What Is a Voided Check for Employment?

A voided check is a paper check rendered unusable for payment, primarily used in employment to set up direct deposit. It provides an employer with the necessary banking information to ensure earnings are electronically transferred to the correct account.

Understanding a Voided Check

Employers commonly request a voided check to securely obtain banking details for direct deposit. This method allows the employer to retrieve the bank’s routing number and the individual’s account number without the risk of the check being cashed or deposited. Voiding the check prevents its use as a financial instrument, ensuring sensitive account information is shared without misuse. This process helps minimize errors that could delay payroll and ensures funds are routed to the designated bank account.

How to Void a Check

Voiding a check is a straightforward process designed to prevent its use while preserving printed banking information. Take a blank check from your checkbook. Using a pen with blue or black ink, write “VOID” in large, clear letters across the entire front. This marking ensures the check cannot be mistakenly used for payment.

Write “VOID” to cover the check without obscuring the bank’s routing number or your account number, typically located at the bottom. Do not sign the check, as this could create confusion. After voiding, record the check number in your check register to keep track of it.

Key Information on a Voided Check

A voided check provides specific information crucial for setting up direct deposit. The most important details are the bank’s routing number and your account number. The routing number, a nine-digit code, identifies your financial institution and is typically found on the bottom left of the check. Your account number, which identifies your specific bank account, is usually located to the right of the routing number.

While the check also displays the bank name and your name, the routing and account numbers are the primary data points employers extract. This method ensures accuracy because the numbers are pre-printed, reducing the chance of transcription errors. The legibility of these numbers is important for successful direct deposit setup.

Providing Bank Details Without a Check

For individuals who do not have physical checks, alternative methods exist for providing banking details for direct deposit. Many banks offer pre-printed direct deposit forms that contain all the necessary routing and account information. These forms serve the same purpose as a voided check and are typically accepted by employers.

Another option is to request a letter from your bank on official letterhead, which explicitly states your routing and account numbers. Some financial institutions also allow customers to access or print this information directly from their online banking portals. Always confirm with your employer which alternative method they will accept to ensure a smooth direct deposit setup.