Becoming financially independent involves knowing how to manage your finances and handle checks. Certain financial transactions may require you to use a voided check, and it is essential to understand what that entails. Setting up automatic electronic check payments, linking your bank account, and making direct payments are some of the things you can do with a voided check.
Being prudent with your bank account and information is essential at all times, so always stay informed about what to do and how to do it. If you still don’t know how to void a check, fear not, because we’re here to help you with the process.
What Is a Voided Check?
A voided check is a check that has VOID written on its front page. The check can be filled in or left blank, but once you write ‘VOID’ on it, it means that it is no longer valid and shouldn’t be accepted for payment. However, a voided check can still be used to gather information about a person’s bank details, such as bank account number, routing number, and check number. This is the main reason why you should manage them carefully and keep them safe and out of reach.
Voiding a check renders it invalid and unusable as a blank check. This means that if your voided check falls into the wrong hands, they won’t be able to abuse it.
How to Write a Void Check?
Although it might sound complicated, voiding a check is actually quite easy. You can do this by taking a check from your checkbook and writing ‘VOID’ in large letters across its front page. It’s essential that the letters cover the entire front of the check, but without obscuring the bank details on it.
Another important thing is to use a black marker or a pen that can’t be erased, making it easier for thieves to use it as a blank check. Once you have a voided check, make sure to write it down and keep track of where it went in case you get confused later on.
When to Use a Voided Check?
Although voided checks cannot be used for payments, they can be used to provide other types of information. A voided check still contains your banking information and can be useful when someone is trying to set up an electronic link with your bank account. A voided check is a good source of information in this case since it contains the following details:
- The name of your bank or credit union
- The number of your bank account
- The routing number – the code that is used to identify your bank
Besides this, you can use a voided check to do the following things as well:
- Set up payments
If you want to avoid writing checks for mortgage, rent, and insurance, you can use a voided check to set up automatic electronic payments. Once you have set everything up, the amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account each month. You’ll have to sign an agreement that authorizes automatic payments.
- Make direct deposits
If you receive your paycheck electronically, your employer will need your bank account information to send the money to the correct person. This can speed up the process, and the funds can sometimes be in your account even a few days early.
- Avoid making mistakes
If you make a mistake while filling out a check, it’s paramount that you void it or destroy it. You probably won’t use this check for anything, so keeping it is a risk because it can be used for fraudulent purposes. Try to keep a record of all your checks and write down what you did with every single one. Make copies and keep them in a separate, safe, and secure folder.
What Does Void Mean?
Once you write VOID on one of your checks, it automatically means that it becomes invalid. This check cannot be treated as a blank check and used to make any payments, but it can still provide relevant information about your bank account.
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What If You Don’t Have Any Checks?
If you’re not using any checks, you will probably have to come up with alternative ways to link your bank account and set up automatic payments. Some of the options include:
- Deposit slips
If you don’t know how to make a void check or you don’t have them, you can opt for using deposit slips for certain financial actions. They also contain relevant information such as the routing number, but you will have to insert your bank account number.
- Online options
Another option, if you have no checks, is to use online banking services. By opting for setting up your account online, you don’t have to provide a voided check. You can use the bank’s website to create your profile and set up an account. You will likely need to fill out an online form on your bank’s website, so ensure you have all the relevant information before you begin.
- Starter checks
If you don’t have any checks at hand, you can visit your bank’s nearest branch and ask for a counter check. The bank teller will have to print it out for you, so you can void it and use it as needed according to the instructions outlined here.
- Check printers
You can choose to print out a voided check if you need one. If you have access to a check printer, you can print the check and use it for whatever financial actions. This isn’t the best possible option, but it will provide you with the relevant bank information.
- Official bank account documentation
The final option, in case you don’t have any checks, is to visit your bank and request official bank account information. The bank should be able to provide you with a form that contains information such as the type of your bank account, the account number, the routing number, and other relevant details. You should be able to use this as an alternative to a voided check.
Voiding a check isn’t as complicated as you might think; you just have to know how to do it correctly. The next time you need a voided check, read through and follow the steps we’ve outlined here. It can be done easily and quickly!
Last updated: September 2025