Can You Cross Out a Mistake on a Check?

Making a mistake while writing a check is common. While minor corrections might sometimes be accepted, altering a check generally carries significant risks. Banks prioritize security and accuracy, making them wary of modifications. This often leads to the rejection of altered checks, underscoring the importance of proper handling procedures.

Understanding Check Correction Acceptability

Minor, clearly identifiable errors on a check might sometimes be corrected. This could include a transposed digit in the date or a small misspelling in the payee’s name. The traditional method for such corrections involves drawing a single, neat line through the mistake, writing the correct information clearly nearby, and then initialing the change. This process indicates that the check’s signatory approved the alteration.

However, this method applies to only the most insignificant errors, and acceptance by a financial institution is never guaranteed. For example, correcting the numerical or written amount on a check is generally not advisable, as these are considered material changes. Even with proper initialing, banks retain the discretion to accept or reject any altered check.

Reasons for Check Rejection

Banks frequently reject checks with any alterations, even those that seem minor, primarily due to concerns about fraud prevention. An altered check can signal tampering, prompting financial institutions to refuse to honor it to protect both themselves and their customers. Automated processing systems, such as Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) technology, play a significant role in this rejection. The MICR line, located at the bottom of a check, contains crucial routing, account, and check numbers printed with specialized magnetic ink.

Any alteration to the check can interfere with these high-speed systems, which are designed to read the magnetic properties of the ink with near 100% accuracy. If the MICR line or other critical information appears inconsistent or tampered with, the automated system may not be able to process the check, leading to its rejection. A rejected check can result in various inconveniences and financial penalties for both the check writer and the recipient. These may include non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees or returned item fees, which can range from approximately $10 to $40 per incident.

Safest Practices for Handling Errors

The most reliable and recommended approach for handling any mistake on a check is to void the incorrect check and issue a new one. This practice eliminates any ambiguity or suspicion of alteration, ensuring the check’s clarity and validity. To void a check, simply write “VOID” in large, capital letters across the front of the check using blue or black ink. Write “VOID” across the entire check, covering the payee line, amount boxes, and signature line. Be careful not to obscure routing and account numbers if the check is needed for direct deposit setup.

Voiding the check prevents it from being used for any payment or withdrawal, safeguarding your account information. After voiding, it is good practice to record the check number in your check register or accounting system, noting that it was voided. This maintains an accurate record of all checks issued, whether used or not. While rewriting a check takes a few extra moments, it significantly reduces the risks of rejection, associated fees, and potential fraud.