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Dear Dr. Don,
I'm 20 years old and am learning how to manage my money. I just got a job and opened a checking account so I
could have the paycheck on direct deposit. My parents are good with finances but they're letting me learn
about managing my money by trial and error. So, I need to know how to void a check.
-- Traci Trepid
Dear Traci,
Well, you've latched on to one of the best consumer finance sites on the Web to help you learn more about your
finances. Make Bankrate.com a favorite and come visit us when you need to
learn more about managing your finances.
When initiating direct deposit, the employer will typically ask you for a voided check. That's
because your employer needs the account information found on the check, including your account number and the
bank's routing number.
Giving them a voided check improves the odds that there are no transposition errors and your
paycheck gets deposited into your account. The Bankrate feature, "Direct
deposit: How it works," provides more detail about the process.
Voiding a check is a pretty simple matter. You merely write "VOID" on the check in letters large
enough to make your intent clear. You can write it on the payee line or write it on a diagonal across the check.
Leave the check unsigned. Remember to list the check number as voided in your check register.
Since you're new to checking, you should also learn about how to stop payment on a check. The
Bankrate feature, "You can stop payment on a check, for a price --
and for a limited time only," provides you with the details of this process.
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