things up, the assets will be automatically deducted from your account every month (on the off chance that you consent to an arrangement approving programmed payments), or you’ll need to set up every payment yourself.

Customary bill payments: Do you prefer to take care of your bills through online means? All things considered, you might need to void your check and submit it to plan payments from your checking account. This will be extremely useful in case you need to pay your vehicle loan, mortgage, or simply some other bill online.

Mistakes: We are all human and it is natural for mistakes to occur, even while you are writing checks. On the off chance that you make a blunder while filling out a check (for instance, wrong payee or sum), you must either void the check or obliterate it. You’re not going to utilize it for anything, and an incomplete check is unsafe to keep around. Voiding the check will make sure that you stop the cash deposit so you can fix the mistake before it’s too late.

Note that you can’t void a check whenever you’ve offered it to the payee. By then, the best way to prevent the check from being deposited or cashed is to demand a stop payment from your bank, which might include a charge.

Requirements for a voided check

It is not at all difficult to void a check. All you have to do is simply get a check out of your checkbook and write “void” across the front in enormous letters. Utilize a dark pen or a thick marker to write. Moreover, you must write with huge, evenly separated letters that are large enough to cover the entire essence of the check without covering the banking information given at the bottom. In addition to this, you need to make it hard for robbers to eradicate or cover the void mark. If you are unable to do so, thieves will have a blank check and can misuse it in whatever way they like. When voiding a check, you don’t have to sign it or enter some other data. In the event that you don’t have a check to void in your ownership, you can do the following things:

  • Ask your bank for a counter check, which is a check printed on request by a branch. Banks regularly charge a small amount for counter checks.
  • Check whether a preprinted deposit slip for either a checking account or a bank account is adequate or not
  • See whether a letter from your bank is accepted or not

You could likewise attempt to ask your bank for a counter-check. This check is typically printed by a branch on request. However, do remember that banks will usually charge you for counter checks. At the point when you give a voided check, the beneficiary duplicates your banking data from it and enters it into their system. Preferably, they’ll then shred the check so no one else can get their hands on that data. Indeed, most organizations don’t require an original document; a copy of a voided check is also adequate.

How to void a check?

As referenced above, voiding a check isn’t troublesome. You need to write the word “VOID” on the face of the check and make a point to cover the entire surface separated from the numbers given at the base. Make the letters as wide and thick as could be expected. Then, you need to send the picture or check. You can likewise send it electronically, however, you should be cautious in case you are doing this. Do not send it in an ordinary email message. In addition to this, you must ensure that you encode the picture or possibly transfer it to some safe account first. Given below are steps on how to void a check.

Voiding a check you still have in your possession

Get a pen. Try not to utilize a pencil, since the “void” marks can easily be erased and anyone can misuse your information. You must utilize a pen or marker with dark black or blue ink. The main thing is to be certain that it can’t be erased or covered in any capacity.

State “VOID” across the payee line. Voiding a check you actually have isn’t complex: write”void” across the check in various spots to connote to anybody perusing that the check is void. The payee line is the place where you would regularly put who you are composing the check to. On the off chance that you have effectively written a name there, write over it so that “void” is clear.

State “VOID” in the payment amount box. This is the container on the right where you would typically take note of the value of the check. In the event that you have effectively written the amount, clearly write over it again.

State “VOID” in the signature box in the bottom right corner. Strike through the signature as well. You can likewise write “void” in huge letters across the front of the check, and even on the backside so as to not risk anything.

Record the voided check. You must clearly record and document all voided checks in your check register or checkbook together with your online banking software. This is so that you can precisely monitor the checks being written from your account. This is significant to avoid any complications later and keep up with clear and state-of-the-art monetary records.

  • In your checkbook or register record that the check was voided by you and write a couple of sentences as to why you did so. For instance, “accidentally wrote down the wrong sum.”
  • At times, you need a void check to set up direct deposit, commonly with another business. Progressively these payments are set aside by electronic direct installments instead of the circulation of paper checks. Void checks are a typical method to provide the payer with your account information. Commonly this will be a blank check that you are required to submit alongside a Direct Deposit Authorization Form, or something alike.

