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In the summer, we received another notice that $330 was owed. My husband sent another check and, unfortunately, he also sent the original check with VOID written across the entire face. This was in an attempt to avoid a penalty and/or interest by showing he’d tried to pay once.

Knowing how to void a blank check can be useful in certain situations, such as when you want to set up direct deposit into your checking account. Voiding a check is simple, but needs to be done correctly to ensure that your bank account stays secure and that you avoid unnecessary fees when possible. Employers may ask for a voided check to help them set up direct deposit and you may need to void a check for other purposes, so it’s handy to know how. However, there are some alternatives to voided checks — like counter checks, a letter from your bank, or bank deposit slips — if you don’t have a paper check readily available.

What can someone do with a voided check?

For example, if you have a business and your vendors prefer to be paid electronically, then voiding a check may be part of the process to set up automatic payments. Grab a check out of your checkbook, and write “void” across the front. Write with well-spaced letters that are tall and wide enough to cover the whole face of the check without obscuring the banking information at the bottom.

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• All you should see is the bank information such as your routing number, account number, and check number, and the word ‘VOID’, which you should have written on the front of the check.
• When you void something it means you’ve made it empty, of no effect, or null.

Once you’ve voided a check, try to ensure it’s either disposed of or kept safely with other sensitive files. You may want to dispose of a voided check, in lieu of holding onto it, for several reasons. Other Ways to Set Up Direct DepositIt’s possible to establish direct deposit without voiding a physical check. It’s important to note, however, that your employer or other parties may not always accept all of these alternatives. Similarly, you may be asked to submit a voided check for automated clearing house transfers, such as bill and loan payments. This is especially the case when setting up automatic recurring payments.

How to Endorse a Check to Someone Else in 4 Steps

She also assists with content strategy for several brands. Make a note in your check registerso that you’ll know where the check went. After your visit, would you be willing to provide some quick feedback? The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC.

Insurance related services offered through Credit Karma Insurance Services, LLC, which does business in some states as Karma Insurance Services, LLC. Plus, it’s easy and quick to get started with Current — the sign-up process can take as little as two minutes. If you need to void a check for any reason but don’t have one, there are workarounds you can try. For our customers sending money with Wise or holding money in the Wise account in the US, regardless of which currency you hold and in keeping with US state…

Voided Check FAQ

Your employer may request a voided check to get your bank’s information, routing number and your own bank account number so they know where to deposit your money. Though we live in an age where most of our banking can be done digitally, there are some instances when you’ll be asked to voided check provide your bank information using a blank check. And anyone who has ever written out a physical check knows that it’s possible to make a mistake like putting in the wrong amount. When you’re faced with either of these situations, you’re going to want to void the check in question.

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Employers often use voided checks to set up direct deposits for their payroll, and service providers may need them to set up direct debits. This is because a blank check has all the information they need, such as routing or account numbers. Although it is not strictly necessary to get this information from a check, using one reduces the likelihood of a transcription or other type of error. Consumers often provide their own routing and account numbers online without any problem, so voided checks are required less frequently.