Ever been asked to provide a void cheque to set up direct deposit or automatic payments in Canada, but weren’t quite sure how to do it? It’s one of those simple banking tasks that can leave you second-guessing what to write or why it’s needed. Many people find it confusing, especially when doing it for the first time.
Knowing how to properly void a cheque can make managing your finances much easier, especially if you’re new to Canada and still getting used to local banking practices. That’s why we’ve created this simple, step-by-step guide at Remitly to show you exactly how to void a cheque in Canada with confidence.
We’ll explain when and why you might need one and what to do if you don’t have any physical cheques available.
What does it mean to void a cheque?
Voiding a cheque simply means writing the word “VOID” across the front of it in large, clear letters. Once you do that, no one can fill out the cheque to withdraw money from your account.
A voided cheque is mainly used to safely share your banking details with employers, service providers, and government agencies. It includes your account, institution, and transit numbers, which are printed on the cheque. Your institution number represents your bank, while your transit number identifies your branch, making it easy for payments to be processed accurately.
It’s also worth noting that a voided cheque isn’t the same as a cancelled cheque. When you void a cheque in Canada, you’re preventing it from ever being used. However, a cancelled cheque has already been issued for payment and later stopped or reversed by the bank.
When do you need a voided cheque in Canada?
There are several everyday situations where you might need a voided cheque:
- Setting up direct deposits: Employers often request a voided cheque to deposit your pay directly into your bank account. It also saves you the hassle of cashing physical cheques every payday.
- Automatic bill payments: Utility companies, landlords, and subscription services may ask for a void cheque to set up recurring payments. It helps ensure your bills are paid automatically and on time each month, so you don’t have to remember due dates or worry about missing payments.
- Opening investment accounts: Some investment firms may request a voided cheque to link your bank account for deposits or withdrawals. This makes it easier to transfer money in and out of your investment account securely. It also allows automatic contributions to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).
- Government benefits: You may also need a voided cheque to receive payments such as Employment Insurance (EI), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), or Old Age Security (OAS). Providing a voided cheque helps government agencies deposit your payments directly into your account.
- Mortgages and loans: Lenders often request a voided cheque to confirm your banking details for automatic payments. This ensures your mortgage or loan payments are withdrawn automatically and on time every month.
Employers and financial institutions prefer voided cheques because they reduce processing errors. The numbers printed on the cheque are verified directly by your bank, ensuring your account information is accurate and easy to process.
How to void a cheque in Canada: Step-by-step instructions
Voiding cheques for direct deposits and other reasons in Canada is simple once you follow the right steps:
1. Get a blank cheque from your chequebook
Choose a blank cheque from the account you want to use for direct deposit or automatic payments. Don’t use a cheque that already has writing or a signature on it.
2. Write void in large letters across the front of the cheque
Using a pen, write the word “VOID” across the front, either diagonally or horizontally. The key is to make sure it’s easy to read. This marks the cheque as unusable for payments.
3. Ensure the word “VOID” covers the signature line and payment amount areas
Covering these sections prevents anyone from attempting to fill out or cash the cheque. It’s a simple but important step to protect your banking information from misuse.
4. Keep the banking information visible and legible
Don’t write over the bottom area of the cheque where your account, institution, and transit numbers are printed. These details are what recipients need to set up your payments or deposits correctly.
5. Make a copy for your records before providing it
Before handing over or uploading the voided cheque, take a photo or make a copy for your records. This helps you keep track of what you’ve shared and is useful if there’s ever a mix-up later.
Important tips for voiding a cheque safely
Voiding a cheque is straightforward, but taking a few simple precautions can help you keep your banking information safe.
Never sign a voided cheque
Your signature isn’t needed when voiding a cheque. Leaving the section blank helps prevent anyone from trying to use it fraudulently or altering it for payment. If you’ve already signed it by mistake, it’s safer to destroy that cheque and start with a new one instead.
Don’t fill in any other information
A voided cheque should only have the word “VOID” written on it. Any other details, such as date, payee, or amount, could cause confusion or increase the risk of unauthorized use.
Use black or blue ink for visibility
These ink colours are clear and easy to read on scanned or photocopied cheques. Avoid using pencils or light-coloured pens, as the word “VOID” may not show up clearly.
Store copies securely and never email unencrypted images
If you ever need to send a voided cheque electronically, use a secure, encrypted platform. Don’t use public Wi-Fi. For extra safety, store your copy in a password-protected file or keep the physical cheque in a secure place.
