You will need a void check to set up a direct deposit or open an account with a brokerage.
Checks are necessary for some types of transactions, even though people don’t handle them as often. Read on to find out more about how to write a void check for a direct deposit and why it’s important.
A step-by-step guide is also written in this article.
What Is A Void Check?
A void check is a check that has the word “VOID” written across it. It prevents anyone from filling out the check and using it to make a payment.
You can’t cash or use a void check to buy something. You might have to void a check and send it in with some paperwork to start direct deposit. With direct payment, you can pay a check directly to your account. It might be necessary for you to void a check if you make a mistake filling out a check.
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What Are the Uses of a Voided Check?
When setting up an automated payment system or payroll deposit, you may need to provide a void check. Each void check includes your account information, allowing you to create an electronic connection to your bank account.
By voiding the check, you ensure that you are not sending out a “blank check,” which fraudsters could fill out and use to take money from your account.
Direct Deposits
A void check is used for direct deposit.
Instead of writing checks to their staff, many businesses use direct deposit. After your account is electronically linked, your money will be deposited straight into your account on payday.
Automatic Payments
For frequent responsibilities such as rent and bills, you can set up automatic payments so that the money is withdrawn from your account rather than needing you to pay in person or by check.
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How To Void A Check
To void a check, simply type “VOID” in the area where the information would normally be entered. Take care not to delete the important bank account numbers found at the bottom of the check
Receiving A Check
If you have gotten a check, you may be wondering how to cash it or deposit it into your bank account. Endorsing the check is the first step, but there are more choices. To endorse a check, turn it over and sign your name on the short side toward the top.
Remember that anyone who has access to the check can place or cash it because you endorsed it. This check can be taken to an ATM, a bank teller, or, if your bank allows it, deposited via mobile check. You must notify the bank of the account into which the funds should be put, or whether cash is desired.
How to Void a Check in 3 Steps
Step 1: Use a black or blue pen.
Step 2: Write void
Across the front of the check, write “VOID” in large letters, filling up all spots where information would usually be placed. Alternatively, you might write “VOID” five times, once in each of the following sections: date line, payee line, amount box, amount line, and signature.
If you are giving the canceled check to someone to create automated payments or direct deposits, ensure that the account and routing numbers are visible at the bottom of the check. If you’re voiding the check due to any form of error in the writing, cover those bottom numbers.
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Step 3: Have a copy of the void check
Make a copy of the void check before disposing of or shredding the original check.
The voided check should be copied and forwarded to your employer or any proper recipient. You may also save a copy of the check with this number to remind yourself that it was not used for a specific payment.
As a precaution, destroy the original check after entering the voided check into your checkbook.
How to Void a Check After Sending It to the Recipient
Writing VOID across a check you’ve already mailed and need to cancel is clearly a little late. But there’s still hope! After a check has been sent, it is still possible to cancel it, but you must move swiftly.
Call your bank and request that they use a stop payment order to cancel the check, stopping it from being paid. This is the best way! Be advised that certain banks may charge a fee for this service, so make sure it’s completely necessary before proceeding.
You can seek a stop payment order from your smartphone or online bank account. Make sure the online request is handled on time!
Be aware that your bank will demand certain details about the check, such as the amount, intended recipient, and date. That is only one of many reasons why you should keep track of every check you write.
How to Void a Check if You Don’t Have a CheckBook
Do you need a void check but lack a checkbook? Don’t worry about it! There are several actions available to you:
Ask your bank teller. The majority of banks give free printing of a starting or sample check, often known as a counter check.
Order checks online. Perhaps you’ve realized that having checks on hand would be really useful. Your bank or a reliable online store might be able to order some.
Use a deposit slip instead. If someone requests a void check, they will most likely only require your route and bank account numbers. And, what do you know? Your payment slip also contains those two numbers.
Do it online. Maybe you won’t even need a real, canceled check. whether you’re making direct deposits or online payments, see whether you can enter your account and routing details online. Simply check that the page is safe. You don’t want a hacker to steal your bank information because you clicked on a strange link.
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Reasons for Using a Voided Check
To set up direct payments
If you want to make electronic payments for yourself or your business, you may need to send a check. For example, voiding a check might be part of the process of setting up automated payments if you own a business and your vendors prefer to be paid online.
For direct deposit
This option will speed up your paycheck; but, in order to begin the process, your business will need certain information from you, such as your bank account number and routing number. Providing those data is as easy as voting a check.
Regular bill payments
If you want to pay your mortgage, car loan, or other debts online, you may need to send in a voided check to set up payments from your bank account.
If an error was made while writing a check, it may be important to void the check. To prevent someone from cashing or depositing the check, invalidate it if, for example, the amount written on it is erroneous.
Safety Precautions With Voided Checks
When voiding a check, these safety measures can protect you from scammers
To protect your voided checks, use pens with long-lasting indelible gel ink ideally black. It is more tough to remove this type of ink.
To prevent fraudsters from getting the original check, shred it and make copies of it.
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FAQs on How to Write a Void Check
Employers typically use voided checks to set up direct payroll payments, and service providers may also demand them to set up direct debits. This is because a blank check includes all relevant information, including account or routing numbers. Use a voided check to reduce the chance of transcription errors.
Although a lost check cannot be canceled, you should call your bank as soon as possible to have the check number halted so that no one else can use it. Be warned that some banks may charge you a fee for stopping a check payment.
Generally, a voided check cannot be cashed. A voided check deposited at an ATM may be accepted temporarily. However, the cleared funds should be removed from the recipient’s bank account and returned to the original owner as soon as the mistake is discovered; there may be a cost involved. Customers can make a claim after receiving their statement if a voided check clears by mistake.
There’s no way to void a check once you’ve already sent it. Instead, call your bank and request that they cease payments on that specific check number; however, there may be a fee involved with this.
Conclusion
When establishing financial transactions, such as regular payroll direct deposits, voiding a check is an important step. Checks that are properly voided by putting “VOID” in large, black ink characters on the front can reduce the chance of their being cashed.
Instead of a voided check, you may be able to use records such as a direct deposit slip, which can give important financial information for the transaction.
References
- Central bank –how to write void check for direct deposit
- Ramsey solution -how to write void check for direct deposit
