One of the top benefits of having a chequing account is your ability to write and cash cheques. You can also provide a void cheque to your employer so they can pay your salary using direct deposit.
While cheques are not as common as they once were, they still have their uses.
What is a void cheque, and how does it work?
This guide covers how to write a void cheque or print one from your Canadian bank – RBC, CIBC, Scotiabank, TD, BMO, and others.
What is a Void Cheque?
A void or “voided” cheque is a cheque with the word “VOID” written across it.
This makes the cheque unacceptable for payments; however, it can still be used to set up electronic payments and direct deposits.
If you give a void cheque to someone, they can use the banking information on it to pay you or receive money from you.
How To Void a Cheque
If you have a cheque book, you can tear off one of the cheques and follow these steps to void it:
- Use a dark pen or marker and write “VOID” across the front of the cheque in large letters
- Do not cover your bank details at the bottom of the cheque, as these will be useful to the recipient of the void cheque
- You may want to note the cheque number for your records or make a copy if required
Void Cheque Example
Here’s what a void cheque sample looks like:
How To Get a Void Cheque in Canada
Even if you don’t have a chequebook (they are pretty expensive!), you can print off a void cheque or a pre-authorized debit form that serves the same purpose from your online banking account.
These pre-authorized payment or direct deposit forms can also be downloaded in PDF format and sent by email.
You can follow the steps below to get a void cheque from Canada’s big five banks.
RBC Void Cheque
- Sign in to RBC Online Banking
- Click on “Account Services” and select “View and Print Void Cheque”
- Choose the appropriate bank account
- Accept the terms and conditions and click on “Next”
- Print your RBC void cheque or download it
Void Cheque for CIBC
- Sign in to CIBC Online Banking
- Open your chequing account
- Select the “Void cheque/direct deposit info” link under “Manage My Account”
- Print the CIBC void cheque form and sign it
Void Cheque for BMO
- Sign in to your BMO Online Account
- Select the appropriate bank account
- Click on the “Void Cheque” link
- Print the BMO void cheque or download it for emailing
Scotiabank Void Cheque
- Sign in to Scotiabank Online Banking
- Select the appropriate chequing account from your dashboard
- Select “Direct Deposit & Payments”
- Click on “Void Cheque” and print or download the form
You can also access your Scotiabank void cheque using the mobile app.
TD Void Cheque
- Sign in to EasyWeb
- Select the bank account you need a void cheque for
- Select the “direct deposit form (PDF)” form on the right-hand side
- View, download or print the TD void cheque sample
You can print or download void cheques from other Canadian financial institutions as well, including National Bank, Desjardins, and Tangerine.
What is a Void Cheque Used For?
Void cheques come in handy when you need someone to set up direct deposit payments to your bank account, such as payment of wages.
They will use the bank numbers at the bottom of the cheque, i.e. transit number, institution number, and account number.
A void cheque may also be requested from you to set up regular pre-authorized debits from your account, such as:
- Insurance payments
- Mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Auto loan payments
- Student loan payments
- Credit card payments
What is a Void Cheque FAQs
If you don’t have a chequebook, you can print off a pre-authorized payment form from your online banking account in place of a void cheque.
An employer may request you provide a void cheque to pay your salary via direct deposit. They use the information on the void cheque to make payments directly to your bank account.
You should avoid sending your banking details using unsecured means of electronic communication.
No. You can just provide the necessary banking details and may not need a void cheque.
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