How to Void a Check: Set up Payments, Deposits, and Investments

Another frequent reason you’d void a check is to set up direct deposit. Employers may ask you to fill out a short authorization form and provide a voided check to get started. The check will be used only to set up your paycheck to be deposited directly into your account, not as a payment method. Though many financial transactions are now paperless, knowing how to void a physical check is useful at times. According to a 2022 survey by the American Payroll Association, 93% of American workers use direct deposit.

What’s next: Set up direct deposit without a voided check

Technically, all you need to void a check is to complete the first step above by writing void on the front. If you don’t do steps two and three, your voided check can still serve its purpose. However, you may run into difficulty in the future if you somehow misplace the check and someone tries to use it. Without a voided check, you may have entered your checking account number incorrectly. If someone else has the same account recording transactions number as the incorrect entry, the wrong person may end up being debited. For that reason, voided checks should never be provided lightly.

• However, remember to record this action in your check register to keep your financial records accurate.
• You may know how to write a check, but making voided checks is different.
• In the other states, the program is sponsored by Community Federal Savings Bank, to which we’re a service provider.
• Properly voiding your checks is easy to do and can save you from future fraud.
• Try those first and you avoid the risk of your sensitive financial information falling into the wrong hands.

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It’s packed with practical advice on everything from banking basics to building long-term wealth. The technique of voiding checks has a fascinating history that explains our current best practices. Writing “VOID” became standard in the 1950s after numerous check fraud cases where write voided check canceled checks were altered and reused. Banks and government regulators agreed on this standardized method to protect both financial institutions and consumers from check tampering. We live in a very digital world when it comes to finances, but that doesn’t mean we may never run into things like checks again.

Authorizing Automatic Payments

If you’re setting up direct deposit with your employer, you’ll need these numbers.If you’re opening a new account, make sure you order checks to have on hand. It is important to store your personal checks in a secure spot, maybe a lock box or drawer where you keep important documents. This way, your checks are not accessible to others who could use them to steal your money or your identity. First of all, sending a blank check is usually a part of filling out a physical form. You can usually avoid a physical check and set up payments online.

• You can void a check for any information that is incorrect and then rewrite it on a new check.
• You may also want to make a copy of the check if you need it for future reference.
• They may also ask you to fill out a direct deposit authorization form.
• Visit the homepage, download our app, or check out our Help Center to get started.
• No, it isn’t necessary to sign or put any information on a voided check.
• A voided check is often required when setting up direct deposit because it provides accurate banking details, including your account and routing numbers.

Compensation may influence how and where products appear, including their order in listing categories. Please disable your adblocker to enjoy the optimal web experience and access the quality content you appreciate from GOBankingRates. When there’s no digital option, you may be able to share your account information over the phone. In the other states, the program is sponsored by Community Federal Savings Bank, to which we’re a service provider. Signing up is free and easy, and you can wave goodbye to those checks. You may also want to make a copy of the check if you need it for future reference.

Setting Up Direct Deposits

• If you don’t have your checkbook readily available when requested, here are some alternatives you can provide that will have the same information as a check.
• When you void a check, you’re basically turning it into a reference tool.
• You can provide written informaition about your account, but many companies require the voided check for verification.
• Conveniently make your loan payment with a debit card or electronic check!
• These combine the benefits of a traditional checking account while adding innovative digital tools to help you plan, save, and protect your finances.

The thickness of your writing should be substantial enough that it would be impossible to erase or modify without obvious damage to the check paper. Most checks are good for six months, but banks might still cash checks that are past this expiration date. Some checks might explicitly state a different period, such as three months or a year. 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.

Business firms and other organizations aren’t the only entities that may involve recurring personal payments. You may have a payment arrangement set up with another person, such as a family member, a friend, or even a landlord/tenant to make recurring payments electronically. Whether you choose to work with a financial advisor and develop a financial strategy or invest online, J.P. Morgan offers investment education, expertise and a range of tools to help you reach your goals. Morgan Wealth Management Branch or check out our latest online investing offers, promotions, and coupons. For extra security, consider using a paper shredder, which makes it difficult to piece the check back together to reveal sensitive information.

• You’ll also want to have the exact amount and the recipient’s name on hand, as these details help ensure the right check is stopped.
• Voiding a check might seem like an old-fashioned skill but it’s still a useful and necessary part of managing your money.
• To void a check for your employer to set up direct deposit, take a blank check and write “VOID” in large letters across the entire check.
• The word “VOID” clearly marks it as invalid for payment, but the printed details still provide everything needed to set up a direct deposit or automatic withdrawal.
• To send a voided check to someone just ask them for the mailing address you should use to mail the void check to them.

Safely send the check

Losing track of which checks you’ve voided can lead to confusion when balancing your checkbook or reviewing your account. Whether you void a check accidentally or on purpose, always note it in your check register. You’d be surprised how often people forget about a voided check and then panic when they see a gap in their check numbers. Some banks charge a stop payment fee, Accounting for Churches and it’s not cheap—typically ranging from $20 to $35. For a $20 check, paying a $30 stop payment fee might not make sense.