How to Void a Check (and When You Need One)

Voiding a check means marking it so nobody can ever cash it. It takes one minute, but doing it the right way matters. A badly voided check can still be filled in and deposited, and a missing record can make your checkbook not match your bank.

This guide shows you how to void a paper check, how to make a voided check for direct deposit, what to do if the check is already in the mail, and how to void a check you printed with Check Snapper.

When do you need to void a check?

The most common reasons are:

• You made a mistake. Wrong amount, wrong payee, wrong date, or the amount in words does not match the number.
• Direct deposit setup. Many employers and payment apps ask for a voided check so they can copy your routing and account numbers.
• Automatic payments. Some companies ask for a voided check to set up automatic withdrawals from your account.
• The payment is no longer needed. The bill was paid another way, or the deal was canceled before you handed over the check.
• A printing problem. The check jammed, smeared or printed in the wrong place on the paper.

How to void a paper check (step by step)

1. Use a pen, not a pencil

Use a blue or black pen so the marks cannot be erased.

2. Write "VOID" in large letters across the front

Write VOID big and clear across the middle of the check. Many people also write VOID on the payee line, the amount box and the signature line, so no part of the check can be used.

3. Do not cover the numbers at the bottom (if it's for direct deposit)

The line of numbers at the bottom of the check is your routing number, account number and check number. If the voided check is for direct deposit, leave those numbers clear and easy to read. That is the whole reason the company asked for it.

4. Do not sign it

A voided check should never carry your signature.

5. Record it in your check register

Write the check number in your register and mark it "VOID". This keeps your check numbers in order, so a missing number does not look like a lost or stolen check later.

6. Keep it or destroy it

If you gave the voided check to an employer, that's fine. If it was a mistake, keep it with your records or shred it. Do not throw a check with your account number on it into the regular trash.

How to make a voided check for direct deposit

If your employer asks for a voided check:

1. Take a blank check from your checkbook (or print one, see below).
2. Write VOID across the front in large letters.
3. Make sure the routing number and account number at the bottom are still easy to read.
4. Give it to your employer, or take a clear photo if they accept an image.

No checkbook? Many banks and employers also accept a direct deposit form or a letter from the bank that shows your routing and account numbers. Ask your employer what they accept.

Print one instead. With Check Snapper you can print a check with your own bank details on blank check stock. Use Blank Checks to print a check with your bank line but no payee or amount, then write VOID across it by hand. Note: each blank check counts toward your plan's monthly check limit.

What if the check was already sent?

Writing VOID only works when the check is still in your hands. If you already mailed or handed over the check:

1. Call your bank and ask for a stop payment. Your bank can block the check from being cashed. Banks may charge a fee for this, so ask first.
2. Tell the person or company you paid, so they know not to deposit it.
3. Mark the check as voided in your register once the stop payment is done.
4. Watch your bank account to make sure the check does not clear.

How to void a check in Check Snapper

If you printed the check with Check Snapper, void it in the app too, so your register stays correct.

1. Open the Check Register.
2. Find the check and click Void.
3. If your Administrator turned on PIN protection for voids, enter the admin PIN.

The check stays in your register, marked Voided, and it is left out of your totals. Voided checks do not count toward your monthly check limit. If you open the Preview of a voided check, it shows VOID across it.

Then, if you still have the paper check, write VOID on it or shred it.

Void or Delete? Void keeps the check as a voided record. Delete removes it, and the check number is recorded as skipped and never used again. For a check that was already printed, Void is usually the clearer choice for your records.

Need to fix a printed check? A printed check cannot be edited. Void it and write a new one, or reprint it if it only had a printing problem. Every reprint asks for a reason, so your records show what happened.

Using QuickBooks Online? If the check was already sent to QuickBooks, make sure it is voided there too, so your books match.

More help: print your own checks at home and check printing for QuickBooks users.

Tips to avoid voiding checks

• Preview before you print. In Check Snapper the preview updates as you type, so you can catch a wrong amount before it hits paper.
• Let the software write the amount in words. Check Snapper fills in the amount in words for you, so the words always match the number. (Writing by hand? See how to write a check.)
• Do a test print on plain paper first if you just changed printers or check stock.

The bottom line

To void a check, write VOID in large letters across the front with a pen, don't sign it, and record it in your register. For direct deposit, keep the numbers at the bottom readable. If the check is already gone, call your bank for a stop payment.

If you print your own checks, Check Snapper keeps a register for you, so every voided check stays on record with its number. Start free at CheckSnapper.com.