If you need to cancel payment on a check that has already left your hands, you’ll need to contact your bank. Open a savings account or open a Certificate of Deposit and start saving your money. Banks are not responsible for the accuracy of any content provided by author or contributor. Chime does not provide financial, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for financial, legal or accounting advice.

If you don’t have access to a paper shredder, you can rip up the check into several pieces, being sure that the sensitive information is not intact when you dispose of it. First, you might want to void a check if you make a mistake while writing it. This may include writing down the wrong amount or making it out to the wrong person. You can void a check for any incorrect information and then rewrite it on a new check. The three main steps to voiding a check include using the correct writing implement, writing on the check and disposing of the check. When an employer or another entity requests a preprinted voided check, they are probably referring to a standard check that you have voided by writing VOID on the check.

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If it winds up in the wrong account, it can be a huge headache to get the money back. Having the voided check on-hand also reduces the likelihood of payroll using the wrong information when it sends out paychecks since they have the check on-hand to reference. Learn why your employer requests a voided check and find out what alternatives you can provide to your payroll department. Often, when you try to set up direct deposit, your employer will ask for a voided check.

If you prefer that we do not use this information, you may opt out of online behavioral advertising. If you opt out, though, you may still receive generic advertising. In addition, financial advisors/Client Managers may continue to use information collected online to provide product and service information in accordance with account agreements. We strive to provide you with information about products and services you might find interesting and useful. Relationship-based ads and online behavioral advertising help us do that. If you’re tired of dealing with paper checks and keeping records, Wise can help you manage your money electronically.

What To Do If You Don’t Have Checks

The payroll system will use the bank’s routing number to direct your paycheck to the proper bank. It will provide your account number so the bank can deposit the money into your account. Instead of getting a physical check each payday, the money shows up in your account the morning that your paycheck is due. This saves you the hassle of having to visit the bank to cash your paycheck multiple times a month. If you don’t have any checks, and you want to set up a direct deposit or automatic electronic payment, there are other ways to do so. Some employers may be able to set up your direct deposit using only a deposit slip from your account, so ask if that is an option before providing a voided check.

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.

How to Set Up Direct Deposit Without a Voided Check

It is possible for different banks to assign the same account number to different accounts. Because the banks have different routing numbers, your payroll department won’t have trouble sending your paycheck to the right place. Often, banks will provide instructions on how you can set up a direct deposit without a voided check. Reach out to your bank, or see if there’s any information online about how you can do this. You can also use a voided check to set up automatic electronic payments, including ongoing expenses such as rent and bills. A voided check will have all of your bank information printed on it, so it can provide others everything they need to set up a direct deposit payment from your account.

If you don’t have a checkbook, you may be able to use your bank’s online bill pay service to send a small payment to yourself. Keep records of your voided checks in your check register. Indicate that the check is voided in your checkbook, check register, or finance software. In some cases, the entity requesting a voided check might accept a letter printed on bank letterhead. The instructions you receive will outline the information they’ll need on the letter.

Authorize a government agency to direct deposit your benefits

Be aware, however, that some banks may charge a small fee for counter checks. If you want to set up direct deposit with an employer, you’ll usually need a copy of a voided check. Next, you’ll be asked to select how much of your paycheck should be directed to each of your accounts. This aspect can be especially useful if you’re saving for specific goals or trying to find a way to automate your savings.

• If you want to get fancy with your money management, or just automate it further, you can split your direct deposits.
• When you void a check it can’t be used as a check, meaning it can’t be deposited.
• Direct Deposit Send funds directly to your account to ensure seamless deposits while you’re deployed or traveling.
• If you’re reordering checks, setting up a direct deposit or an automatic payment or preparing a wire transfer, you’ll probably be asked to provide an ABA routing number.

When you void something it means you’ve made it empty, of no effect, or null. So if a written check is full of the monetary amount you write on it, voiding the check makes that check financially empty. If none of these solutions work for your particular situation, you may need to order checks from your bank.

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You can provide the routing number to your employer who can check it to confirm that it matches the name of the bank on the statement. That’s why many employers are strict about requiring a voided check. Usually, you can just provide a statement that shows the lack of a deposit. Then, your payroll department will need to track where the money was sent. So long as they copy that information properly, they’ll be able to make the deposit. Still, many companies require that you provide a voided check.

Also, if you opt out of online behavioral advertising, you may still see ads when you log in to your account, for example through Online Banking or MyMerrill. These ads are based on your specific account relationships with us. Please visit the Social Security websitelayer what is a voided check for guidance on how to set up or change direct deposit. Please tell us where you bank so we can give you accurate rate and fee information for your location. Find out what ACH stands for, what it can be used for, and the pros and cons of ACH transfer.