How to Void a Check

Steps to Void a Check

Voiding a check is simple, but it’s important to follow the steps correctly to ensure your check is considered void.

1. Use a Black or Blue Pen

Criminals sometimes remove ink from checks with chemicals in a process known as check washing and then use the check fraudulently. Black gel pens are ideal for voiding checks because the ink is difficult to wash off. Uni-Ball even sells black gel pens designed to protect against check fraud.

2. Write “Void” Across the Front of the Check

You can either write “Void” in letters large enough to cover most of the check, or write “Void” in each of the following places:

• Payee field
• Date field
• Amount line
• Amount box
• Signature field

Don’t cover up the bank account or bank routing numbers at the bottom of the check. That information is necessary if you’re using the voided check to set up automatic payments, direct deposit or other financial transactions.

3. Make a Record of the Voided Check

To document your checking transactions, you can note the check number and that it was voided using your check register. You can also use your check duplicate form (if you have duplicate checks). If you think you may need evidence of the voided check later—such as for tax purposes—you can scan it or use your phone to take a picture.

4. Securely Discard the Voided Check

Because it includes your name, bank account and routing numbers, a voided check could put your finances at risk if it falls into the wrong hands. Before discarding the voided check, shred it so any sensitive information is unreadable.

Why You Might Need to Void a Check

There are several reasons you might need to void a check.

• You made a mistake. Did you misspell the payee’s name, or write “three thousand” instead of “three hundred” on the amount line? Crossing out and correcting the error could cause the bank to reject the check. Play it safe and avoid delays by voiding the check and starting over with a fresh one.
• You are setting up direct deposit. Employers and others need your banking information to initiate direct deposit of your paychecks or government benefits checks. A blank, voided check includes your bank name, address, routing number and your bank account number, providing all the information they need in one place.
• You are setting up automatic transactions. You might need to provide a blank, voided check when arranging for autopayments of loans, rent, credit cards or other bills, or to initiate automatic transfers from your checking account into an investment account.

What to Do if You Don’t Have a Checkbook

If you’re asked to provide a voided check but you don’t have a checkbook, you generally have other options.

• Fill out an online form. Some employers let you set up direct deposit using an online portal. You’ll typically be asked for the same information found on a paper check: your name, your bank’s name and address, your account type and account number, and the bank routing number.
• Use a bank deposit slip. A deposit slip from your bank might be an acceptable document to set up direct deposit.
• Present a voided check or starter check. A bank teller may be able to print out a voided check for you or provide a starter check, similar to the temporary checks banks sometimes issue when you first open a checking account.

Ask your employer, landlord or other entity you’re dealing with what alternatives they accept.

The Bottom Line

Voided checks can be a useful tool in managing your finances, especially when used to set up direct deposit or autopay. Direct deposit of your paycheck provides a convenient way to access your money faster while eliminating the risk of paper checks being lost or stolen. Automating payment of your mortgage, loans, credit cards, utilities and other bills helps prevent late fees and can even benefit your credit score.

To streamline your financial life even more, consider signing up for Experian’s free credit monitoring service. It provides peace of mind by alerting you of important changes to your credit report so you can address potential problems before they become major issues.