Verify your recipient’s legitimacy first
Always double-check who’s asking for your voided cheque. Whether it’s an employer, service provider, or financial institution, be sure you’re sharing your information with a legitimate source. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to the organization directly through its official contact channels before sending any banking details.
What if you don’t have cheques?
Not everyone uses cheques these days, and that’s fine. If you don’t have a chequebook, most Canadian banks offer simple and free alternatives to provide your banking information securely.
Pre-authorized debit forms
Most Canadian banks can provide a pre-authorized debit (PAD) form that lists your account, transit, and institution numbers. It serves the same purpose as a voided cheque and is accepted by employers, service providers, and government agencies.
Online banking screenshots
Some organizations may accept a screenshot of your online banking page showing your account details, but only if your bank confirms this option is valid. Be sure your screenshot clearly displays your name, account number, and institution information, and avoid including any unrelated personal details.
Letter from your bank
If you prefer an official document, you can request a letter from your bank confirming your account information. This letter, printed on bank letterhead, includes everything needed to set up deposits or withdrawals securely.
Digital banking and void cheque alternatives
In today’s digital age, you don’t have to rely on physical cheques to share your banking details. Most major Canadian banks now provide secure digital tools that make it quick, safe, and convenient to access or share the same details a voided cheque would include.
Bank-specific digital solutions
Leading banks such as Toronto-Dominion (TD), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal (BMO), or Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) let you download or view your direct deposit details through their online banking platforms or mobile apps. They usually provide your account, transit, and institution numbers, just like a traditional cheque. Many online banks also offer downloadable PDFs that you can securely upload or print when needed.
Accessing information through mobile apps
With your bank’s app, you can find your banking details under sections such as account information, direct deposit, or void cheque. Simply open your account and look for these options, and you’ll see your account, transit, and institution numbers displayed.
This lets you access your information instantly without going to a branch or handling paper cheques. Some apps even let you share details directly with employers or service providers through secure, encrypted links.
Security considerations for digital alternatives
When using digital banking options, always make sure you’re connected to a secure Wi-Fi network. Use only your bank’s official website or mobile app to protect yourself from phishing scams, and turn on two-factor authentication whenever possible to keep your financial information secure.
Voiding a cheque made simple
Voiding a cheque is a simple and reliable way to safely share your banking information when setting up direct deposits or automatic payments. By writing “VOID” clearly across a blank cheque and keeping your account details visible, you help ensure accuracy and security.
It’s a common and trusted practice in Canadian banking that helps prevent errors and make financial transactions easier to manage. Always handle voided cheques carefully, store them securely, and only share them with verified and trusted organizations.
If you don’t have a chequebook, your bank can provide easy alternatives like direct deposit forms or pre-authorized debit forms. Keeping a few voided cheques or their digital equivalents on hand can save time and make future banking tasks even smoother.
FAQs
Can I void a cheque online?
You can’t technically void a physical cheque online, but most Canadian banks now let you generate a digital void cheque or direct deposit form through online or mobile banking. These documents include your account, transit, and institution numbers and can be downloaded or printed for secure sharing with employers or service providers.
Is it safe to void a cheque?
Yes, voiding a cheque is safe when done properly. Writing “VOID” across the cheque prevents anyone from using it for unauthorized transactions, while still allowing the recipients to view your banking details. Always store it securely and share it only with trusted institutions.
Can I use the same voided cheque for multiple purposes?
You can make copies of a voided cheque for your personal records, but it’s best to use a separate copy for each request. This makes it easier to track where your banking information has been shared and helps reduce the risk of misuse.
What if I make a mistake while voiding a cheque?
If you accidentally cover your account details or make the cheque hard to read, simply start over with a new one. Avoid using correction fluid or crossing out errors, as this can make the document look altered, so it may not be accepted.
What’s the difference between a voided cheque and a pre-authorized debit form?
A pre-authorized debit form, available from your bank, serves the same purpose as a voided cheque, but it is entirely digital. It includes verified account information and can be submitted electronically, which is ideal if you don’t have or use chequebooks.
Do credit unions provide void cheque alternatives?
Yes. Most Canadian credit unions offer printable direct deposit forms or digital void cheques through their online banking platforms or mobile apps. These can usually be downloaded for free and work just like a traditional cheque. Many credit unions also provide customer support to help you find and download these forms easily.