A void cheque from CIBC is a cheque that has the word “VOID” written across it in large, bold letters. This invalidates the cheque, making it non-negotiable and preventing it from being used to withdraw funds, while preserving all banking information needed for banking transactions.
CIBC customers are often asked to provide void cheques when setting up direct deposit for payroll or automatic bill payments. This guide explains every method to obtain a void cheque for CIBC customers in 2025, from instant online access to traditional paper methods.
What Information Is on a CIBC Void Cheque?
A CIBC cheque contains several pieces of information, each serving a specific purpose. While a void cheque is used only for its account details, understanding all its components is useful.
The numbers printed in a special MICR font at the bottom left of your CIBC cheque are essential for all electronic transactions. From left to right, they are:
- Cheque Number: Identifies the specific cheque in your book (not needed for setting up payments).
- Transit (Branch) Number: A 5-digit number that identifies the specific CIBC branch where you opened your account.
- Institution Number: This is always 010 for CIBC, distinguishing it from all other Canadian financial institutions.
- Account Number: This unique 7 to 12-digit code identifies your specific account within CIBC’s system, which CIBC often formats with a dash (e.g., XX-XXXXX).
The routing number, used primarily for electronic transactions, combines your transit and institution numbers. For example, if your transit number is 00202, your routing number becomes 00202-010 or 001000202 (electronic format).
Beyond these critical banking codes, a CIBC specimen cheque also contains:
- Personal Details: Your full name and mailing address are pre-printed in the top-left corner. This identifies you as the account holder.
- Date Line: Located in the top-right, this is where you write the date the cheque is issued.
- Payee Line: This line begins with “Pay to the order of.” Here, you write the name of the person or organization you are paying.
- Amount in Numbers: A small box where you write the payment amount using numerals (e.g., “$246.50”).
- Amount in Words: A line below the payee where you write out the payment amount in words (e.g., “Two hundred forty six and 50/100 dollars”). This serves as a confirmation of the numeric amount and is legally considered the correct amount if there’s a discrepancy.
- Memo Line: An optional space in the bottom-left corner labelled “For” or “Memo.” You can use this to note the purpose of the payment, like “Sept Insurance Premium” or “Invoice #12345.”
- Signature Line: Found in the bottom-right corner, this is where the account holder must sign to authorize the payment. On a void cheque, you should NEVER sign this line.
When you create a void cheque, you are cancelling its function as a payment method but preserving the key details on the MICR line for setting up electronic transactions.
Why Might You Need a Void Cheque from CIBC?
The most common reason you will need a void cheque is that employers often require it to set up direct deposit for employee payroll. It provides verified account information that payroll systems require to deposit your salary correctly and on time.
Utility companies, insurance providers, and other service providers accept void cheques to set up automatic payments from a CIBC account. Pre-authorized payments will be pulled on scheduled dates, which helps avoid late fees and service interruptions when you forget to make a payment.
Government agencies also rely on this information to distribute benefits. The CRA, for example, uses direct deposit for GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit payments, and income tax refunds.
How to Get a CIBC Void Cheque Online?
CIBC provides various convenient methods for customers to obtain void cheques. The fastest and easiest options are through online or mobile banking.
Online Banking
You can obtain a void cheque online in minutes by using your CIBC Online Banking. Once logged in, follow these four steps:
- Click “My Accounts” in the main navigation menu, then select the specific account you want
- Choose “Void cheque/direct deposit info” from the “Manage My Account” dropdown
- Review the pre-filled form that appears with your complete banking details
- Download the PDF file to your computer or print it directly
The digital void cheque you receive contains identical information to a physical cheque.
Mobile App
You can also access your void cheque information through the CIBC Mobile Banking app on your smartphone. After logging in, tap the account you need, then select “Account Info.” From there, tap “View Cheque” to see a preview of your void cheque with all your account details.
