How to Void a Check

There are several reasons to void a check. If you are writing the check and you make an error that will cause the recipient a problem in cashing or depositing it, you'll want to void the check and start over again. Errors such as writing the wrong date or wrong amount on the check are good reasons to void it and write a new one. Another reason to void a check is when your employer wants a voided check to deposit money in your bank account or if you have arranged with a membership-based business, like a gym or other club, to automatically debit your account. Here are the steps to voiding a check.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Write "void" in the amount box on the check. This is the first place a teller looks to determine how much the check is written for. Seeing "void" written in the amount box automatically informs the bank that the check is void.

2. Write "void" across the signature line. This helps prevent anyone from forging your signature on the check. Without an authorized signature, a check is useless. Writing the word "void" across the signature line renders the check useless as well and prevents forgery.

3. Write "void" across the center of the check in large letters. It is preferable to write the word "void" across the dollar amount where a bank teller looks to verify that the figure amount written on the check is correct.

4. Write "void" on the back of the check. Even if the face of your voided check has been altered and forged, if you write "void" across the back of the check, you take one more step to ensure that the bank will not withdraw money from your account.

5. Make an entry in your checkbook with the voided check number. To keep track of your voided check, you should record the check number in your checkbook, along with the date and reason the check was voided.

6. Using one or all of the methods above is sufficient for voiding a check. If you want to make sure a voided check you are handing over for business reasons won't be misused, you can call the bank and put a stop-payment on the check. The stop-payment will be good for a period of six months. The bank will also charge you a fee.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to cancel or void a check after you have given it to someone and then changed your mind, you need to call the bank to arrange a stop-payment.

• If you want to make sure that no one obtains a voided check in your possession, you may want to shred it.

References

• Bank Midwest

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish