What a voided check is and why you need one

A voided check is a check from your account that you have marked as invalid — usually by writing "VOID" across the front in large letters — and then given to someone else. Banks do not issue voided checks to you. You create one yourself from your own checkbook, void it, and hand it over. The person or organisation receiving it uses the routing number, account number, and bank name printed on the check to set up direct deposits or automatic payments from your account.

You need a voided check when you want to receive direct deposit paychecks, set up automatic bill payments, or authorize someone to withdraw money from your account on a schedule. The voided check proves you own the account and gives the other party the exact numbers they need to move money in or out.

If you do not have physical checks, your bank can print the same information on a document that serves the same purpose — but the process and what you receive varies by bank.

Key Takeaways

  • A voided check is a check you write "VOID" across and give to someone else so they can set up direct deposit or automatic payments from your account.
  • You create the voided check yourself from your checkbook; your bank does not issue one to you.
  • If you do not have checks, contact your bank and ask for a direct deposit form or verification of account information — the name and format vary by institution.
  • The voided check or replacement document must show your routing number, account number, and bank name for the other party to use it.
  • Getting a replacement document from your bank usually takes one to three business days if you request it in person, or up to five business days by mail or online request.

How to void a check from your own checkbook

If you have a checkbook, the process takes two minutes. Take a check from the back of the book — use one you will not need for actual payments. Write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check, covering the signature line and the amount box. Write it in pen so it cannot be erased. Do the same on the back if you want to be thorough.

Do not tear the check or damage the routing number, account number, or bank name at the bottom. Those numbers are what the other party needs. The check should still be readable at the bottom even though the front is marked void.

Hand the voided check to whoever needs it — your employer's payroll department, your utility company, your landlord, or whoever is setting up the direct payment. Keep the stub from the checkbook for your own records if you use it.

What to do if you do not have checks

If your bank does not issue you checks, or you have run out and have not reordered, you have two options. The first is to order checks from your bank. Most banks can print and mail checks to you within five to ten business days, though some offer expedited printing for an extra fee. Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal to order.

The second option is faster: ask your bank for a direct deposit form, account verification letter, or direct deposit authorization form. The exact name depends on your bank. This is a document printed by the bank that shows your routing number, account number, and bank name — the same information that appears on a check. You can use this in place of a voided check.

To request this document, call your bank's customer service number, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking portal and look for a section labeled "Documents," "Forms," or "Account Information." Some banks let you read and print it when ready. Others mail it to you, which usually takes three to five business days. A few banks charge a small fee — typically $5 to $10 — though many do not.

Getting the document in person versus by mail or online

If you visit a bank branch in person and ask for a direct deposit form or account verification letter, a teller can usually print one for you on the spot or within a few minutes. Bring your ID and your account number or debit card. This is the fastest route if you need it the same day.

If you request it by phone or through your online banking portal, the bank will either email it to you as a PDF (which you can print yourself), mail it to your address on file, or both. Email delivery is usually when ready or within a few hours. Mail delivery typically takes three to five business days. Some banks offer both options; others offer only one.

If the bank mails it to you and you need it faster, ask whether they can email a PDF instead, or whether a branch can print one for you to pick up. Not all banks offer every option, but asking clarifies what is available.

What information appears on a voided check or replacement document

The bottom of a check contains three sets of numbers separated by vertical lines. From left to right: the routing number (nine digits that identify your bank), the account number (usually eight to twelve digits that identify your specific account), and the check number (which you can ignore for direct deposit purposes). The check also shows your bank's name and your name as it appears on the account.

A direct deposit form or account verification letter from your bank will display the same routing number and account number, usually in a format that makes them straightforward to read and copy. Some banks print them in large type or highlight them. The document will also state your bank's name and your account holder name.

Make sure whoever receives the document can read these numbers clearly. If the voided check is smudged or the photocopy is faint, ask for a replacement or a fresh copy. The other party needs accurate numbers or the direct deposit or payment will not reach your account.

How long the process takes and what to expect next

If you void a check from your own checkbook, the process is when ready — you hand it over the same day. If you request a direct deposit form or account verification letter from your bank, timing depends on how you request it. In-person requests at a branch usually take minutes to an hour. Email delivery takes a few hours to one business day. Mail delivery takes three to five business days. Some banks are faster; some slower. Call ahead if you need it by a specific date.

Once you hand over the voided check or the bank's document, the other party uses the routing and account numbers to set up the direct deposit or automatic payment. This usually takes one to three business days to process on their end. Your first direct deposit or payment may arrive within a few days of that, or it may take until the next scheduled payment date — it depends on when the other party submits the request and when your bank processes it.

If the direct deposit or payment does not arrive when expected, contact the organisation that is supposed to send it. They can confirm whether they received the correct account information and whether the request went through. If there is an error in the routing or account number, you will need to provide corrected information and the process starts over.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most organisations accept a clear photo or scan of a voided check, especially if you are submitting it online or by email. The image must be legible — the routing number, account number, and bank name must be readable. If you are submitting it in person, ask whether they prefer the physical check or a photocopy; most accept either.

What if I write VOID on the check but still try to cash it?

A check marked VOID will be rejected if you try to deposit or cash it. Banks are trained to refuse voided checks. The person or organisation you gave the check to will not be able to use it for payment either — it is only meant to provide your account information, not to be cashed.

Do I need to tell my bank before I void a check?

No. Voiding a check from your own checkbook requires no notification to your bank. If you are requesting a direct deposit form or account verification letter instead, you are asking the bank for a document, which is a normal request that requires no special approval.

Can someone use a voided check to withdraw money from my account without permission?

A voided check shows your routing and account numbers, which is the same information that appears on any check you write. Someone with these numbers could theoretically attempt an unauthorised withdrawal, but banks have fraud detection systems and require additional verification for most transactions. If you are concerned about giving your account information to someone, ask whether they truly need the voided check or whether they can use a different method — some organisations accept a bank statement or a screenshot of your account information instead.

What if my bank refuses to give me a direct deposit form?

Most banks will provide this document, but if yours refuses, order checks from your bank and void one. Alternatively, ask the organisation requesting the information whether they accept a bank statement, a screenshot of your account details from online banking, or a letter from your bank on letterhead. Some do, and it avoids the need for a voided check altogether.