How to Write a Void Check

Often dealing with checks? A check is a document that orders a bank to pay a specific amount of money to a specific person or organization. Direct deposit is a way to receive a check without having to go to the bank. The check is deposited electronically into your account. While online banking revolutionized our interactions with banks, you still need to work with paper checks at times. Some people swear by pen-and-paper tracking for their personal finance needs. Online banking software is not appealing to everyone, and some people find it helpful to keep a handwritten ledger as a backup to their electronic bank statements. That‘s why banking institution software offers the option to print out your account history. If you‘re not comfortable with the idea of using a computer to manage your bank account, you can always use the old–fashioned method of tracking your spending with a check register. This involves writing down all of your transactions in a physical ledger, which can be helpful for reconciling your account with your bank statement. Whether you use online software to manage your finances or keep an extensive filing system, it’s important to understand the utility of a voided check and how to create one yourself. Banking institution policies vary, so it’s best to consult with your bank to determine the specifics of their policy on voided checks.

What is a Void Check?

Voiding a check is a simple process: you write the word void on the front. The word “void” on the front of the check tells banks the check won’t be used. Online banking software usually has a field for you to enter the word “void.” If your check has already been deposited, you‘ll need to contact the bank that received the check to request a stop payment. Essential money will be lost if the check has already been cleared. So you need to hurry A void check is the opposite of a blank check. A blank check is a check that has been filled out with all the information except for the amount and the signature. A blank check can be used to write any amount you want. In terms of personal use, you can also write void to cancel a mistaken or error-filled check. Money orders can also be voided, but only if they have not yet been cashed. Do note that a void check is not just a blank one, as a blank one can be used by anyone who finds it. Including void across the front before handing it off to someone else makes the voided check more secure. You should also ensure that anyone you share your void checks with is trustworthy and will only use the information on it, including your bank account number and routing number, for approved purposes.

When Do I Need a Void Check?

After you write void in large letters across your check and have it prepared to hand off, what will you use it for? As mentioned before, you can give a void check so someone has ready access to your account information in the future, but it also has many applications in other settings.

• To allow an employer to set up direct deposits. To allow an employer to set up direct deposits for an employee, the employee must complete a direct deposit form authorizing the employer to withdraw money from the employee‘s bank account and deposit it into the employer‘s bank account.
• Arrange for automatic loan payments from a bank deposit account. You don’t need to regularly visit the bank branch or find the branch address when you’re traveling.
• Allow for automatic bill payment and money withdrawal. Monthly bill payments and money withdrawals can be automated so that you don‘t have to worry about remembering to do them.
• Let your workplace billing department pay expensed items to your account

Before handing off your void check, update your check register with the number at the bottom right of your check. This is your check number, which the register tracks as checks are printed in sequential order. The check number is the one further to the right–the first two numbers are your routing and checking account numbers, respectively. When you first arrange for payments with your landlord or apartment complex, provide a voided check to share your routing information. You can also use it to arrange for automatic bill pay instead of manually delivering a check or payment. This can ensure your payments are handled and one less item on the to-do list. This also reduces the risk of checks arriving late or being held up in the mail.

What to Do If You Don’t Have Checks 

Given that 93% of Americans use the internet, it may be that you don’t have checks. Paper checks are rarer now. Upon opening an account, you might receive a small number of them. Oftentimes, you need to order checkbooks separately. While they’re useful for larger transactions, not everyone has checks available. You often need them to purchase a car, put a down-payment on a house, pay bills to your landlord, etc. There are a few ways to work around not having checks on hand. Head to the nearest branch and request one with your essential information on it. Official letterhead can also be used in place of a check, and some businesses may be willing to work out a payment plan. When you’re not in a time crunch, you could also write a check to yourself for a minuscule amount. Then, have it mailed to you. This will take some time to arrive but allows you to void the check after receiving it. Finally, you can print your own checks at home. However, this is likely more trouble than it is worth when you could find a branch nearby instead of buying magnetic ink. There are also alternatives to using a blank check with your employer. These include forms from your employer to arrange for direct deposit, a deposit slip with your bank information on it, or even a copy of a check or deposit slip for your account. Since the voided check wouldn’t be used anyway, providing a copy doesn’t require a note in your checking record. It spares you from using one of the few checks you have. Additional money won‘t be lost, and you‘ll have the canceled check as a receipt.

Sign Up for Shiirs

Once you’ve handed off your voided check and have direct deposit set up, Shiirs can help you manage and invest the money you’ve worked so hard for. We offer many options depending on your personal needs, from debt relief and credit repair to loans and investment once you’re ready to take on a new challenge. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you–and your finances–excel!