Learn the essential steps and tips of check writing. Covering every step of filling out a check to someone, from dating the check to dollars and cents, and the essential final signature.
How to Void a Check
Even in our digital age, there are still situations where you might need to write a check. And sometimes, mistakes happen. Maybe you wrote the wrong amount or got the recipient’s name wrong. Instead of panicking, there’s a simple solution: voiding the check. So today, we’re going to talk about how to void a check.
What does Voiding a check mean?
First off, let’s talk about what it means to void a check. When you void a check, you’re essentially making it non-redeemable. This means even if someone tries to deposit or cash it, the bank won’t honor it. This is a great tool to have, especially if you’re unsure about a particular transaction or made an error in filling out the check.
Steps to Void a Check
So, how do you actually void a check? It’s pretty straightforward:
1. First, grab a pen—preferably a blue or black one. You’re going to want to make sure it’s permanent and not something like a pencil that could be easily erased.
2. Then, write “VOID” in big, bold letters across the front of the check. Make sure you cover the payment amount section, the payee line, and the signature. But be careful not to write over the check number or other important details, especially if you are using the voided check for direct deposit, etc.
You see, by doing this, you’re signaling to the bank that this check should not be processed. Now, some of you might be thinking, “Can I just shred it or tear it up?” Sure, if you’ve made a mistake and you’re holding onto the check, you can destroy it. But, sometimes you might need to send a voided check to set up things like direct deposit for a new job or automatic bill payments. In such cases, physically destroying the check won’t do the trick.
Make a Copy
Here’s a little tip from personal experience: If you ever need to provide a voided check for any purpose, always make a copy or take a picture of the voided check for your records. This way, you have a reference in case of any future discrepancies.
Whether you’re setting up automatic payments or you just made an innocent mistake, voiding a check is pretty straightforward. Just remember to always keep track of your checks and stay on top of your bank transactions.
Lesson Resource
- How to Write a Check – Teaching lesson plan.
