How to Get a Void Cheque

With the rapid digitization of banking services, many of us view cheques as quaint artifacts. However, one iteration of the cheque remains relevant – the void cheque. Whether you’re setting up direct deposits with a new employer or automating monthly bill payments, knowing how to get a void cheque is still a crucial financial skill.

What is a Void Cheque?

a valid check that helps illustrate the difference between how to get a void cheque.

A void cheque is essentially a cheque that has “VOID” prominently inscribed on it. This single word nullifies the cheque, preventing any unscrupulous attempts at misuse. Yet, it still displays all the necessary banking information such as transit, institution, and account numbers. With the surge in online banking, many institutions now offer digital void cheques, downloadable directly from your account. But if you’re a bit old-school or if your bank doesn’t provide that service, you can easily create one using a regular cheque. Simply write “VOID” in bold, ensuring the essential numbers remain legible.

Step-by-Step: How to Void a Cheque

  1. Select a Cheque: Grab an unused cheque from your chequebook.
  2. Write “VOID”: With a pen or permanent marker, write “VOID” across the front of the cheque. Ensure it’s large enough to be obvious but doesn’t obscure the key banking details.
  3. Check Legibility: The numbers at the bottom – transit number (five digits), institution number (three digits), and your account number – must remain visible.

Image of a cheque with the components listed by TD.

Primary Purposes of a Void Cheque

  • Direct Deposits: When starting a new job, employers often ask for a void cheque. It provides the financial department with your banking details to initiate direct deposits, ensuring you get your salary swiftly.
  • Automated Payments: For recurring expenses, like utilities or subscriptions, void cheques can facilitate auto-withdrawals, freeing you from monthly manual payments.
  • Safety: Mistakes happen. If you err while writing a cheque, don’t just discard it. Void it, ensuring it doesn’t get misused.

To Whom Should You Entrust a Void Cheque?

A void cheque, while inactive, still holds your banking details. Hence, it’s paramount to be selective. Primarily, void cheques should be shared with:

  • Employers setting up direct deposits.
  • Service providers when automating regular payments.

No Chequebook? Alternatives to the Physical Void Cheque

Physical cheques are dwindling, but the need for banking details persists. If you’re among many without a chequebook, here’s what you can do:

  • Digital Solutions: Many banks, especially the big names, let users print void cheques directly from online accounts.
  • Branch Assistance: A visit to your local bank branch can solve the issue. They can provide a pre-voided cheque.
  • Direct Deposit Forms: Lacking a void cheque, many employers and companies offer direct deposit forms which require the same details found on a cheque. Simply fill in your banking details, usually available in the “Account Info” section of your online bank portal.

Signatures on Void Cheques: Necessary or Not?

The answer is simple: No. Since a void cheque isn’t processed, there’s no need to sign it. In fact, keeping it unsigned adds a layer of security.

Uses of a Void Cheque

In today’s rapidly digitizing world, it’s easy to dismiss the relevance of a physical cheque. However, the void cheque remains an indispensable tool in various financial transactions. Understanding its multiple applications can offer clarity about its continued importance.

  1. Setting Up Direct Deposits: A common use of a void cheque is during the initial setup process with a new employer. By providing a void cheque, you allow the payroll department to access the necessary details to facilitate the seamless direct deposit of your salary into your bank account.
  2. Automatic Payments and Billings: Whether it’s your gym membership, utilities, or mortgage payment, many businesses offer the convenience of automatic withdrawals. Handing over a void cheque ensures they have the correct banking details to facilitate these regular transactions.
  3. Security and Mistake Rectification: Mistakes happen, especially when writing cheques. If you’ve filled out a cheque incorrectly, rather than discarding it as is, you can void it to prevent misuse. This ensures that even if someone did get their hands on it, they couldn’t cash it or misuse the details.
  4. Tenant Security Deposits: Landlords sometimes require a series of post-dated cheques from tenants. If the tenant doesn’t have a chequebook handy, a void cheque can provide the landlord with the necessary banking information to set up a monthly electronic funds transfer.
  5. Setting Up Online Platforms: Many online platforms, especially those that manage large sums of money like investment platforms or crowdfunding sites, require bank verification. A void cheque can be used to confirm the authenticity and ownership of the bank account.

How to Safeguard Your Void Cheque

While void cheques are immensely useful, they do carry certain security implications. Here’s how you can ensure the safety of your financial data:

  1. Limit Accessibility: Only provide a void cheque when absolutely necessary. Always question and understand why it’s required.
  2. Use Permanent Ink: When voiding a cheque, always use a pen, ensuring that the “VOID” inscription cannot be erased or tampered with.
  3. Monitor Your Account: After providing your void cheque, keep a close watch on your bank account for any unusual activities.
  4. Store Safely: If you have multiple void cheques, store them in a secure place, just as you would with other sensitive documents.

Alternatives to Void Cheques

The world of digital finance continually offers alternatives to traditional banking tools. When it comes to replicating the functionality of a void cheque:

  1. Online Banking Portals: Many banks now offer the option to download a digital void cheque or equivalent banking details directly from their websites.
  2. Direct Deposit Forms: These forms, provided by your financial institution, can replace void cheques in most scenarios. They carry all the requisite information for setting up deposits or automatic payments.
  3. Mobile Banking Apps: Some modern banking apps have a feature that allows users to share their banking details securely, eliminating the need for a physical void cheque.

Mistakes to Avoid When Handling a Void Cheque

While void cheques are straightforward, there’s room for error. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

  1. Not Using Clear, Bold Letters: When marking a cheque as void, ensure it’s legible and evident. This prevents any potential misuse.
  2. Discarding Without Voiding: If you mess up while writing a cheque, always void it before disposing of it.
  3. Overexposure: Limit how frequently and to whom you give out void cheques. The more people have access to your banking details, the higher the risk.

In Conclusion: The Modern Use of Void Cheques

Even in our predominantly digital era, knowing how to get a void cheque remains vital. While you might not require a physical chequebook, understanding your banking details, and when to use them, is essential for efficient financial management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is it secure to share a void cheque?
  • Yes, especially when “VOID” is distinctly marked. However, be judicious about sharing, limiting it to necessary scenarios.
  • What’s the distinction between a direct deposit form and a void cheque?
  • Both provide requisite banking details. While one is a voided cheque, the other is a dedicated form from your bank.
  • How do direct deposits differ from void cheques?
  • Both relay vital banking details. The difference? One’s a nullified cheque; the other’s a banking document.
  • What constitutes a direct deposit void cheque?
  • It’s a cheque marked “VOID,” enabling entities to glean your banking info for setting up direct deposits.

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