What Is a Voided Check and Why Do You Need One?

A voided check is a non-negotiable document used to convey essential banking information. Its purpose is to provide account details for electronic transactions without allowing the check to be cashed or deposited. This helps ensure accuracy when setting up automated financial operations.

Understanding a Voided Check

A voided check is a paper check intentionally invalidated by writing “VOID” across its face. This renders it unusable for financial transactions, meaning it cannot be cashed or deposited. Despite its non-negotiable status, a voided check retains its value as a source of accurate banking details, specifically for sharing your bank’s routing and account numbers.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your financial institution, ensuring funds are directed to the correct bank. This number is typically found as the first set of digits at the bottom-left corner of the check. Immediately following the routing number, or sometimes positioned differently, is your unique bank account number. This sequence of numbers identifies your specific account.

Both the routing and account numbers are printed in magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) font along the bottom of the check for machine readability. These numbers must remain clear and unobstructed when a check is voided. This method helps minimize transcription errors from manually writing out long sequences of numbers.

Common Uses for a Voided Check

Organizations frequently request a voided check to obtain accurate bank account details for electronic payment setups. A common reason is to establish direct deposit for payroll. Employers use the routing and account numbers to ensure paychecks are electronically transferred into an employee’s designated bank account, reducing processing costs and providing faster access to funds. This minimizes the risk of errors that could delay payments.

Another application for a voided check is setting up automatic bill payments. Companies offering services like utilities, loan repayments, or insurance premiums may require a voided check to automatically debit funds from your account. This ensures correct banking information is used for regular withdrawals, preventing missed payments.

Steps to Void a Check

Voiding a check is a straightforward process designed to prevent its use as payment while preserving its banking information. Select a blank check from your checkbook that has not been filled out or signed. Use a check from your current supply to ensure the most up-to-date account details.

Use a pen with dark, permanent ink, such as blue or black, to write “VOID” in large, clear letters across the front of the check. Ensure the word is prominent and covers a significant portion, but do not obscure the routing or account numbers at the bottom. These numbers must remain fully visible and readable for the check to serve its purpose of providing banking information. After voiding, you can note the check number in your check register. Securely store or dispose of the voided check, often by shredding it.