Can You Cross Out a Mistake on a Check?

A check serves as a written order to a bank, directing it to pay a specific amount of money from your account to the person or entity named on the check. Accuracy and clarity are important when completing a check, as they help ensure the intended payment is processed without issues.

Understanding Check Alterations

While it might seem convenient to correct a minor error on a check by crossing it out, this practice is generally not recommended. Banks prioritize the authenticity and security of financial documents, and any alteration, even a small one, can raise concerns about potential fraud. Although a bank might, in rare circumstances, accept a check with a clearly initialed, minor correction, this is an exception rather than a rule.

Banks and other recipients prefer checks that are free from any marks, erasures, or changes because alterations can indicate tampering. Substantial crossing out or changes to key information, such as the payee’s name or the amount, will likely lead to the check being rejected.

Risks of Altered Checks

Submitting or receiving an altered check carries several negative consequences for both the check writer and the intended recipient. A bank will often refuse to process altered checks, which can lead to significant payment delays or even non-payment. This rejection occurs because banks have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of transactions and protect against financial crime.

Alterations on a check immediately raise suspicions of fraud, potentially leading to investigations by financial institutions. If a check appears tampered with, it may lose its legal standing as a negotiable instrument, making it difficult or impossible to enforce the payment.

Correcting Check Errors

The most reliable and secure method for handling a mistake made while writing a check is to void the incorrect check and then write a new one. Voiding a check renders it unusable for payment, preventing accidental or fraudulent use.

To void a check, write the word “VOID” in large, clear capital letters across the front of the check using a blue or black permanent ink pen. Ensure the word covers the majority of the check but does not obscure the account and routing numbers at the bottom. It is also advisable to record the voided check’s number in your check register with a note indicating it was voided. This systematic approach prevents the check from being cashed or deposited and protects your account information.

Steps for Accurate Check Completion

To minimize the chance of errors, adopt a careful approach when writing checks. Before you begin, gather all necessary information, including the current date, the full and correct name of the payee, and the exact amount in both numerical and written form.

Write all information clearly and legibly to avoid any misinterpretation by the bank or the payee. Fill in all relevant fields completely, leaving no blank spaces that could be easily altered by unauthorized individuals. For example, draw a line through any unused space in the amount line after writing out the amount.

Before signing the check, review all the information you have entered to ensure its accuracy. This final check can catch any overlooked errors. Always use a pen with permanent ink, such as black or blue gel ink, as it is more difficult to erase or alter compared to other ink types.