Writing the word “VOID” on top of the written information prevents someone from using it. The person who receives a voided check cannot fill in the amount and other details and present it to a bank. It also prevents a virtual accountant thief from taking the check, filling out an amount, and forging your signature to debit funds from your bank account.
How to Write a Void Check
Reach out to your bank, or see if there’s any information online about how you can do this. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your personal account information secure. Learn techniques for properly sending a voided check electronically, as well as other payment methods that may work better. It is essentially a check with the word “VOID” written across a blank or partially written check. The word “VOID” indicates that the check cannot be accepted for payment.
- Grab a check out of your checkbook, and write “void” across the front.
- Identity thieves can use this information to pull funds from your checking account.
- Additionally, many banks can provide a pre-printed letter or document that verifies your account details.
- Signing up is free and easy, and you can wave goodbye to those checks.
- State laws also generally require banks and credit unions to keep a copy of all checks for seven years.
A Letter From Your Bank Or Credit Union
Then, use a pen with black ink and make the word large enough to be read. 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 unearned revenue how much it might be written for, the check can no longer be presented to a bank or credit union for payment. It may or may not have other information filled in throughout the check. The text should be clearly seen, but it doesn’t cover up any other writing beneath it. Even if you use printed checks only on occasion, there comes a time when you need to void a check.
Reporting Identity Theft
There are dozens of different reasons why you may need to void a check, such as applying for an unsecured business loanor setting up direct deposit with your employer. 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.
- Crediful is committed to helping you make smarter financial decisions by presenting you with the best information possible.
- They will then take that information and request an authorized withdrawal or payment to your checking account.
- No, it isn’t necessary to sign or put any information on a voided check.
- Use a dark pen or marker, making sure you don’t write over the numbers at the bottom of the check.
- However, the odds of theft increase when the perpetrator has access to your routing number and checking account number.
- Setting up the arrangement may require you to provide a copy of a voided check so the client can establish the electronic link for payment purposes.
- Make sure you cut directly through your name, account number, signature, and other important details.
Are There Alternatives To Voided Checks?
- Banks typically charge a fee for these checks, which can be anywhere from a few dollars to as much as $25.
- In the great wide world of financial tools, there are a lot of items that today’s financial audience may not be as familiar with as previous generations.
- If you don’t have a spare blank check and still need to figure out how to get a voided check, there are a couple of options as well.
- But once the error is identified, the cleared funds should be removed from the recipient’s bank account and returned to the original owner, and a fee may be charged.
- • Taking immediate action is crucial if a check is lost or stolen; reporting it to the bank and requesting a stop payment can minimize potential financial loss.
- You may be protected from fraud in your account, but you need to act quickly for maximum protection.
- Often, banks will provide instructions on how you can set up a direct deposit without a voided check.
So if you think a check you wrote got lost or was stolen, it’s important to report it what can someone do with a voided check to your bank ASAP and request to stop payment on it. Ask your bank how you can prevent someone who has the information on the front of a personal check from using it to pay for something online, assuming the outlet accepts electronic checks. Yes, companies that request a copy of a voided check need to verify your bank’s routing number and your account number.
How long should I keep voided checks?
The only way to give yourself peace of mind is to void the check and then throw it out or shred it. If you add one too many ‘0s’ to your check, you can’t just correct it and hope it works out. You also can’t discard it because if someone were to get hold of it they could withdraw money from your account. Balancing a checkbook and keeping track of all your expenses are great ways to start on the path to budgeting.
To make money transfers and all your other everyday financial transactions fast, simple and safe, consider opening an online bank account with SoFi. You’ll be able to send money to any person with a U.S. bank account at no charge. For those times when you do need to write a check, SoFi Checking and Savings offers paper checks at no cost, not to mention we never charge you account fees. Many small or less formal organizations may allow you to provide the information from your checking account directly to them in lieu of sending documentation. They don’t need a voided check; it’s just a matter of convenience if you send one. If you can provide your bank name, routing number, and your personal account number over the phone, it’s often good enough.