Can You Get a Voided Check From the Bank?

A voided check serves as a secure document to convey bank account and routing information without allowing the check to be cashed or used for payment. It ensures crucial banking identifiers are accurately shared for various financial arrangements.

Obtaining a Voided Check from Your Bank

While it is possible to obtain a voided check or an equivalent document from your bank, it is not a universally offered service. Some financial institutions may provide a pre-voided check directly at a branch or by mail upon request. This often involves visiting a physical location and presenting identification to verify your account ownership.

Many banks, however, will instead guide customers to void one of their own blank checks from their personal checkbook. This approach is common due to its simplicity. If you do not have blank checks, banks can typically offer alternatives such as a “direct deposit authorization form,” “account information sheet,” or a “bank verification letter.” These documents contain the same essential routing and account information as a voided check and are generally accepted by entities requiring these details.

These bank-provided alternatives can often be downloaded and printed directly from online banking portals, offering an immediate solution without a branch visit. Some banks may also issue a counter check or a starter check that can then be voided by the customer. While some institutions may offer these services for free, others might charge a small fee for printed documents or counter checks.

Creating Your Own Voided Check

Creating a voided check from your personal checkbook is a straightforward process. Begin by taking a blank, unused check from your checkbook. This check must not have been filled out or signed previously.

Using a pen with dark, permanent ink, such as blue or black, write “VOID” in large, capital letters across the entire front of the check. Ensure the word is clearly visible and covers essential areas like the payee line, amount box, and signature line, but avoid obscuring the routing and account numbers located at the bottom. You can also write “VOID” in smaller letters across multiple sections, including the date line.

Do not sign or date the check, as its purpose is solely for providing information. After voiding, record the check number in your check register to keep track of it. If your checkbook provides carbon copies, ensure the “VOID” marking is also visible on the duplicate.

Common Uses for Voided Checks

Voided checks are primarily requested for setting up direct deposit of paychecks with employers. This method allows employers to accurately capture the employee’s bank account and routing numbers, minimizing the risk of errors that could delay payments. The physical document provides a standardized and reliable way to verify banking details, crucial for efficient payroll processing.

Beyond direct deposit, voided checks are commonly used to establish automatic bill payments for recurring expenses such as utilities, loan repayments, or insurance premiums. They are also frequently required when linking external bank accounts, for example, connecting a checking account to a savings account, particularly with online financial platforms. In these scenarios, the voided check serves as a secure way to provide and confirm accurate banking details for Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, which are electronic funds transfers between banks. This process helps prevent costly transaction errors and ensures funds are debited from or credited to the correct account.