The National Bank of Canada is the sixth largest bank in Canada, with millions of account holders.
Once you have a chequing account with NBC, you’ll be able to purchase cheques, which can be written or used as void cheques for account verification.
If you’re wondering how to get a National Bank void cheque, then you’re in the right place.
Below, I’ll explain what they’re used for, how to get a specimen cheque, and what you can use as an alternative.
How To Get A National Bank Void Cheque
There are three easy ways to get your National Bank specimen cheque:
1. Print out a void cheque online
The easiest way to get a National Bank void cheque is to do the following:
- Log into your online National Bank account with your username and password.
- Choose the account where you need the sample cheque from
- Select download a specimen.
- You’ll get a PDF, which you can then print or download for use later.
2. Use the National Bank Mobile App
You can use the national bank mobile app to access a void cheque for the account you need.
- Log into your National Bank app.
- Select the chequing account and click on the Details tab.
- Select download a specimen.
3. Remove A Cheque & Write “Void” On It
If you have a National Bank account chequebook, to void a cheque, all you have to do is write the word “VOID” across the front of it.
If you don’t have a chequebook, see this next section:
How to Order A Chequebook From The National Bank of Canada
When you first opened your NBC account, you may have been given a few specimen cheques along with your introduction documents. If you didn’t, though, then you’ll need to order cheques from National Bank.
How Do I Order Cheques From The National Bank of Canada?
If you have a local bank branch nearby, you should be able to walk in, speak to a teller, and explain that you would like to order a chequebook.
At this point, they’ll usually give you a few different options for cheque designs, chequebooks, and ask you how many cheques you’d like to order.
Other ways to order cheques from National Bank include:
- Order over the phone: 1-888-835-6281
- Order through your online banking app or the NBC desktop site
Since the cheques are custom printed, your chequebook may take a little while to arrive at your home. On average, chequebooks take at least one week (often two) to be delivered. You may have the option to pay for expedited shipping if you’re in a rush.
What Are National Bank Void Cheques Used For?
A National Bank void cheque (or a void cheque from any other bank) is typically used to verify your personal bank account information.
At the bottom of each cheque, you’ll find an MICR encoding line, which displays:
- The cheque number
- The branch number
- The designation number
- The account number
MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. This ink contains magnetic elements that are encoded with your bank account information, allowing ABM machines to easily process paper cheques, while also allowing humans to read the numbers (unlike a barcode or QR code).
In short, a void cheque helps to verify your identity by linking you to the account in question. This could be used in several instances, such as:
- Setting up direct deposit with your employer
- Setting up automatic payments with a credit card company
- Setting up automatic rent withdrawals with your landlord
- Easily paying for business invoices EFT (electronic funds transfer)
National Bank Void Cheque vs. Specimen Cheque: What’s The Difference?
If you’ve been doing some research, you may have noticed the terms “void cheque” and “specimen cheque” mentioned alongside each other.
So, what’s the difference between a National Bank void cheque and a National Bank specimen cheque?
Both terms describe the same thing and can be used interchangeably.
A specimen cheque merely refers to the fact that the cheque in question is an example to be used for informational purposes only.
National Bank void cheques and specimen cheques do not represent a binding contractual agreement to transfer funds.
Tips For Writing A National Bank Void Cheque
As you can see, writing an NBC void cheque is pretty simple. The most difficult part is ordering the cheque! That being said, here are a few useful tips to keep in mind when writing a void cheque:
- Write $0.00 or “VOID” in the dollar amount box, so that it can’t be filled in with any other number
- Sign the bottom right-hand line to prove that you created the void cheque
- Write “VOID” in extra large letters across the front of the cheque or write void on multiple lines, so that it can’t be manipulated by would-be thieves
- When writing the word “VOID,” make sure that you don’t cover any of the MICR numbers on the bottom, as these contain important account information
- Make sure that your legal name and address are correctly listed on the top of the cheque
Technically speaking, none of these tips are required. However, they can clarify small details and protect your account from fraud.
National Bank Void Cheque vs. Pre-Authorized Debit Form
As I mentioned, void cheques can often take a week or two to arrive in the mail if you’re ordering them from the bank.
Another option that many financial institutions will take in place of an NBC void cheque is a pre-authorized debit form.
This form includes the same important account information that you’ll find on a void cheque, along with a signature line where you’ll authorize the receiver to debit your account.
Is It Safe To Use Void Cheques?
As long as you write the word “VOID” in clear lettering over the front of your cheque, thieves cannot manipulate the cheque to steal money from your account.
That being said, void cheques do include sensitive information, including:
- Your legal name
- Your home address
- Your bank account number
So, you should always exercise caution when using a void cheque. If you’re going to mail a void cheque, I recommend using a security envelope.
If you’re handing it over in person, make sure that it’s in a sealed folder and is going directly to the individual you intend it for.
How Do I Get A National Bank Specimen Cheque From My Online Banking?
If you’re enrolled in National Bank’s online banking program, then you view your NBC account information from within your online portal or the NBC online banking app.
You won’t be able to see or print a copy of a cheque. However, you can use all of the information to set up direct deposits, automatic debits, and more.
Here’s a guide on the NBC site explaining how to view your specimen cheque details.
Conclusion
Although using a National Bank void cheque may be rare, it’s still a good idea to know how to write them and what they’re used for.
I always recommend ordering a chequebook and keeping it in case you need to write a void cheque or otherwise.
If you’re looking for a more efficient way than cheques to send and receive money, then I recommend Wise.
It’s one of the most inexpensive money transfer platforms I’ve used and allows low-cost foreign exchange, making it a very versatile platform.
If you want to learn more, you can read my full review of Wise here!
