What a voided check is and why you need one

A voided check is a check from your Wells Fargo account that you have marked as cancelled — you write "VOID" across the front in large letters — and then use to share your banking details with someone else. The check itself will never be deposited. What matters is the information printed on it: your routing number, account number, and bank name. Employers, payroll processors, and bill-pay services often ask for a voided check instead of asking you to type those numbers, because the check proves they match.

You do not need Wells Fargo's permission to void a check. You can void one yourself by hand in under a minute. But if you have run out of checks, or if you want a check that Wells Fargo has already voided for you, you can request one from the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • You can void a check yourself by writing "VOID" across the front in large letters; Wells Fargo does not need to approve it.
  • If you need a check that Wells Fargo has voided for you, you can request one by phone, in person, or through online banking.
  • Wells Fargo can print a voided check in a few business days if you order it, or provide one when ready if you visit a branch.
  • The voided check shows your routing number (010000000 for most Wells Fargo accounts), account number, and check number, which is all a payroll service needs.

Voiding a check yourself in seconds

The fastest way to get a voided check is to void one yourself. Take any blank check from your Wells Fargo checkbook. Using a pen (not pencil), write the word "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check, covering the amount box and the payee line. Write it diagonally or horizontally — either way works. The point is to make it impossible to miss that the check is cancelled.

That check is now voided. You can hand it to your employer, give it to a bill-pay service, or photograph it and send the image. There is no waiting, no phone call, and no fee. If you have checks on hand, this is the method most people use.

Ordering a voided check from Wells Fargo by phone

If you have no checks left and want Wells Fargo to send you one that is already voided, call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number ready. Tell the representative you need a voided check — you do not need to explain why. They will confirm your mailing address and place the order.

Wells Fargo will mail the voided check to the address on file. Delivery usually takes 5 to 10 business days. There is no charge for this service. If you need it faster, ask whether your local branch can print one for you to pick up the same day or next business day — some branches have the ability to do this, though it varies by location.

Requesting a voided check in person at a Wells Fargo branch

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your ID and ask for a voided check. The teller can often print one on the spot or within a few hours. Bring your debit card or account number so they can pull up your account. This is the fastest method if you need the check when ready.

Some branches may ask you to fill out a straightforward form, though many will not. There is no fee. If the branch cannot print one when ready, they will mail it to you using the same timeline as a phone order — 5 to 10 business days.

Using Wells Fargo online banking to request a voided check

Log into your Wells Fargo online account and look for the "Checks" or "Order Checks" section, usually under "Accounts" or "Services." Some accounts show an option to order a single voided check without ordering a full checkbook. Select that option, confirm your mailing address, and submit the request.

The voided check will arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days. If you do not see a voided-check-only option in your online banking, call customer service instead — not all account types or regions have this feature available online yet.

What information appears on your voided check

Your Wells Fargo voided check will show three pieces of information that matter: your routing number, your account number, and a check number. The routing number for most Wells Fargo checking accounts is 121000248 (this is the standard Wells Fargo routing number for electronic transfers; some accounts may have a different routing number if they are held at a specific regional branch, so check the bottom left of your check). Your account number is printed at the bottom center. The check number appears in the bottom right corner.

When you hand over the voided check to your employer or a service provider, they will use the routing and account numbers to set up direct deposit or automatic bill payments. The check itself will never be processed — it is just a way to prove those numbers are correct and belong to you.

If you need the voided check faster than the mail

If you cannot wait 5 to 10 business days, visit a Wells Fargo branch in person. Many branches can print a voided check the same day. If your branch cannot print one, ask whether they can fax or email a voided check image to you — some will do this as a workaround, though it is not a standard service.

Another option: if you have a blank check in your possession, void it yourself by hand and photograph it. Most employers and payroll services will accept a clear photo of a hand-voided check. This takes minutes and requires no contact with Wells Fargo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of a voided check instead of the physical check?

Most employers and payroll services will accept a clear photograph or PDF of a voided check. Ask the person or organization requesting it whether they need the physical check or whether an image is acceptable. If they need the original, you will have to mail or hand it to them.

What if I void a check but then change my mind and want to use it?

A check you have written "VOID" on cannot be deposited or cashed. If you need to use that check number, you will have to order a new checkbook. The voided check is permanently cancelled from Wells Fargo's perspective.

Do I need a specific type of Wells Fargo account to get a voided check?

No. Any Wells Fargo checking account can produce a voided check. Savings accounts do not come with checks, so you cannot void one from a savings account. If you have a checking account, you can get a voided check whether it is a student account, a basic account, or a premium account.

Will Wells Fargo charge me to void a check or order one?

No. Voiding a check yourself costs nothing. Ordering a voided check from Wells Fargo by phone, online, or in person is also free. There are no fees for this service.

What routing number should I use if my voided check shows a different number?

Use the routing number printed on your check. Wells Fargo has multiple routing numbers depending on the type of account and the region where it was opened. The number on your check is the correct one for your account. If you are unsure, call Wells Fargo customer service and confirm the routing number matches your account.