I just got on-boarded today at a new job and I wasn't satisfied with the answer from HR about why a voided check was needed. The direct deposit form I filled out had my routing and account numbers, and all that was done with my check was to scan it on a flatbed scanner and immediately hand it back to me.
I originally asked if they could use a deposit slip at the back of my checkbook which has the same account numbers and which I never use, or if they actually needed the check to exploit the magnetic print on the check assuming they'd run it through a proper check scanning device.
Is there some legal aspect to the voided check that communicates some sort of authorization to access my bank account? What's the deal with this procedure? Seems like it wastes a good check for unclear reasons.