How to Void a Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology. Use a black pen or marker and write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the blank check. This prevents anyone from filling it out and trying to cash it.

Chase Checking Accounts

This is especially important if you decide not to proceed with a purchase or service. Now let’s talk about how to void a check, including when you’ll need to and what to do if you don’t have a physical checkbook. When voiding a check, it’s fine if the word “VOID” covers the entire front of your check and obscures the date, pay to, for and signature lines. You can also write the word “VOID” on each of these lines instead if you prefer. It removes the hassle of manually depositing checks and waiting for them to clear. Employers and other payers benefit too, as it streamlines payroll and cuts administrative costs.

How to Void a Check if You Don’t Have Checks

A voided check is simply a blank check with “VOID” written across it.
It removes the hassle of manually depositing checks and waiting for them to clear.
To ensure a check isn’t cashed by the recipient, call your financial institution and put a stop payment on the check.
By providing your email address, you are consenting to receive the Modern Money newsletter from Discover.
To start, take a blank check and print “VOID” in large letters across the center with a blue or black pen.
If you write the wrong amount or misspell the payee’s name, you should void the check to prevent it from being cashed or deposited.

Writing a check can be confusing if you haven’t done it before, or if it’s been a while since you last used one. Our anatomy of a how to write a voided check for direct deposit check below reveals the meaning of the numbers on a check. In the other states, the program is sponsored by Community Federal Savings Bank, to which we're a service provider. Do you have to void a check but aren’t sure how to go about it? Be sure to keep images of your checks somewhere safe, like a locked filing cabinet or an encrypted storage container on your computer.

How to Write a Check in 6 Steps

It typically serves to share bank account details for electronic transactions and should not be used for deposits, withdrawals, or payments. It normally has the word “VOID” written across the front so it may not be mistakenly used for a transaction. People can supply a business or an entity with a voided check to easily share their bank account details for an electronic payment or direct deposit.

Contacting Your Bank for a Stop Payment

If you add one too many ‘0s’ to your check, you can’t just correct it and hope it works out.
But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site.
We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct.
But there are several scenarios where they’re still preferred or even required.
To void a check to provide your employer to set up direct deposit, take a blank check and write “VOID” in large letters across the entire check.
Do not sign a voided check and be sure to store it somewhere safe or eliminate it securely.

You can request one up until the time the person you wrote the check to presents it. You typically can’t stop payment once they submit the check for cash or deposit it. Making this indication ensures you can use the check for mobile deposits only. To start, take a blank check and print “VOID” in large letters across the center with a blue or black pen.

Understanding the FDIC insurance limit: safeguarding your deposits

If all else fails, you may be able to get official documentation from your bank or credit union instead of voiding a check. Ask for a letter, printed on bank letterhead, which lists your account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings). Alternatively, some banks provide form letters for setting up direct deposit—print it while you’re logged in to the online banking system, and it should have everything you need. If you want to set up direct deposit for your paycheck or other regular payments, you will likely need to provide a voided check. This helps ensure that your bank account information is correctly recorded, so your funds are deposited into the right account. Direct deposit offers a secure and efficient way to receive payments.

Best Free Checking Accounts of 2025

You also can’t discard it because if someone were to get hold of it they could withdraw money from your account. No, it isn’t necessary to sign or put any information on a voided check. Record all checks in your check register to ensure you don’t lose or misplace any of them.