Billers, such as utility companies, also accept payments by e-check when customers input their contributions checking account information. Some businesses even take payments over the phone, allowing customers to provide the information orally. Voiding a check is a straightforward process that involves writing the word “VOID” on the check. When it comes to approving automatic payments or direct deposits, voided checks do provide you with the easiest approach. Nevertheless, if you don’t want to void a check or you don’t have a checkbook, there are typically other options available. Direct deposit eliminates the need for you to receive a paper paycheck and often allows the money to be deposited into your bank account faster.
Bankrate logo
- To set that up, the company may request a voided check to ensure they have the correct banking details.
- If someone requests a voided check from you, it’s easy to take care of.
- Voiding a check is a straightforward process that involves writing the word “VOID” on the check.
- If you keep track of your checks in a register or spreadsheet, note the voided check number and the date.
- Employers usually ask for a voided check as a simple way to collect your banking information for direct deposit.
Lastly, digital forms or authorization through your bank’s online system to provide the necessary information electronically are increasingly accepted. Today, it’s common for many people to set up automatic monthly payments for car payments, utility bills, or mortgages. To set that up, the company may request a voided check to ensure they have the correct banking details. A voided check is simply a paper check with the word “VOID” written across it, often in big letters, indicating without a doubt that it shouldn’t be used for making a payment. Employers usually ask for a voided check as a simple way to collect your banking information for direct deposit. You can also use a voided check to set up automatic electronic payments, including ongoing expenses such as rent and bills.
A voided check is a check with the word “void” written across the front, which indicates that it shouldn’t be accepted for payment. The check can still be used to get the information needed for electronic payments. By simply providing your account details you should be able to set up a direct deposit quite easily without a voided check. As long as the information is copied adequately and the recipient says it’s fine.
Simply use a blank check and write ‘VOID’ in large letters across the front. Then, use a pen with black ink and make the word large enough to be read. You can also use a voided check to set up automatic payments to come out of your checking account automatically. Dealing with paper checks may be unfamiliar territory for some in an era of digital banking.
Automatic Electronic Payments
Rather than figuring out the process as it comes up, learn everything you need to know about voiding a check now so that you’re fully prepared in the future. We will never ever recommend a product or service that we wouldn’t use ourselves. These oversights might appear minor but can lead to confusion or potential security risks. The article was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editorial staff prior to publication. Grasp the meaning of APY in banking and CDs with our in-depth guide.
Even if the check has been made out to an individual, store, or other institution, it can no longer be used. And if the check is blank, the fields can no longer be filled out and used as payment. Crediful is committed to helping you make smarter financial decisions by presenting you with the best information possible. We are able to present this information to you free of charge because some of the companies featured on our site compensate us.
Another option is to use a deposit slip that already has your bank account information printed on it. Once a check has been voided, it’s no longer usable as a form of tender. No matter who the check was written out to or how much it might be written for, the check can no longer be presented to a bank or credit union for payment. Awareness of these common mistakes and avoiding them helps ensure your financial details remain secure and your records stay accurate. If you keep track of your checks in a register or spreadsheet, note the voided check number and the date.
What is the purpose of voiding a check?
Many times, this won’t have your personal information written on top, but it will include your banking information. If you’re unable to provide a voided check, or if your bank doesn’t offer paper checks, there are alternative methods to set up a direct deposit or an electronic payment. If you need a voided check to set up direct deposit with your employer, you have a couple of choices. You can take a check from your checkbook and write “void” across it in large letters and provide the check to your employer.
We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. A voided check is simply a check that has the word VOID handwritten or printed on it. When a check has the word VOID printed across it, it’s rendered unfit for any transactions. This is the reason banks will request a void check rather than a blank one, i.e., to make sure it can’t be used. This information is most often used to set up an electronic link to your bank account.
Civilization became possible only when Sumerians of the Bronze Age invented money. Voiding a check is straightforward and involves just a few steps. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. Understand the key differences between APR and APY, and how they affect your savings accounts, CDs, and even crypto investments. Of course it takes a whopping two seconds to do, but as a young impressionable teen at the time, being clueless about most financial things was quite common.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to writing checks. This may include rent, mortgage payments, utility payments, or other what is sganda margin formula + calculator recurring bills. In addition, a voided check takes away the hassle of sending in payments or setting up an online payment each month because it automatically comes out on the specified date. It may or may not have other information filled in throughout the check.
While owning a checkbook and writing checks to many people might seem a bit outdated, there are still plenty who prefer this method. All you need to do is write VOID across the check, and no one is going to be able to make a deposit. So there you have it – everything you need to know about voiding a check and how this works. There are many different situations whereby you may require a void check, and a lot of people feel a bit confused or overwhelmed when this is asked of them.