You can also keep a copy for yourself as a reminder that the check with this number was not used for a specific payment. Voiding a check is as simple as writing “VOID” in large letters across the front of the check, but there are a few other things to keep in mind. Online, an Internet scammer might find a way to enter their banking information in place of yours and intercept your paycheck. But a check with your name and banking details preprinted on it is much harder to fake. Once you have your own personal checkbook, you can write VOID on any of the checks to get a void check.
- Although check numbers are often found at the top-right of a check, sometimes it also appears as the third number in the MICR line, like in the example above.
- Keeping a partially written check around without voiding it is risky as it could be stolen.
- This box is like a guide to that particular check’s safety features, which you can look for to verify the check isn’t fraudulent.
- A voided check is a check that has VOID written on its front page.
- It doesn’t matter if someone else picks that check up and tries to write over it.
- If you need a Stop Payment Order for a check, your bank will probably need the information on the check you want to cancel.
Reasons for Using a Voided Check
- While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
- The check digit is created by a calculation and is used to validate the routing number.
- No, once a check is voided, it cannot be reinstated or reused as a valid form of payment.
- You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
You also might be able to provide your routing and account numbers directly. Keeping a partially written check around without voiding it is risky as it could be stolen. Thus, it’s always best to void any check that can no longer be used by writing the word “VOID” on it. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to writing checks.
Direct Deposit
You can take a check from your checkbook and write «void» across it in large letters and provide the check to your employer. Although it might sound complicated, voiding a check is actually quite easy. You can do this what does void mean on a check by taking a check from your checkbook and writing VOID in big letters all across its front page. It’s important that the letters cover the whole front part of the check but without covering the bank details on it.
Wells Fargo Checking Accounts
This is a seldom-discussed aspect of voided checks, but it’s critically important for protection from identity theft. This will ensure it reaches the intended place without passing through https://www.bookstime.com/ third-party hands. If in person is not possible, a fax delivery is preferred to email. After all, an email can be forwarded, exposing your check information to unintended parties.
Send or Discard the Check
- If a thief gets their hands on the check, they won’t have a blank check, which they could use to spend your money—effectively stealing from your account.
- If you’ve started a new job, your employer will likely pay you through a bank account.
- According to a 2022 survey by the American Payroll Association, 93% of American workers use direct deposit.
- They also contain relevant information such as the routing number, but you will have to insert your bank account number.
- You can safeguard your voided checks by using long-lasting indelible gel in pens, preferably with black ink.
If you don’t have a shredder, at least tear up the check before throwing it away. Even though it’s voided, identity thieves could steal it from your bin and use it to get your bank account information. Of course, you could provide the same information by sending a blank check without voiding it first. However, blank checks are dangerous things to have floating around.
You can easily void a paycheck or other payment through QuickBooks or other accounting software. The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. Write VOID in large capital letters across the front of the check.
