Yes, you can get a voided check from a savings account, and it works the same way as getting one from a checking account
A voided check is a check you write and then mark as invalid so it cannot be cashed. Banks print "VOID" across the front, or you write it yourself in large letters. The check itself becomes proof of your account number and routing number — the two pieces of information needed to set up automatic payments or direct deposits.
Most banks will print voided checks for savings accounts at no cost. You ask your bank for one, they mark it void, and you get a document that shows your account details. Some banks hand you a voided check on the spot. Others mail it or let you print one from your online banking portal.
The reason you might need one: employers, government agencies, and bill-pay services sometimes ask for a voided check instead of accepting your account number typed into a form. They treat the check as proof that the account exists and belongs to you.
Key Takeaways
- A voided check from a savings account shows your routing number and account number, which is all that is needed to set up direct deposit or automatic payments.
- You can request a voided check from your bank by phone, in person, or through your online banking account, and most banks provide them at no charge.
- Some banks print the void mark themselves; others ask you to write "VOID" across the check before you use it.
- If your bank cannot provide a voided check, you can use a deposit slip or a bank statement as an alternative way to share your routing and account numbers.
How to request a voided check from your bank
Contact your bank directly — by phone, through your online account, or by visiting a branch in person. Tell them you need a voided check for your savings account. Most banks process this request when ready or within a few business days.
If you are calling, have your account number ready. The bank may ask why you need it, though they are not required to refuse you if you do not want to say. If you are in a branch, bring your ID and your debit card or account statement so the teller can confirm the account is yours.
Ask whether the bank will print "VOID" on the check or whether you should write it yourself. Some banks hand you a blank check and expect you to mark it void before you give it to anyone. Others deliver it already marked. Either way, once "VOID" is written on it, the check cannot be deposited or cashed.
What information appears on a voided check
The voided check shows three pieces of information that matter: your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank), your account number (the unique identifier for your specific account), and your name as it appears on the account.
The routing number is printed in the bottom left corner of the check. The account number is printed in the bottom right corner, after the routing number. Your name appears in the upper left. These three details are all an employer or service needs to set up direct deposit or to withdraw money from your account with your permission.
The check itself will not be used for any transaction — it is voided specifically so it cannot be. The person or organization asking for it is only using it as a way to confirm that you have given them accurate account information.
When a bank cannot provide a voided check
Some banks, particularly online-only banks or credit unions, may not print physical checks at all. If your bank falls into this category, ask whether they can provide a voided check in digital form or whether they offer an alternative document.
If your bank truly cannot produce a voided check, you have other options. A deposit slip (also called a deposit ticket) shows your routing number and account number and can often be used in place of a voided check. You can request one from your bank or print one from your online banking portal if the option is available.
A recent bank statement also contains both your routing number and account number. Some employers and services will accept a statement instead of a check. Call the organization asking for the voided check and ask whether they would accept a deposit slip or statement instead — many will.
Safety considerations when sharing a voided check
A voided check contains your routing number and account number, which are semi-public information. Your routing number is the same for everyone at your bank, and your account number is printed on every check you write. Sharing a voided check with a trusted employer or government agency is safe.
Do not share a voided check with anyone you do not know or trust. Someone with your routing number and account number can set up unauthorized withdrawals from your account. Only give a voided check to an employer, a government agency, a utility company, or another organization you have a direct relationship with and have chosen to work with.
If you are concerned about sharing account information, ask the organization whether they need a physical check or whether you can provide the numbers another way — some will let you type them into a find form on their website instead.
Voided checks for savings accounts versus checking accounts
The process is identical whether you need a voided check for a savings account or a checking account. Both show a routing number and account number. Both are marked void so they cannot be cashed. Both are used the same way — to prove your account details to an employer or service.
The only difference is that a savings account typically does not come with a checkbook. If you have a checking account, you already have blank checks and can void one yourself. If you only have a savings account, you will need to request a voided check from your bank because you do not have physical checks on hand.
Some banks will print a single voided check for you at no cost. Others may ask you to order a small pack of checks, though this is less common for savings accounts. Ask your bank what their process is before you assume there will be a charge.
What happens after you give someone a voided check
Once you hand over a voided check, the organization uses the routing number and account number to set up the transaction you agreed to — usually direct deposit of your paycheck or automatic payment of a bill. They do not attempt to cash the check itself because it is marked void.
The first transaction may take a few business days to process. Your bank will verify that the account exists and that the routing number matches. After that, future transactions typically process on schedule.
If something goes wrong — if a payment does not arrive or a withdrawal happens that you did not authorize — contact your bank when ready. You can dispute unauthorized transactions, and your bank has a process for investigating them. Keep records of when you gave out your voided check and to whom, so you can help your bank trace the problem if it occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a picture of a voided check instead of the physical check?
Many organizations will accept a photo or PDF of a voided check, especially if you are setting up direct deposit online. Ask the employer or service whether they need the physical check mailed to them or whether you can upload an image through their website or email it to them. If they say they need the original, ask whether a scanned copy is acceptable — many will say yes.
What if I do not have a savings account yet but need a voided check?
You cannot get a voided check for an account that does not exist. Open the savings account first, then request the voided check. Most banks can do this in one visit or in one phone call — you open the account and ask for the voided check at the same time.
Can I write my own voided check if my bank will not provide one?
If you have blank checks from an old account, you can write one out with your current account number and routing number, then mark it void. However, most organizations prefer a check printed by the bank because it proves the account is real. Ask your bank first before you try this approach.
Does getting a voided check affect my account in any way?
No. Requesting a voided check does not change your account, does not cost money, and does not trigger any fees or holds. It is straightforward a way to get a document that shows your account information.
What if I lose the voided check after I get it?
You can request another one from your bank at no cost. There is no limit to how many voided checks you can request. If you have already given the first one to an employer or service, you do not need to do anything — they have the information they need and will not ask for another copy.