In today’s digital age, paper checks might seem like a thing of the past. Even so, there are certain situations when you may need to write a check or may be asked to provide a voided check.

Voiding a check is a simple but important process for ensuring a check can’t be used fraudulently or mistakenly. Here’s a closer look at when you might need to void a check and how to do it properly.

What is a voided check?

A voided check is a paper check that has the word “VOID” written across the front of it. This tells banking institutions that the check shouldn’t be used as a form of payment (as in, it can’t be cashed).

Usually, the purpose of a voided check is to provide a bank or credit union with the account information they need to set up a recurring transfer or bill payment. That’s because a paper check contains key information such as your bank account number and routing number.

How to void a check

Voiding a check is simple: You just need to write the word “VOID” across the face of the check in large letters using a blue or black ink pen. You can also write this word in smaller letters within the individual fields of the check, such as the payee line, signature line, and date line.

When voiding a check, you should avoid writing over the routing and account numbers at the bottom of the check, as the recipient of that voided check will need this information to set up a recurring or automatic payment.

Once you’ve voided the check, you can make a copy of it for your records and destroy the original.

If you don’t have a checkbook, you can request what’s known as a “counter check” — a blank check printed by your bank — and then void that check.

When do you need to void a check?

There are a few different situations when a voided check may be needed, including:

• Setting up direct deposit: When setting up direct deposit through your employer, you may be required to provide them with a voided check so that they know where the money should be deposited.

• ACH transfers: ACH transfers are electronic transfers made between banks or credit unions using the Automated Clearing House (ACH network). You might use an ACH transfer to receive your paycheck, transfer money between bank accounts, or to send money to another person's account.

• Electronic bill payments: If you want to automate regular bill payments, you may need to give your provider a voided check.

• Canceling a check: If you make an error while writing a check, you can write “VOID” on the front of the check to prevent that check from being used before you write another one.

Alternatives to a voided check

In many cases, you don’t need a voided check to set up recurring direct deposit or bill payments. You may be able to submit your bank details online or your employer can provide you with a direct deposit form in lieu of a voided check. This form will ask you for your bank details and authorize your employer to deposit your paycheck each pay cycle.

You can also request an official letter from your bank that states your account information and routing number, and give that to your employer or service provider to set up recurring payments or direct deposit.