You might need to show a rejected check when you set up regular bill payments, job deposits, or investments from your bank account. These checks have information about your bank account on them, and whoever asks for the canceled check will use that information to set up an internet link to your bank account. The only catch is that you have to know how to get around a check, which is something you may not have done before.
On the front of the check-in, the word “VOID” should be put in capital letters. Make the letters big enough to take up most of the height and width of the check. But don’t cover up the numbers at the bottom of your check. The person who receives it needs to be able to link the check to your bank account. Write “VOID” with a pen or fine-tipped marker so that it can’t be erased.
If you write “VOID” across the front of a check, you can’t use it to make a normal check payment (by writing in a name and an amount).
If a thief stole your blank check, they wouldn’t be able to use it to spend your money. This means that they would be taking money from your account.
Make a record
Write it down in your checkbook so you can remember where that particular check went. If you don’t, there will be a space between your check numbers, leaving you to wonder what went wrong. Have you ever given someone a large check but then forgot about it? Has that check ever been stolen? How long before it’s in your account? Write “VOID,” the check number, the date, and a note about why you canceled the check (such as who you gave it to) in your check record.
Send the picture or the money order.
Your check can now be sent. If you want to send the blank check online, don’t just send it in an open email message. Make sure hackers and crooks can’t find your account information. Think about putting the picture in a safe file vault or encrypting it.
If you don’t have checks
How can you dodge a check if you don’t have any? You might need to think outside the box, wait for checks, or find another way to link your bank account.
Online Resources
Check to see if you can link your bank account and do everything online. Instead of using forms, which require you to reject a check, try going into your account or seeing if there is a way to do it online. Most of the time, you need to fill out a form online with details about your bank account.
Deposit Receipts
You can set up deposit or refund directions without a destroyed check by using a deposit slip instead. You might need to use a cash slip that is already filled out instead of a new one that you fill out by hand after leaving the bank. There might be a lot of these slips that are already written on the back of your checkbook.
First Checks
You could also ask for a “counter check” when you go to a branch. The teller can make a check with your account number and name on it. If so, try to stop payment on the check as if it came from your bank account.
Verify printers
When you use a check machine to make a check. A picture of a canceled check as a creative answer. This method can help you get a computer picture of a check that shows your account information, but it won’t work if you need to mail the check. Once you’ve started buying checks, you’ll have a picture of a personal check that you can delete when it’s time to “preview” your order.
Various Documents
If nothing else works, you could try getting formal records from your bank or credit union instead of voiding a check. Request a letter from your bank that has information about your account, such as your routing number and the type of account you have (checking or savings). As an option, some banks have written letters that you can print while logged into your online banking account. These letters should have all the information you need to set up direct payment.
Copy something
Once you have the canceled check, you might want to scan it or make a copy of it. In the years to come, you might be asked for canceled checks more than once. You can use the same copy over and over again when an original check isn’t needed, like when you fax in the directions or send a computer picture of your check.
Make sure to keep copies of your checks in a safe place, like a file box with a lock or a secure folder on your computer.
(FAQs) Questions and Answers
Can a check be taken back after it has already been sent?
If you already sent out a check without marking it as empty or you think one has been lost or stolen, you could still put a stop order on it to keep your money from being stolen. You must first call your bank to find out if that check has already been cashed. If it hasn’t, they should be able to stop that check from being paid. You’ll need to know who the check is for, how much it is, and the check number. If any of this information is wrong or not clear, the check could still be paid. The only way to avoid financial loss would be to freeze the account.
When should you not cash a check?
When you need to set up a direct transfer or direct withdrawal, you’ll usually need to void a check to prove a new account. Even though you can write down information about your account, many companies still need the canceled check as proof.
How long does a check have to be valid before it can be cashed?
Most checks are good for six months, but banks may still accept checks that are past their expiration date. Some checks may have a different time limit written on them, like three months or a year.