Canceling a check after you have sent it

You must make sure that you have all the necessary data. Assuming you need to stop a check payment after you have sent it, it is essential that you act rapidly. This is unique in relation to voiding a check and for the most part, incurs a small fee. To save time with the bank, ensure you have all the vital data on the check you want to cancel. The data required may change from one bank to another. However, you should still ensure that you have the accompanying information:

  • The payee, that is the person or organization to whom you wrote the check.
  • The check number, the amount the check was for, and the date of the check.
  • The reason to stop the payment, for example, you wrote the wrong amount on the check.

Use online means to void the check. Contingent upon your bank, you can most likely cancel a check through your internet banking account. However, it is fundamental that you do this rapidly. On the off chance that the payment has been processed, the best way to stop it is by reaching your bank directly and getting a “Stop Payment Order.”

  • A stop payment request is a request not to pay a check that has been issued however not yet cashed out. Whenever mentioned soon enough, the check won’t be charged from the payer’s account. Most banks charge an expense for this assistance.
  • Sign in to your account and search out the client administrations and alternatives given by your bank. In the event that you have the alternative to stop a check payment or void a check, select this and cancel the suitable check number.
  • Ensure you copy the number across accurately or you may cancel some unacceptable payment.

Call your bank. In the event that you don’t have internet banking, or simply need to talk to customer service, call up your bank directly. You will ask them for a “Stop Payment Order.”

  • A stop payment request is a request not to pay a check that has been issued. However, it has not yet been cashed. If it is asked for sooner, the payer’s account will not be used to charge the check. Most banks charge a small fee for this assistance.
  • Before you make the call, ensure that you generally have the same data about the check you need to cancel that you would otherwise have if you were to cancel online.

Can checks be canceled?

Canceling a check is conceivable in specific circumstances. For instance, if you lost your check or it got stolen, you can demand a check cancellation from the bank or the financial institution. This is an incredible choice for any individual who might want to or have to cancel a check. In any case, it only works if you do it soon enough. Assuming you do it very late, canceling the check will not be conceivable any longer. Fundamentally, when the check gets cashed, you cannot return it. The check must be canceled before the payment is made. Or else when the payment goes through, there would be no other plan. This is the reason you should check the bank account online or check it through your mobile application. The transaction history will show you if the check went through.

You additionally need to contact your bank when you need to cancel a check. They need to get a solicitation from you to stop the payment. The notification must be either in written or verbal form. Prior to calling the bank for the cancellation of the check, you need to accumulate some data such as the check number, your account number, and the specific amount on the check.

How to write a void check for direct deposit?

Never hand over a blank check to anyone. They can fill it out and withdraw cash from your bank account. This is the reason businesses request a voided check to set up a direct deposit, not a blank one. Follow the given steps to write a void check for direct deposit:

Step 1: If you don’t have a checkbook from your bank or credit association, then contact your bank to get one.

Step 2: Use a blank check from the checkbook that is connected to your checking account or the account where you need to make the deposits.

Step 3: Write “VOID” across the front of the check-in huge letters. You can likewise write “VOID” in more modest letters over key pieces of the check. You would have to express “VOID” in the payment amount box, across the payee line, and on the signature line. Either technique is fine.

Step 4: Cover the greater part of the check with “VOID”. However, don’t write over the check numbers at the lower part of the check. These numbers connect the check to your bank account and are important for building up the electronic connection.

Step 5: Use a pen with ink that can’t be deleted. Try not to use a pencil as somebody could easily erase the “VOID” mark and attempt to utilize the check to withdraw cash from your account.

Step 6: Keep a record of the voided check in your check register toward the end of your checkbook. This way you can recollect why you voided a check later on when you go to adjust your checkbook.

How to void a check you already wrote?

So you wrote a check and something turned out badly; possibly you do not need the check any longer, or you messed it up while filling it out and need to change something on it. In the event that any of these things happen, you can just void the check to guarantee it doesn’t incidentally get utilized later. As it were, voiding a check you previously wrote is a protected strategy for annihilating the check. Follow the similar method as given above to void an already written check, store the voided check away in your banking records, or keep it in your checkbook.

