A voided Check seems simple until a tiny mistake puts your bank account at risk. From fraudsters altering “VOID” marks to employers rejecting unclear copies, one slip-up can cause major headaches. Discover the 8 most dangerous voided check mistakes (that even smart people make) and learn how to protect your money in just 60 seconds.
Voiding a check may sound like a straightforward task, after all, all you have to do is scribble the word “VOID” on it, right?
Well, yes and no.
While the basic idea is simple, there are several common pitfalls that people fall into when voiding a check. These mistakes can cause confusion, lead to security risks, or even cause delays in payments.
If you live in the US, or anywhere, for that matter and want to void checks safely and correctly, this chatty guide is for you. Let’s uncover those common blunders and how to dodge them with ease.
What is a Voided Check?
A voided check simply means making a cheque unusable for any sort of payment or withdrawal. This is usually done by writing the word “VOID” clearly across the front of the cheque, rendering it invalid.
The key point is that even though the cheque cannot be cashed or deposited, it still displays your bank account details, such as the routing number and account number, which makes it useful for providing your banking information securely.
Why Void a Check Anyway?
Before we dive into mistakes, let’s quickly recap why you might need to void a check in the first place. People often void checks to:
- Set up direct deposit with your employer,
- Authorise automatic bill payments,
- Correct errors on a cheque before giving it out.
- Or provide bank information safely without risking fraudulent withdrawals.
Sounds simple enough, but a little care goes a long way to get it right.
Mistake #1: Writing “VOID” Too Small or Light
One of the most frequent errors? Simply not making the “VOID” mark big or bold enough. If the letters are faint or tiny, there’s a risk someone could try to use the cheque fraudulently, or it could be mistaken for a valid cheque. Banks and payment processors even use scanners that might overlook a lightly written “VOID”, leading to complications.
Tip: Use a permanent black or blue ink pen, writing “VOID” in large, capital letters right across the cheque’s front. For extra security, try writing “VOID” on important lines: payee line, amount box, date, and signature line.
Mistake #2: Obscuring Important Information
While you want your “VOID” to be prominent, it’s vital you don’t cover the routing number and account number at the bottom of the cheque. These numbers are exactly what the receiving party needs to set up accounts or payments correctly.
Tip: Carefully void the cheque so these numbers remain legible and clear. If these details are smudged or hidden, your employer or billing company might reject the cheque or ask for another one.
Mistake #3: Using a Pencil or Erasable Ink
It’s tempting if you don’t have the right pen handy, but never void a check using pencil, erasable ink, or anything that can be wiped or altered. Financial fraud is a global concern, and voided checks can be a target if the markings are tampered with.
Tip: Always use a blue or black permanent pen to ensure the voiding is irreversible.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Keep Records
People often forget to note which cheque they voided in their register or banking app. This omission can lead to confusion later on, especially when balancing your account or reconciling statements.
Tip: As soon as you void a check, record the cheque number, date, and reason for voiding in your ledger or finance app. This simple habit saves a lot of headaches.
Mistake #5: Improper Disposal of Voided Checks
Voided checks still contain your sensitive banking information, including routing and account numbers. Tossing them in the trash can put you at risk of identity theft or fraud through “check washing,” where thieves chemically remove ink.
Tip: After you’re done with your voided check, shred it thoroughly. If you don’t have a shredder, tear it into tiny pieces—especially around the numbers at the bottom—before discarding.
Mistake #6: Voiding the Wrong Check
It might sound silly, but sometimes people accidentally void the wrong cheque, perhaps an important one and have to scramble to fix that mistake. That’s not just inconvenient; it can also delay payments or cause overdraft issues.
Tip: Double-check the cheque number before writing “VOID” on it, especially if you void multiple cheques at once.
Mistake #7: Signing a Voided Check
Another common mix-up is signing the cheque even after voiding it. While it might seem harmless, adding a signature can cause confusion or create loopholes for misuse.
Tip: Don’t sign the cheque after voiding it. Just write “VOID” clearly and leave the signature line blank.
Mistake #8: Not Making Copies Before Voiding
Sometimes you need to provide a voided cheque to an employer, landlord, or service provider, but you might want to keep a copy for your records or future use.
Tip: Before voiding, make a photocopy or scan of the blank cheque. This way, you keep a clean, legible copy of your account details without wasting actual cheques.
Final thoughts
A voided Check may sound simple, but these common mistakes show why a careful approach matters. From bold, clear “VOID” letters in the right places, using permanent ink, and keeping records, to secure disposal, every step plays a role in protecting your money and identity.
Whether you’re setting up direct deposit, booking automatic payments, or just correcting an error, avoid these pitfalls to keep your finances running smoothly.
And remember, this advice isn’t just US-centric; wherever you are, the principles of safe cheque handling remain similar. With fewer people writing cheques these days, basic knowledge like this can still be important and prevent unnecessary hassle.
So next time you hear “void a check,” grab your pen and void it confidently, mistake-free and stress-free!
Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
