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How to Void a Check
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Much like cursive, fewer people are learning the ins and outs of check writing, thanks to advances in direct deposit, online autopay for bills and payment apps like Venmo and PayPal.
But that doesn’t mean paper checks are going the way of the dodo (not yet, at least).
In fact, to set up automatic payments from your bank account for bills, set up direct deposits to your bank account from your employer and complete automated clearing house (ACH) transfers, you’ll need to know how to void a check.
Voided checks are real checks that can no longer be used as legal tender. The moment you void a check, you’ve rendered that check useless for actual payment purposes.
After you void the check, make a note of the check number and the reason for voiding in your check register. (This is the record of all your payments from and deposits into your bank account. While most banks provide this for you nowadays via an app and/or online banking site, it’s smart to record checks manually as well and compare that against the digital bookkeeping your bank or credit union offers. Remember: Honest mistakes happen.)
Again, once you’ve voided the check, you can no longer use it, so be certain you’re ready to void that specific check before doing so. There’s no going back.
Nowadays, people depend on a mixture of mobile wallets, payment apps, debit cards, direct deposit and electronic bill payments to handle their finances, rendering checks useless for many. As such, there are people out there with bank accounts who simply do not have a checkbook.
So what happens if you don’t have a checkbook but need a voided check? You have a few options:
So what do you do if you need to cancel a check payment when you’ve already handed the check over to someone else? Are you out of luck? Not entirely.
Please note: Canceling a check is different from voiding a check and is typically accompanied by some urgency.
Let’s say you have sent a check and realized afterward that you have made an error, such as overpayment. You must contact your bank quickly to cancel it. You will need the following information:
You should have a carbon copy of the check in your checkbook that you can reference. You can also review your check register to get this information.
Some banks will allow you to do this via app or online banking, but you can also visit your bank in person or call to cancel the check. Tell them you need a stop payment order, but be prepared to pay a fee for this service.
If the recipient of the check has already cashed or deposited it, do not try the stop payment online. Visit the bank in person or give them a call.
Here are some commonly asked questions about voiding checks. See if these answer any of your questions:
If you have received a check and the payer has asked you to void it, first ensure that you will receive all money owed to you in some other form (cash, Venmo, a new check that will clear, etc.). Once you are sure you will still receive proper payment, you can void another person’s check made out to you; simply write “VOID” in large letters across the check. For good measure, you should shred or burn the check.
If you have accidentally mailed a check to the wrong person or in the wrong amount, you can attempt to cancel it before it is cashed or deposited. Some banks allow you to do this online or via their mobile apps, but you can also call your bank or visit a branch in person to issue a stop payment order.
A stop payment typically comes with a fee. You should also warn the payee that you have issued a stop payment.
If you have already signed a check and then want to void it, you still can by writing “VOID” across the front of the check. However, you do not need to sign a void check to cancel it. The large “VOID” will suffice in voiding the check, no signature needed.
Contributor Timothy Moore is a writer and editor in Cincinnati who covers banks, loans insurance, travel and automotive topics for The Penny Hoarder.
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