How and When to Sign a Voided Check

A voided check is a standard paper check marked to prevent financial transactions. Its primary purpose is to safely convey banking information, including your account and routing numbers, without the risk of unauthorized use. This allows entities to gather necessary details for electronic transfers while ensuring the check itself holds no monetary value.

How to Void a Check

Voiding a check is a straightforward process designed to clearly invalidate it for payment. Use a pen with dark, permanent ink, such as blue or black. Gel pens are often suggested because their ink is more difficult to remove, enhancing security. Write “VOID” in large, capital letters across the entire front of the check.

Ensure the “VOID” marking is prominent and covers the check to prevent fraudulent alteration. While visible, do not completely obscure the routing and account numbers. Alternatively, write “VOID” across specific fields like the date, payee, amount, and signature lines. After voiding, record the check number and date in your check register for accurate record-keeping.

Signing a Voided Check

There is no requirement to sign a voided check. Its primary function is to provide bank account and routing information, not to authorize a financial transaction. Signing a check usually indicates authorization for payment, which contradicts the purpose of voiding it.

Adding a signature could create confusion or questions about its intended use. If a check was already signed before needing to be voided, it can still be voided by writing “VOID” across it, as the “VOID” marking renders the check unusable. The absence of a signature on a voided check reinforces that it cannot be cashed or deposited.

Providing Your Voided Check

Voided checks are commonly requested in various financial situations to ensure accurate electronic transfers. A frequent scenario is setting up direct deposit for payroll, where employers need your precise bank account and routing numbers to deposit your wages directly into your account. Many companies require a voided check to establish automatic payments for recurring bills, such as utilities, loan repayments, or insurance premiums, enabling them to debit funds directly from your account on scheduled dates. This practice helps prevent missed payments and late fees.

Another common use is linking external bank accounts, such as connecting a checking account to a savings account at a different institution or to an investment platform. The voided check serves as reliable verification of your banking details, reducing data entry errors. When submitting a voided check, you may provide a physical copy, scan it for digital submission, or provide the information digitally. Retain a copy of the voided check for your records and confirm with the requesting entity that the setup was successfully completed.