The only way to give yourself peace of mind is to void the check and then throw it out or shred it. Write “VOID” across the front of the check with a blue or black permanent marker. Use large bookkeeping letters that fill up the entire check, or write “VOID” in smaller letters on the date, payee, amount, and signature lines. Shaun Conrad is a Certified Public Accountant and CPA exam expert with a passion for teaching.

What Happens If You Don’t File Taxes but Don’t Owe Anything?

• This eliminates the need for physical paychecks and offers a more convenient and efficient way to receive payment.
• The bank teller will have to print it out for you, so you could void it and use it as needed according to the instructions outlined here.
• Grasp the meaning of APY in banking and CDs with our in-depth guide.
• If a stale check bounces, banks may charge the depositor a deposit item returned fee.
• A voided check is simply a check that has the word VOID handwritten or printed on it.

A voided check includes important details from your checkbook. It shows the bank’s name, logo, account number, and routing number. This is helpful to avoid mistakes or confusion when you share sensitive information. It includes your banking details, so you won’t have to write them down every time. You can use a voided check to set up direct deposits for your paycheck. It also allows you to make automatic bill payments what does voided check mean for utilities and subscriptions.

Direct Deposit Authorization Form

If you’re going to receive payments from an employer electronically, you can send them a voided check, so they have all of your bank 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 happen to need a blank voided check solely for information purposes but don’t have one at your disposal, don’t panic. Ask the requester if they’ll accept a deposit slip or letter from the bank containing your account information in its place.

Alternatives to set up direct deposit

It’s typically written in large letters so there’s no chance of it accidentally being used. We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Citibank does not charge you a fee for using the Citi Mobile® App or the Mobile Check Deposit service. You must have Internet access through your mobile device and charges from your wireless carrier Retail Accounting may apply. The Citi Mobile® App is available for use with compatible mobile devices. If you find a stale check, it’s a good idea to contact the issuer (if possible) and request a replacement.

Many times, this won’t have your personal information written on top, but it will include your banking information. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. 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. By providing a voided check, employees can authorize their employer to deposit their earnings into their bank account directly.

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No, once a check is voided, it cannot be reinstated or reused as a valid form of payment. It ensures that the check cannot be accepted by banks or financial institutions for payment. If a mistake was made in voiding the check, a new check must be issued. This may include rent, mortgage payments, utility payments, or other recurring bills.

Understanding the meaning of APY

• If you don’t have a checking account, you can use one of these other methods.
• You may also be able to use a deposit slip with your bank account information on it.
• If you don’t have any checks, and you want to set up a direct deposit or automatic electronic payment, there are other ways to do so.
• A voided check is a check that has been marked as canceled and rendered unusable.
• When you provide a voided check, the recipient enters the banking information from the check into their system.
• Signing up is free and easy, and you can wave goodbye to those checks.
• In many cases, the easiest way to send someone else your banking info is with a voided check.

If you’re using the check to set up direct deposit or automatic payments, send it to the recipient. If the company is willing to accept a copy rather than the original check, you can fax or scan it instead of mailing it. It’s easy to void a check, especially if you have a checkbook. All you need to do is draw out a check, grab a pen, and write the word VOID across it. When doing this, make sure that the writing covers all of the blank space in the check yet don’t cover the account details.

But a check with your name and banking details preprinted on it is much harder to fake. Your account number and the bank’s routing number are preprinted on the check, so there’s no risk a slip of the finger will result in a payor or payee getting the wrong information. If you have a photocopy of a deposit slip or a cleared check for your account, you may also be able to use this for processing your request.