Voiding a check is easy. If not done correctly though, your check could be reused by someone else. This is why it is important to know how to void a check the correct way.
What do you need to know before voiding checks?
Firstly, you cannot void a check with a pencil. This is because it can be erased with an eraser and fill out to cash. So, I will not recommend using a marker or red ink either. These are not official print colors for voiding checks or writing on a check.
Secondly, you do not need to fill out the parts of your check. There is no reason to include names or amount and any other data for a voided check. And, I will be telling you why shortly.
What Is A Voided Check?
What does voiding a check mean?
A voided check means a check with the word- VOID, boldly written on it. You can get one from a bank, or make one yourself from your personal check book. You have to literally write the word across the check with officially black or blue ink. The purpose of a void check is to prevent someone else from filling and cashing the check, while using your banking information on the check.
Here is a picture of a voided check sample below.
The above is a voided check example from a bank. A bank already printed the word on it. As you can see, the word- VOID, is boldly printed across the check. If you are using a personal check to create a void check, you do not have to print void exactly like the picture above. The goal is just make the world- VOID, eligible or bold to read. You can either write it on the center or just covering all of the check.
Just take care not to occlude your bank account information printed on the edges of the check.
How To Make Void Check
To make your own void check, you just need a personal check. Do not fill out the areas of information on the check. Just write VOID on a check. Make it big enough to cover more the half of the check.
While printing the letters in capital format, do not write over the numbers on the bottom of your check. This is because it may cover one of the digits and defeat the purpose of making a void check. What I mean, is you make a void check because someone wants to your routing number and account number on your check to set up automated bank transactions.
So, writing over these information printed on the check will defeat the purpose of the check. This is why you need to properly void a check. If it is done properly, no one can do anything with a voided check except what you void the check for. I will explain below.
When Should You Void A Check?
Why would someone need a voided check?
You need a voided check for direct deposit. This is especially, when applying for a new job. A voided check will be needed from you, since it has all the information about the bank account you want your paycheck to be deposited into.
What do I mean by this, dear reader?
I mean your routing number and account number are either on the bottom or on the top of your check. So, the people asking for the voided check to set up a direct deposit for you use these information. If you have noticed, no one asks for your bank information when you get a job.
The hiring department prefers using a voided check because it contains your bank name, account number and routing number. There is a less chance of making a mistake when setting up your direct deposit. This is because you do not have to write these information out and risk omitting a number.
In addition, a voided check can be used to set up electronic bill payment. Nowadays, some companies might ask for your debit card information to automatically deduct money from your bank account every month. However, most companies will ask for a voided check to set up these transactions in case you cancel your debit card. This is to deduct money directly from your bank account, even when your debit card has been cancelled.
This is why someone would need a voided check. On your part, the purpose of voiding a check is to make sure the person does not print and reuse your check, while using your bank information for set up automated bank transactions. Having said, just make sure you properly void a check before giving it out to another party.
The world is full of slick rascals, who do not care for consequences. I do not want you falling a victim of a check fraud. Stay wise with respect to financial decisions you make, friend!
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