What Is a Void Cheque in Canada?

Even though it is slowly becoming an older technology, most of us are familiar with the idea of a cheque. But what is a void cheque? And why would you ever need one? It sounds old-fashioned, especially in a world where everything is digital, but cheques still matter. A void cheque can provide plenty of information to any employer, government agency or service provider.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a void cheque is, why they’re still relevant, how to get one and the safest way to share it. Whether you bank online or keep a chequebook at home, understanding void cheques can save you time and prevent payment errors later on.

What Is a Void Cheque?

A void cheque is a regular paper cheque with the word “VOID” written across the front. That one step of writing the word is all it takes. By marking it this way, you signal to the bank and anyone who handles the cheque that it is not a payment. It can’t get deposited, cashed or altered into a legitimate cheque. The word “VOID” essentially deactivates it.

What’s the purpose of a void cheque then? Simple. It’s not for spending. Rather it’s for sharing your banking details. Along the bottom of the cheque, there is important data including your transit, institution, and account numbers. By providing a void cheque, you are simply handing over your bank information.

Why Void Cheques Are Still Used in Canada

Despite today’s digital world, there are still plenty of reasons why you might need to give someone a void cheque. As I mentioned above, the cheque outlines your personal banking information. This can come in handy for setting up any of the following:

•  Automatic payroll deposits
• Pension benefits including CPP and OAS
• Government payments
• Direct deposit
•  Automatic withdrawals for utility bills, insurance or mortgage payments

By providing a void cheque, you are ensuring that you give accurate and complete banking details. Essentially, it helps minimize errors. 

Today, digital alternatives to a void cheque do exist. While you can try to use a direct deposit form or online screenshot instead, not every employer or service provider will accept them.

How to Get a Void Cheque in Canada

There are a few simple ways to get a void cheque and the right choice for you will depend on whether or not you have a physical chequebook or if you do your banking online. Regardless of how you bank, each method will give you the same information and fulfill the need for a void cheque.

Using your chequebook

If you have a physical chequebook, your simplest option is to take out a blank cheque and write “VOID” across it in large, clear letters. Make sure the word covers enough space so you can no longer use the cheque. But avoid covering the numbers at the bottom of the page. Those digits are the MICR line and they are the primary reason you are sharing the cheque. They contain your banking details.

Once you finish voiding the cheque, you can give it to your employer, service provider or whoever is asking for the details. You don’t need to fill in the date, payee or amount.You should not sign the cheque, either. Simply leave those areas blank.

Downloading a digital void cheque

Today, many Canadians will get their void cheques online. Each of the biggest banks in Canada will offer a downloadable version through their online or mobile banking platforms. No chequebook required.

Though each bank will provide this information under a different prompt, you can always contact the institution’s customer service line if you need help locating it. Before you call, you can check your online banking and look for labels such as “Direct Deposit Form,” “Pre-Authorized Payment Form” or “Void Cheque.” With just a few clicks, you can download a PDF version that functions exactly like a traditional void cheque.

Getting a direct deposit form

As an alternative, you can also ask your bank to give you a direct deposit form. The document will contain the same banking details that you find on a void cheque and most businesses will accept the form in its place. To obtain this document, download a copy through your online banking or visit a branch to request a printed copy.

Security Tips: How to Share a Void Cheque Safely

While a void cheque isn’t eligible for deposit, it still contains sensitive information. This means that you should treat it like any other financial document. Only share the cheque with a trusted employer, government agencies or well-established service providers. Ideally avoid sending a void cheque by email. The exception here is if the organization uses secured uploading tools.

If you hand over a physical copy of your void cheque, it is best to give it directly to the recipient rather than leaving it in a mailbox or unmonitored area. It may seem excessive but protecting your financial information is always worth it.

Takeaway

A void cheque may sound like an old-school banking tool, but it’s still quite useful today. It helps provide your banking information which employers, the government or utility companies can use to set up secure deposits or withdrawals. While chequebooks are less common today, getting a void cheque is still quite easy thanks to online banking.

Just remember, once you have your void cheque, share it carefully. A little caution goes a long way to protect your information.