How to void a check

By Joanne Cleaver

Checks are worth more than the paper they're printed on: The information on a check is often needed for setting up certain transactions. If you are setting up a direct deposit or automatic payment, you may be required to provide a voided check. It's easy to produce a voided check, but it's also important to accomplish this task accurately and securely.

What does it mean to void a check?

A check is considered "void" when it cannot be used to withdraw cash from your bank account. Each check is a one-time chance for a payee to receive the amount of money you write on the check. The bank uses the account numbers printed on each check to transfer the funds from your account to the person depositing or cashing it. When you void a check, you cancel the ability for anybody to use that specific check to access the money in your bank account.

When you may need to void a check

Even if nearly all your banking occurs electronically, chances are you will have to void a check at some point in time. Here are possible scenarios:

• You need to set up a direct deposit. If you want your paycheck to go directly into your checking account from your employer, you'll need to set up direct deposit. To do so, your employer's bank needs to confirm where to send the money. A voided check provides confirmation of your account information. Follow your employer's instructions for providing them with the voided check. The same process may apply when you are arranging direct deposit from a government agency, such as the Social Security Administration, an insurance or investment firm or any party from which you regularly receive income.
• You need to set up automatic payments or debit transfers. You may need to provide a voided check to set up some automatic bill payments or deductions, such as for utilities, rent or mortgage, individual retirement account (IRA) contributions, insurance and other regularly recurring expenses.
• You started filling out a check and made a mistake. Maybe you started writing the name of the dentist instead of the name of the dentist's practice. Or, maybe you accidentally wrote the wrong amount. Mistakes happen. Instead of just ripping up the check and starting with a fresh check, write "VOID" in large letters, in ink, across the middle of the error-ridden check. That way, the check cannot be used to access your account.

How to void a check

Follow these 5 steps:

1. Take a fresh, new check from the book of checks provided by your bank.
2. Note the number of the check in the registry so you can keep track of it, even though this particular check will not be used to actually move money from your account.
3. Using a black or blue ink pen, write the word "VOID" prominently across the check. Make sure the word stretches to the lines where you would normally fill in the payee and the amount.
4. Be careful not to write across any of the account numbers on the check.
5. If your checkbook provides a carbon copy for each check, make sure VOID appears across the carbon of this check, too.

What to do with a voided check?

You have two options for a voided check after you no longer need it. You can store it in a secure place for the next time you need to provide a voided. check. Or you can destroy it by shredding it, blocking out the numbers and tearing it up, or burning it.

Keep your bank account information safe

Always confirm the identity of the party requesting a voided check, especially if you are doing business with them for the first time. For instance, if you are setting up direct deposit of earnings from a client for your side gig, only forward the voided check to the official accounts payable staffer at that client — not to a generic email address.

Manage all your checking account needs

Voided checks are required to establish digital financial accounts, whether you are receiving or sending money. While producing a voided check is simple and straightforward, it's also important to handle this task with care. After all, the information on any of your checks — voided or not — should always be controlled by you and only trusted financial partners.

Keep track of the money moving through your checking account with convenient Citizens tools available through the mobile app.