How to Get a Scotiabank Void Cheque Online Instantly

Need to set up direct deposit for a new job or automate a bill payment? You will likely be asked for a void cheque. It’s the standard way to share your banking information safely. This guide walks you through every method for getting a Scotiabank void cheque, from instant digital options to in-branch alternatives.

What exactly is a Scotiabank void cheque?

A Scotiabank void cheque, or specimen cheque, is a blank cheque with VOID written across it, making it impossible to cash or deposit. The voiding transforms the cheque into a secure document that shares your banking information.

At the bottom of the Scotia void cheque, there is a string of numbers. From left to right, here’s what you’ll see:

• Transit number (5 digits): This identifies your specific home branch where you opened the account.
• Institution number (3 digits): This is always 002 for Scotiabank. It distinguishes Scotiabank from all other Canadian financial institutions (e.g., TD is 004, RBC is 003).
• Account number (7-12 digits): This is your unique personal account identifier.

Together, these numbers ensure money goes to the right bank, the right branch, and finally, the right account. This is safer than sharing bank statements, which contain transaction history and balance information.

How to get and create Scotiabank void cheques in Canada

There are three main ways to get a void cheque from Scotiabank:

Through Scotiabank Online Banking

If you don’t have a physical cheque book or simply prefer the convenience, getting a void cheque online is your best bet. It’s free and takes less than two minutes.

5 Steps to download a void cheque using Scotiabank online banking are:

1. Log in to your Scotiabank account on a desktop or mobile browser.
2. From your main accounts page, select the chequing account you need the void cheque for.
3. Select Account Information from the side menu.
4. Click Show next to Direct deposit info.
5. Scroll to Void Cheque Info, and click View/Download to generate your document.

If you use the Scotiabank Classic web, log in to your account and select the chequing account. Find and choose “Direct Deposits & Payments”. Then, select “Void Cheque” and click “View/Print” to generate a PDF.

This PDF is a valid void cheque that contains your name, address, and all the necessary banking numbers. You can save it to your computer and email it whenever it’s needed.

On the Scotiabank App

The mobile app is arguably the most efficient way to get your banking details. Follow these 5 steps:

1. Log in to the Scotiabank mobile app.
2. Select your chequing account from the home screen.
3. Select the Manage tab.
4. Click on Direct Deposit/Void Cheque Info, then click Void Cheque
5. Tap View to see the digital void cheque.

The app provides a powerful Share Info button, enabling you to send your banking details directly through secure messaging apps or email without needing to download and attach a file.

Use Scotiabank blank cheques

If you have Scotiabank blank cheques, you can create your void cheque by writing “VOID” in large capital letters across the cheque’s face using blue or black ink. Use permanent ink that won’t smudge or fade over time.

The letters should span from the payee line through the amount box, making the voiding unmistakable. Each letter should measure at least one centimetre tall. Position the word to avoid obscuring the bottom numbers; transit, institution, and account codes must remain fully visible. Employers need these numbers to be clear and unobstructed to set up direct deposits.

Important note: NEVER sign a void cheque under any circumstances. A signature combined with unclear voiding could enable fraudulent use.

Alternative options

If you can’t access digital banking and don’t have physical cheques, Scotiabank provides a “Direct Deposit and Payroll” form that serves the same purpose. It’s a pre-made document where your account details are already filled in. You can generate this form through online banking in the same section as the void cheque.

Or, you can visit any Scotiabank branch and ask a teller for a stamped letter or printout confirming your account details. Virtually all employers and government bodies accept this official document. While often free, some branches may charge a small service fee.

When to use a Scotiabank specimen cheque

You’ll need a specimen cheque for any situation that requires setting up an electronic link to your bank account.

• Getting paid: Setting up direct deposit with a new employer.
• Receiving Government funds: For things like tax refunds, EI, or CPP.
• Automating bill payments: For pre-authorized debits, such as your mortgage, car payment, insurance, or utilities.
• Linking investment accounts: Brokerage firms like LifeBuzz require this to verify your bank account for funding transfers.

When you DON’T need a void cheque:

• Interac e-Transfers: These only require an email address or phone number.
• Online bill payments: When you pay a bill (like a credit card) through your bank’s portal, you only need the payee’s account number, not your own banking details.

Managing security risks with a Scotiabank void cheque

While your Scotiabank void cheque can’t be cashed, it does contain your complete banking information. In the wrong hands, this information could be used to attempt fraudulent electronic withdrawals.

A criminal can use your account numbers to create a fake PAD form and submit it to a company (like a utility or subscription service) to authorize recurring withdrawals from your account. Furthermore, a void cheque PDF sent via email can be intercepted on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Your computer could also be compromised by malware or phishing attacks designed to steal financial documents.

Mitigation strategies reduce but don’t eliminate these risks. Simple steps to protect yourself:

• Shred old cheques: If you make a mistake while voiding a physical cheque, destroy it completely. Don’t just throw it away.
• Share wisely: Only provide a void cheque to legitimate, trusted organizations. If an email request seems suspicious, call the company directly to verify. If a company offers a secure portal for uploading documents, use it instead of emailing.
• Monitor your account: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions. Set up transaction alerts in the Scotiabank app to get notified of activity instantly.

Finding guides about void cheques from other banks in Canada at:

• Simplii Financial Void Cheque
• CIBC Void Cheque
• RBC Void Cheque
• TD Void Cheque
• Tangerine Void Cheque

FAQs about how to get a void cheque from Scotiabank

The bottom line

Scotiabank offers multiple methods for obtaining void cheques, from online to in-branch options. While void cheques are secure for sharing banking information, limit distribution to verified organizations and monitor your account for unauthorized activity.