It’s a drill that’s been taking place for as long as anyone can remember: Start a new job and on your first day be sure to bring a voided check to set up Direct Deposit.
The thing is, this being 2022 not everyone has paper checks, especially young people. Also, new hires are increasingly joining remotely, and can’t bring in a voided check. Does that preclude these folks from enjoying the benefits of Direct Deposit?
Certainly not!
The whole point of the voided check has been to provide payroll departments with account and routing numbers. But today there are many ways to find those.
Financial Institutions (FIs) typically make account and routing numbers readily available to customers that sign in to online and mobile banking, whether on the web or the FI’s app. Some FIs even offer logged in customers the option to create prefilled Direct Deposit forms, which makes the process extra easy. Of course, you can also call your bank or credit union, which will give you the account and routing numbers once their representative verifies it’s really you on the phone.
Nacha leads by example, having done away with collecting voided paper checks both from new team members as well as those who want to change their banking information. Today, Nacha employees do everything through a secure portal which also allows them to access tax forms, paystubs and more.
“With the use of a secure payroll portal, all staff set up their own Direct Deposit with as many accounts that they want. Gone are the days of submitting a voided check to HR,” said Jennifer Shannon, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Nacha’s Director of Human Resources.
Shannon also noted that many at Nacha are using the Split Deposit feature of Direct Deposit, with a flat amount or a percentage of their pay earmarked for savings, while rest goes to a primary deposit account.
Split Deposit is the focus of Save Automatically Day during America Saves Week, Feb. 21-15, 2022. Nacha has a Split Deposit Toolkit available for free, which includes graphics and social media posts.
Learn more about Direct Deposit and Split Deposit on Nacha’s website.
Being able to void a check is an essential part of money management. You may need to cancel a check for several reasons, and it’s a great idea to know how to handle this. Maybe you want to know how to get a voided check without a checkbook. Perhaps you haven’t gotten around to ordering checks or just choose not to have them since you may not need them very often. But occasionally, they are helpful. Let’s check out
how to void a check without a checkbook. Let’s begin with this question – what is a voided check? It’s pretty simple. It’s just a check with the
words “VOID” printed or written on it. This check is not usable, so this is typically done when a mistake is made or to give someone the information on the check without giving them money. Simply write “VOID” across the check using black ink. Make sure you print clearly so that it’s easy to read the word. That’s really all there is to it; it’s a simple process. When you void a check, you leave the check information visible but make it unusable for funds. This can come in
handy for some things, as you’ll soon find out. What are the circumstances that would cause you to need a voided check? The first is if you want to set up automatic payments for bills or loans. If you would like for your bills to be paid from your account without you having to write a check or pay over the phone or online, you can do this. It’s an easy way to pay for things, especially if you aren’t
great with bill due dates. Another reason you might need a voided check is to authorize a government agency to deposit money into your account. It’s a streamlined way to get the cash quickly. A widespread reason for a voided check is to give your employer direct deposit access. This will make it faster and easier to receive your paycheck from work. Related:
Simple Steps for Filling Out a Check the Right WayVoided Checks: What are They?
When Should I Use a Void Check?
Why Do Employers Ask for a Void Check?
This is very common, and it’s a smart way to get access to your paycheck immediately. While you can still get paid by check for your work, most people prefer direct deposits.
A voided check has all the information your employer needs to deposit money into your checking account.
This can help out a lot if you don’t like to go to the bank all the time or prefer not to deal with a lot of paper. A direct deposit is also likely to be the quickest way to get your money, and who doesn’t want that?
How Do You Do a Direct Deposit Without a Voided Check?
The best way to go about this is to ask your particular bank. Question them about their system for setting up a direct deposit without a voided check. Then do whatever is required by them.
How Do I Obtain a Voided Check for a Direct Deposit?
Maybe you don’t have checks, but you don’t want to deal with the extra steps involved in setting up your direct deposit. To avoid all this, you can get a one-time check voided, which will make things simpler.
Stop by your bank and ask them for a counter check. They will print this for you, and then you can void it to give to your employer.
Related: Is it Safe to Order Checks Online?
What Are the Options Besides a Voided Check for Direct Deposit?
If voided checks are not an option or you’d like to use a different method, there are several other things that you can try.
1. A direct deposit authorization form.
You can fill out this form to allow your employer to put direct deposits into your account. You will need to provide information about your bank, like account and routing numbers, in addition to some other information.
2. A deposit slip with your banking information preprinted on it.
A deposit slip will still have your account information and the bank’s routing number. This can sometimes be used instead of a voided check.
3. A photocopy of a check or deposit slip for your account.
This can sometimes be used, ask your employer if this will work.
4. Get a letter with the information needed to be printed on a bank letterhead.
You may be able to do this instead of voiding a check if you want. Be sure that the account and routing numbers are included.
How to Get a Voided Check Online?
If you need a voided check and don’t have a checkbook, look at your bank’s online system. You can send yourself a check and then mark it as void.
Another option is to print a check. Using check printing software, print out the check and then void it.
It is Possible to Get a Voided Check Without a Checkbook
Occasionally, most people will need to void a check for something, like to give to your employer. Even if you prefer not to have a checkbook or don’t have one, you can still get a voided check if you need one.
There are lots of ways, from online to asking your bank. Use one of these methods if you need to know how to get a voided check quickly and easily.
Remember that while checks are not a necessity for finance in most cases, it can be highly inconvenient to do without them. It’s tough to know when you might need one, so having at least a few checks around is not a bad idea to help you stay organized financially.
In fact, there are several reasons for having checks, including taxes and bill payments. If you know that you may be in a situation where you’ll need a voided check, such as when starting a new job, make sure to plan in advance, so you have what you need.
Related Articles:
- How to Cash a Torn Check
- Can You Use a Check with an Old Address on It?
- How to Cash a Cashier’s Check (Even Without a Bank Account)
- 12 Parts of a Check Explained
- How to Write a Check the Right Way
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Steffa Mantilla
Certified Financial Education Instructor
Steffa is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and the founder behind Money Tamer. Her 12-year background in operant conditioning and positive behavioral change training is used to help people find effective motivators to change their harmful money behaviors. Steffa explains the reasons “why” behind people’s financial behaviors and how to successfully change them. After paying off over $80,000 in debt through budgeting, she now teaches families how to get their own finances in order. You can learn more about her here.