Voided check for direct deposit meaning

What is a Void Check?

A void check is simply a check with the word “VOID” written across the front. Writing “VOID” on a check means that the check can’t be deposited or cashed. When you void something it means you've made it empty, of no effect, or null. So if a written check is full of the monetary amount you write on it, voiding the check makes that check financially empty. 

When you void a check it can't be used as a check, meaning it can't be deposited. Usually, a check is a document you sign to allow the recipient to withdraw the amount you specified from your bank's checking account. Voiding the check makes the recipient unable to do this anymore. 

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Why You Might Need to Make a Void Check 

You might need to use a voided check to set up an electronic link to your checking account. Most likely you’ll need to set up this link to get your paychecks through direct deposit, or to set up a recurring payment like your monthly bills. 

Direct Deposit 

Your paper checks all have your bank information on them—the name of your bank or credit union and your account and routing number. By giving a voided check, you give the person establishing the link to the bank account information they need to set up your direct deposit. But because the check is void, they won’t be able to use the check to take money from your account. 

Automatic Payment 

You can also use a voided check to set up automatic payments. Autopay can be very useful to stay on top of recurring bills like utilities, rent, or credit card payments.  By using auto-pay you won't have to worry about forgetting any bill payment and accruing late fees and hits to your credit score. 

Stop a Check Payment 

Sometimes you'll need to cancel a check payment after you've already sent or given the check. 

Mess Up 

If you mess up writing a check, then you'll want to void the check you already wrote on and start over again. This can happen if you accidentally write the wrong amount on the check, or if you write the wrong name down for the recipient. 

For instance, maybe you wanted to write a check out to a newly married couple and wrote the check out to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. This can actually be a bit of a problem for them when they go to deposit the check if the bank account they want to use for that check is only in Mrs. Johnson's name. 

How to Write a Void Check for Direct Deposit 

Step 1: If you don't already have a checkbook from your bank or credit union, then contact your bank to receive one.

Step 2: Use a blank check from the checkbook that is linked to your checking account or the account where you want to make deposits.

Step 3: Write the word "VOID" across the front of the check-in large letters. You can also write "VOID" in smaller letters over key parts of the check.  You would need to write "VOID" in the payment amount box, across the payee line, and on the signature line. Either method is fine.

Step 4: *Cover most of the check with the word “VOID” but do not write over the check numbers at the bottom of the check. These numbers link the check to your bank account and are necessary for establishing the electronic link. 

Step 5: *Use a writing utensil that can’t be erased, like a marker or an ink pen. Do not use a pencil as someone could erase the word "VOID" and try and use the check to withdraw from your account.  

Step 6: Keep a record of the voided check in your check register in the back of your checkbook. This way you can remember why you voided a check later on when you go to balance your checkbook. 

How to Void a Check You Already Wrote

So you wrote a check and something goes wrong. Maybe you don’t need the check anymore, or you messed up writing it out and need to change something on it. 

If any of these things occur you can simply void the check to ensure it doesn't accidentally get used later. In a way, voiding a check you already wrote is a safe method of destroying the check. 

Follow the same procedure outlined above and then store the voided check away in your banking files, or keep it in your checkbook. 

How to Void a Check You Already Sent

So you wrote a check and gave it or sent it, but now you need to cancel it. Maybe you realized you messed up on the check, or the check got lost in the mail, or maybe you realized too late that you won't have enough money in your account when the recipient of the check goes to deposit it. 

If either of these things occurs what you are going to want to do is get a Stop Payment Order. A Stop Payment Order from your bank or credit union is how you void a check you already sent. 

Basically, voiding a check you already sent is like bouncing your check preemptively. If you know the check you wrote is going to bounce then canceling the check before the recipient tries to deposit the check can leave you with fewer consequences and fees than if you let it bounce. However, fees for canceling a check payment are still going to apply. 

If you need a Stop Payment Order for a check, your bank will probably need the information on the check you want to cancel. This is why it is always a good idea to document your check transactions in your check register so that you will always have information like, the check ID number, the amount, and who you paid. 

You can also try to just get the check back if it was given to someone you know. Handling these kinds of financial issues amongst yourselves is usually the least complicated option, and then no one will receive any fees from their bank. At the very least, if you are going to cancel a check you should probably let the check recipient know that you canceled the payment. 

How to Get a Voided Check

To get a voided check you'll need to talk to your bank and get them to send you a checkbook. Some banks and credit unions will automatically send you a book of checks when you first open an account with them. Others will require you to purchase your checkbooks from them. 

How to Send a Voided Check

To send a voided check to your employer just ask them for the mailing address you should use to mail the void check to them. Sometimes you can also just bring them void check into them at the office directly.

Some Helpful Links About Voiding Checks from Different Banks

No matter what financial service you use, be it a bank or a credit union, the process to void a check from any financial organization is going to be the same as the process outlined above. 

You simply write the word "VOID" in big letters on the front of the check. If you need to cancel a check, no matter the financial system you're using you can always contact them and they will run you through the procedure to stop a check payment. 

How to void a check in QuickBooks

If you use QuickBooks, then follow this link to learn more about how to void a check in QuickBooks.

How to get a voided check from Bank of America

Take a look at the FAQs Page for Bank of America to read all about voiding checks with their bank. If Bank of America is your bank, and you want to set up direct deposit, then you actually don’t need to void a check with them to do so.

Instead, you can just use their online banking to download a direct deposit form and use that document the same way you would use a void check. 

How to get a voided check from Chase

If you have a Chase account, then you can also just fill out a form instead of using a void check to set up direct deposit. All you'll need to fill out the direct deposit form is your routing number, account number, and check ID number.

How to void a check from Wells Fargo

You can void a check from Wells Fargo online, by phone, or in the store. This Link will have the phone number you need to contact them and the step-by-step process of how to void a check online.

Keep a Record

Always keep a record of all your check transactions, and of all voided checks. You can easily keep this information in the check registry of your checkbook. 

You should also always keep the check stub—the thin paper copy behind each check you write—because this acts as a detailed receipt of all your check transactions. 

When you record void checks, make sure to include the reason you voided the check as well. 

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