Tutorial on How to Cancel a Check

Putting the word "VOID" across the front of a check renders it null and void. A check that has been marked "VOID" cannot be deposited or cashed. To void something is to render it null, empty, or without effect. Thus, if the amount you write on a check is the exact amount of money you have, voiding the check will leave you short that amount of money.  

A voided check is no longer valid as a check and cannot be deposited. Generally speaking, a check is an authorization for the beneficiary to make a withdrawal from your checking account for a certain amount. If the check is canceled, the recipient will no longer have access to these funds.  

Justifications for conducting nullity checks

Creating an electronic link between your checking account and a merchant may require a voided check. This is the connection you'll need to establish if you want to receive direct deposit of your wages or if you want to establish a regular payment, such as for your rent or utilities.  

Funds Disbursed Instantaneously

All of your paper checks feature your banking data, including your bank or credit union's name, your account number, and your routing number. If you want to set up direct deposit, you'll need to provide the person setting up the link with your bank account information, which you can do by providing a voided check. However, they will be unable to use the check to deduct funds from your account because it is null and void.  

The Convenience of a Recurring Payment System

Payment schedules can be established with the help of a voided check. Automatic payments are convenient for handling recurrent expenses like rent, utilities, and credit card payments. You can avoid late fees and potential damage to your credit score by setting up automatic bill payments.  

Stop Payment on a Check

The need to cancel a check payment after its issuance or presentation is a reality.  

Mess Up 

If you make a mistake while writing a check, you can erase what you've written and start over. Incorrect check amounts or misspelled names of intended recipients are two common causes of this problem.  

Perhaps you intended to give a gift to a newlywed couple, but inadvertently addressed the check to the groom as "Mr." and Mrs Johnson This may cause them some difficulty at the bank when they go to deposit the check if the account they want to use is only at Mrs. The surname Johnson  

Instructions for Creating a Null Check for Electronic Funds Transfer

First, visit your bank or credit union and request a checkbook if you don't already have one.

The second step is to deposit funds using a blank check from the checkbook associated with your checking account or the account into which funds are being deposited.

Thirdly, across the top of the front of the check, clearly write the word "VOID." Over important sections of the check, you can also write "VOID" in smaller letters. To cancel a check, you must write "VOID" in the dollar amount box, across the payee line, and on the signature line. It's acceptable to use either approach.

4. Cover most of the check with the word "VOID," leaving the check numbers at the bottom untouched. Those digits are required for the check to be electronically linked to your bank account.  

Method 5: *Make use of a permanent marker or ink pen (which cannot be erased). Do not use a pencil, as this would allow anyone who finds the check to remove the "VOID" and use it to steal money from your bank account.   

Step 6: Enter the cancelled check into the checkbook's check register. When you go to balance your checkbook in the future, you'll be able to recall the check's original purpose for being voided.  

The Proper Way to Cancel a Previously Written Check

You made a mistake on a check you wrote. You may no longer require the check, or you may need to make a correction to it after you have written it.  

In any of these cases, the check can be voided and will no longer be valid. An existing check can be destroyed in a secure manner by having it voided.  

Keep the voided check in your checkbook or banking records after following the steps above.  

Reversing a Sent Check: The Proper Procedure

So, you have already given or sent a check you need to cancel. Perhaps you miscalculated the amount, the check got lost in the mail, or you realized you don't have enough money in your account to cover the check's deposit.  

The best course of action in either of these scenarios is to request a Stop Payment Order. Cancelling a previously issued check requires submitting a Stop Payment Order to your financial institution.  

Cancelling a check after it has been sent is the same as bouncing the check in advance. In the event that you know a check you wrote is going to bounce, you may want to consider canceling it before the recipient attempts to deposit it. The fees for stopping a check payment will persist, though.  

For a bank to issue a Stop Payment Order, they will require specifics about the voided check. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you keep a check register in which you record the details of all of your check transactions, including the check number, the amount, and the payee's name.  

You can also request the return of the check if the recipient is a friend or family member. Taking care of financial matters like this amongst yourselves is usually the easiest option, as no one will incur any fees from their bank. Any check cancellation should be communicated to the intended payee.  

Where to Obtain a NSF Check

A voided check can be obtained by contacting your bank and requesting that they send you a new checkbook. When you open an account with certain banks and credit unions, you may receive a free book of checks as a welcome gift. Some companies insist that you buy checkbooks from them.  

Where and How to Mail a Null Check

If you need to send a voided check to your employer, all you need to do is inquire as to where you should send it. Bringing a void check directly to the office is another option.

Voting Bank Checks: Useful Sites

You can void a check at any financial institution by following the steps outlined above. This includes both banks and credit unions.  

To cancel a check, just write "VOID" in large letters on the front. Contact them whenever you need to cancel a check, and they'll walk you through the steps, no matter what kind of banking system you use.  

QuickBooks: How to Cancel a Check

Finding a Bank of America Voided Check

Instead of writing out a new check, you can simply download a direct deposit form through their online banking system and treat it as if it were a void check.  

Chase's instructions for obtaining a void check

Instructions for Cancelling a Wells Fargo Check

Record Everything

Keep a log of every check you write and every check that is returned unpaid. The checkbook register is the perfect place to record this data.  

Each check comes with a stub, a small slip of paper that serves as a receipt for the funds disbursed.  

When keeping track of voided checks, it's important to note why they were canceled.