The app allows you to open and save this as a PDF, which you can then print or share. This method is convenient, though some employers with stricter documentation policies might still prefer the official form downloaded from the desktop online banking site. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask the recipient what format they prefer.
Create a Void Cheque with a CIBC Paper Cheque
If you have a CIBC chequebook, you can create a void cheque yourself. Simply take a blank cheque and write “VOID” in large, bold letters across the face of the cheque using permanent black or blue ink.
The letters should span the entire width of the cheque, typically starting from the payee line and extending through the signature area, making the cheque impossible to alter or cash. Be careful not to cover the series of numbers at the bottom of the cheque. These elements must remain clearly visible because recipients scan or photocopy void cheques for their records.
What if you don’t have online banking or a chequebook?
If you don’t have a chequebook and aren’t set up for online banking, visit your local CIBC branch, bring your debit card and a piece of government-issued photo ID. A bank teller can print an official Account Information Form for you, which serves the same purpose as a void cheque.
While you’re there, you might consider asking them to help you set up online banking. This will give you permanent, easy access to your banking information for any future needs.
Is Getting a CIBC Void Cheque Free?
Yes, getting a digital void cheque or a direct deposit form from CIBC Online Banking or the mobile app is completely free. You can download as many as you need at no cost. Visiting a branch to get a printed account information form is also free of charge.
However, ordering CIBC physical cheques comes with a fee, which can range from $30 to $60 or more, depending on the style and quantity. Some premium accounts, like the CIBC Smart Plus Account, offer complimentary cheques, but this account has a monthly fee unless you maintain a minimum balance. Given the free digital options, ordering cheques just for this purpose is rarely necessary.
Manage Your CIBC Account Online
CIBC offers convenient digital account management capabilities through online and mobile banking. Customers can take actions like updating personal information, setting up direct deposit, and accessing account details without having to visit a branch.
- Update your information proactively: If you change bank accounts, you must inform every company and agency that deposits money into your account. They will need a new void cheque or direct deposit form from your new account. It can take one or two payment cycles for the change to take effect, so plan accordingly.
- Set up account alerts: CIBC allows you to set up email or mobile notifications for deposits over a certain amount. This is a great way to confirm your pay has arrived or to spot any issues quickly.
- Regularly review your bank statements: Ensure all expected deposits have arrived correctly and check for any unauthorized transactions. If you see a problem, contact CIBC and the paying organization immediately.
Key Takeaways: Use CIBC Void Cheque Securely
A void cheque from CIBC allows customers to share account details for direct deposits and automatic transfers, and prevents unauthorized transactions. LifeBuzz has some tips for you to use your void cheque safely:
- Use secure digital methods: Most employers and government agencies have secure online portals for uploading documents. Avoid sending a void cheque as a regular email attachment. If you must use email, password-protect the PDF and share the password separately via a text message or phone call.
- Be careful with physical copies: If you need to mail a paper void cheque, consider using registered mail for tracking purposes. Hand-delivering it is the most secure option.
- Confirm receipt: After sending the information, it’s a good practice to follow up with the organization to confirm they have received it.
FAQs About CIBC Voided Cheque
Can I use one void cheque for multiple payments?
While the information on a void cheque doesn't change, each organization you're setting up payments with will require its own copy for their records. It's not practical to share the same physical void cheque with multiple recipients.
Can CIBC void cheques be used for international transfers?
No, void cheques only provide Canadian account details. For international payments, you need to share your IBAN and SWIFT code (CIBCCATT) instead.
What are alternatives to using a CIBC void cheque?
You can also use a pre-authorized debit form or account information form to share your details instead of a void cheque when setting up direct deposits or transfers.
How long is a CIBC void cheque valid?
A void cheque doesn't have an expiration date because the banking information it contains remains valid as long as your account is open and active. However, its validity ends if you close the account, switch to a new account type, or if your account number changes for any reason. In these cases, you must provide all relevant parties with updated information to ensure that your payments continue uninterrupted.
