How to Fill Out a Void Check for Direct Deposit
Understand the precise method for voiding a check, enabling secure electronic transfers and direct deposit without risk.
A voided check is a regular check with the word “VOID” written across its face, rendering it unusable for financial transactions. It provides essential banking information, such as account and routing numbers, for secure sharing. While many financial processes have become digital, a voided check remains a common requirement for various financial transactions, conveying necessary account data while preventing the check from being cashed.
Common Reasons for a Voided Check
A voided check is frequently requested when setting up electronic fund transfers, such as direct deposit for payroll. Employers require this to accurately link your bank account to their payroll system, ensuring your wages are deposited directly and without error. The voided check provides verified banking details directly from your financial institution, streamlining the setup for automated transactions.
Beyond payroll, voided checks are often used to establish automated bill payments for recurring expenses like mortgages, utilities, or loan installments. They offer a secure way to provide your routing and account numbers to service providers, authorizing automatic deductions. Linking external bank accounts for transfers, such as to investment accounts, also frequently requires a voided check to confirm account ownership and details.
Understanding Check Components
A standard check contains several key pieces of information necessary for financial transactions. At the bottom, you will find three groups of numbers printed in magnetic ink, known as the MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) line. The first set of numbers, typically nine digits long and located on the far left, is the routing number. This number identifies your financial institution within the national banking system, ensuring funds are directed to the correct bank.
Immediately following the routing number, or sometimes after the check number, is your account number. This sequence of numbers uniquely identifies your specific checking account at your bank. Its length can vary, but it is generally the longer of the remaining number groups on the MICR line. The check number, usually a shorter sequence of three or four digits, helps you track individual checks and is often located to the right of the account number or in the top right corner. These numbers are crucial for any electronic financial transaction.
How to Void a Check
Voiding a check permanently invalidates it for payment while preserving its informational value. Begin by selecting a blank check that has not been filled out or signed. Use a pen with dark, permanent ink, such as blue or black, to prevent alteration. Across the entire front of the check, write the word “VOID” in large, clear capital letters.
Ensure the word “VOID” is prominent enough to cover the main sections, including the payee line, the amount box, and the signature line. You can write “VOID” multiple times across these areas to guarantee its unsuitability for payment. Do not obscure the routing number and account number located at the bottom, as these details must remain legible for their intended purpose. No other information should be written or altered on the check, as this could confuse its purpose.
After Voiding Your Check
Once your check is voided, submit it to the requesting entity, such as your employer or a bill payment service. Before submission, make a copy or take a clear digital image of the voided check for your personal records. This copy serves as proof of submission and retains the banking information for future reference if needed. Depending on the recipient’s requirements, you may need to mail the physical check, scan it for online submission, or hand it over in person.
It is also good practice to record the voided check’s number in your checkbook or financial records, noting the date it was voided and the purpose for which it was used. This helps maintain an accurate accounting of your checks and prevents any confusion regarding its status. Until the voided check is submitted, store it securely to prevent unauthorized access to your banking details. If the voided check is no longer needed, dispose of it properly, such as by shredding, to protect your sensitive financial information.