Sign in Start now

Special offer: Get access to everything Melio has to offer, free for your first 30 days. Start now ›

Back to Payments
Payments
6 min

How To Void A Check That Was Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged

Learn how to void a check that was lost, stolen, or damaged, and resend the payment fast.

Published at | Updated:
A restaurant owner writing a check to one of her vendors.

Key takeaways

  • Confirm the check hasn’t been cashed or deposited yet, since you can only void one that is still outstanding.
  • Place a stop payment through your bank by gathering the check details and approving the fee, which is often about $30 or more.
  • Renew a stop payment if you still need it, since orders usually last six months and older checks may be refused.
  • Void and resend a check in a few clicks with Melio to skip bank fees and avoid a missed due date.

What does it mean to void a check?

Voiding a check means making it unusable so no one can cash or deposit it. There are two situations to know. You can write VOID on an unused check when you need to share your bank details, like setting up direct deposit. Or you can stop payment on a check you already sent, which is what you do when a check is lost, stolen, or damaged.

This guide focuses on the second case. If a check leaves your hands and something goes wrong, you can cancel it and resend the payment so you do not miss your due date.

You’ve got two options

You have two ways to void a check you already sent: place a stop payment through your bank, or void it in a few clicks with Melio.

Voiding a check that’s already out of your hands can be a cumbersome and expensive process. That is, unless you’re using a service like Melio to manage your payments.

In this article, we’ll list the steps you need to take to void a check using the traditional method through your bank. We’ll also outline the simple, secure way to void a check on Melio in just a few clicks.

How to void a check the traditional way through your bank

Here’s how to stop payment on a check through your bank, step by step. Voiding a check this way isn’t very complicated, but it does require a few steps: contacting the bank, submitting a stop-payment request, paying any necessary fees, and following up.

1. Check the status of your check

You can only void a check that hasn’t been cashed or deposited yet. So, the first thing you need to do is make sure of that. This requires checking your most up-to-date bank statements, either online or by contacting your bank.

2. Gather the necessary information

To void a check you will need to provide the bank with the following:

  • Your account number
  • The check number
  • The exact amount on the check
  • The date on the check
  • The recipient’s name
  • The name of the person who signed the check (if that’s anyone other than you)

3. Submit a stop-payment request

After you have all the required information, you’ll need to submit a stop payment request. Once submitted, if anyone tries to cash or deposit your check, the bank will have to decline it.

Start by calling your bank or checking its website to find out about its relevant policies. Some banks allow you to submit a stop-payment request through your online account, while others may require you to call during business hours, send a written request via email or fax, or even arrive in person.

4. Approve associated fees

While some offer the service for free, most banks charge a fee for stop-payment requests which can amount to $30 or more. This fee needs to be approved by you and debited from your account before the request can be processed. So, make sure there are no fees pending that can result in blockers.

5. Renew the request if needed

Stop payment requests are typically valid for six months. This is normally enough time as even if your check did get into the wrong hands, it is unlikely a culprit will wait this long to try and cash it. And, most banks may not accept checks that are older than six months, since checks more than six months old are considered stale.

If you’re still worried though, you can always ask your bank to renew your stop payment request for an additional period. But, be aware that you’ll likely be charged an additional fee.

The Melio method of voiding a check

Imagine that instead of going through this entire process, you could void your check in just a few clicks. With accounts payable (AP) tool Melio, you don’t have to imagine.

When you send a check through Melio, voiding it when needed is as simple as one, two, three:

  1. Find your payment on Melio, click the Void check and resend payment button.
  2. Choose how you want to send the new payment then review and confirm the details.
  3. That’s it! There are no additional steps or hidden fees.

Void checks the easier way with Melio

Melio lets you void a check and reschedule the payment in a few clicks, so a lost or stolen check never means a missed due date. It also helps you avoid financial mistakes that can occur when checks are delayed, lost, or mishandled.

Don’t have a Melio account yet? Sign up today to reduce the hassle that comes with managing your business payments.

Voiding a check FAQs

Can a voided check still be cashed?

No. A check with a stop payment in place cannot be cashed or deposited, and a blank check marked VOID cannot be used to move money.

How much does it cost to stop payment on a check?

Most banks charge about $30 or more for a stop payment, though some accounts offer it free or at a discount.

How long does a stop payment last?

A stop payment order is usually valid for six months, and you can renew it for another six months if you still need it.

Can you void a check that was already sent?

Yes. If the check has not been cashed yet, you can place a stop payment through your bank or void and resend it in a few clicks with Melio.

*This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice.
**Melio does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice, and you should consult with a professional advisor before making any financial decisions.

Read more