Setting up automatic bill payments, deposits from your employer, or your bank’s investments may require you to write a voided check.
This is because the information about your bank account is on such a check. Additionally, the bank that makes this request uses those checks to link your bank account electronically.
For this reason, you need to know how to write a void check. If you do not know how to void a check, this article will give you a full guide on how to write a voided check.
You can take a glimpse of the table of contents below in order to see the highlights of the article.
Why do I need to void a check?
There 3 main reasons why you need to void a check. Below are the reasons why you should have written a void check:
- Setting up direct payments:
- For direct deposit:
- Bill payments:
1. Setting up direct payments: You will need to write a voided check if you want to set up an electronic link to your bank account so as to make payments. The payments could be for personal use or for your business.
2. For direct deposit: Direct deposit is one of the fastest ways of making payments. If your employer wants to pay you, the person will require your account information. Writing you a voided check is an easy way to get your account details.
3. Bill payments: You can void a check to make payments for your mortgage, car loan, or other bills online. All you will have to do is to write a void check so that it will be used to schedule payments from your bank account.
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On the other hand, if you make a mistake while writing a check, you will have to void it.
For instance, if you write the wrong amount on a check while issuing it to someone or a business, you will have to void it in order to prevent that person or business from cashing the check.
Keep in mind that you cannot void a check once you hand it out to the payee.
If you make the mistake of handing out a check that you wish to void and you want to stop it from being cashed or deposited, you will have to contact your bank to stop the payment. However, the bank will charge you a fee for this service.
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How to void a check
To write a void check is just very easy. Below are the steps you will follow so as to void a check:
- Get a blue or black pen.
- Write “VOID” in capital letters across the front of the check. You can also write “VOID” in smaller letters on the dateline, payee line, amount line, and signature line, and in the amount box.
- Make a copy of the voided check for record purposes and record the check number in your register.
What are the alternatives to a voided check?
If you have an account that does not offer checks, you may use any of the alternatives below to set up direct deposit or electronic payments:
1. Use a deposit slip: Most deposit slips bear the bank’s routing number and your account number. So you can use it.
2. Submit banking details online: If you want to set up online bill payments, you can enable it through your online banking.
3. Request for a starter check from the bank: You can ask your bank to issue you a starter or sample check that bears your routing number and bank account number so that you can use it as an alternative to void a check.
4. Get other documentation from the bank: You may ask your bank to give you an official letter that bears your routing number and bank account number if you don’t want to use a deposit slip or starter check.
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