How to void a check you already sent?

Are you thinking about what to do if you already wrote and sent a check but need to cancel it now? Perhaps you realized you made a mistake on the check, or the check became mixed up via the post office, or maybe you discovered that you might not have sufficient cash in your bank account when the beneficiary of the check goes to deposit it. On the off chance that both of these things happen, you will need to get a Stop Payment Order. A Stop Payment Order from your bank or credit association is the way you void a check you previously sent.

Essentially, voiding a check you previously sent resembles skipping your check preemptively. Assuming you know that the check you wrote will bounce, canceling the check before the beneficiary attempts to deposit it can leave you with fewer ramifications and expenses than if you let it bounce. Nonetheless, charges for canceling a check payment are still going to apply.

Furthermore, in the event that you need a Stop Payment Order for a check, your bank will most likely need the data on the check that you need to cancel. This is the reason it is consistently a smart idea to record your check transactions in your check register so you will consistently have data like, the check ID number, the sum, and who you paid.

You can likewise attempt to simply get the check back in case it was given to somebody you know. Dealing with these sorts of monetary issues among yourselves is typically the easiest choice, and afterward, nobody will get any expenses from their bank. At any rate, in case you will cancel a check you should presumably tell the check beneficiary that you canceled the payment.

If you don’t have checks

How to void a check if you don’t have any checks? Is this even possible? You might need to get innovative, wait around for checks, or track down an alternative method to connect your bank account.

Online options: See if you can completely set up your bank account link through online means. Rather than utilizing physical forms, which expect you to void a customary check, try to sign in to your account (or inquire as to whether there’s an online system). As a rule, you need to give your bank account data in an online form.

Deposit slips: You may likewise have the option to set up deposit or withdrawal guidelines utilizing a deposit slip rather than a voided check. A pre-printed deposit slip may be required — not the blank ones you get at the bank and round out by hand. You might have a few of these pre-printed slips toward the end of your checkbook.

Starter checks: Another arrangement is to visit a branch and request a “counter check.” The teller could possibly print a check with your account data on it. Assuming this is the case, have a go at voiding that check as though it emerged from your checkbook.

Check printers: An imaginative arrangement is to have a check printer create a picture of a voided check for you. This technique will not work in the event that you need to mail the check. However, it can assist you with getting an electronic picture of a check containing your account data. Start the way toward requesting checks, and when it’s an ideal opportunity to “review” your request, you’ll have a modified check picture that you can void.

Different documents: If all else comes up short, you might have the option to get official documentation from your bank or credit association as opposed to voiding a check. Request a letter, printed on bank letterhead, which records your account number, and account type (checking or savings). On the other hand, a few banks give form letters to set up direct deposit — print it while you’re signed in to the online banking system, and it ought to have all you require.

Alternatives to a voided check

A check (or a picture of one) probably won’t be the only way to set up electronic payments. Organizations probably request a printed report on the grounds that:

  • It reduces the chances of fraud.
  • It reduces the chances of error.

All things considered, customers regularly give their own routing and account numbers online with no issue, so voided checks are required less habitually. For instance, online banks permit you to connect outer accounts by writing in those subtleties yourself. Billers, for example, service organizations, additionally accept payments by e-check when clients add their checking account data. A few organizations even take payments via telephone, permitting purchasers to give the data verbally.

Conclusion

If you didn’t know how to void a check, now it should all be clearer to you. It’s an exceptionally basic procedure and you just need to guarantee you do it appropriately. Simply ensure you do this before the payment goes through.

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett

Tony Benett makes his living in the insurance industry by teaching and consulting. He is also recognized by the legal profession as an expert on insurance coverages. His insurance experience includes having worked at the company level, owned an independent general agency and having worked for an insurance association. He has received various certificates over the past few years and helps his clients and readers by giving them a realistic outlook on what they can expect to achieve within their set targets. At Insurance Noon, he is known for his in-depth analysis and attention to details with accuracy. He has been published as one of the most referred agents by his peers in the insurance community. Tony loves the outdoors and most sport events. His passion other than providing excellent advice is playing golf.