How to Get a Voided Check for Direct Deposit

A voided check serves as a crucial document for setting up direct deposit. It allows employers or other payers to verify your bank account details, including routing and account numbers, for electronic fund transfers. Voiding a check renders it unusable for payment, preventing unauthorized transactions, while still providing the necessary banking information for deposits. This ensures your payments are routed to your designated account.

Preparing a Voided Check

To prepare a voided check, select a blank personal check from the account where you wish to receive direct deposits. Using a pen with ink, write “VOID” in large letters across the front of the check, covering areas like payee, amount, and signature lines. This makes it clear the check cannot be used for a financial transaction.

Ensure that the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line at the bottom of the check, containing your routing and account numbers, remains legible. Do not sign the check or fill in any other fields. The purpose of voiding the check is to provide your banking details in a non-negotiable format, preventing misuse while displaying the information for electronic transfers.

Accessing Direct Deposit Information Without a Check

If you do not have physical checks, alternative methods exist to obtain your bank’s routing and account numbers for direct deposit setup. Online banking portals are a convenient option, allowing you to log in and find these numbers in sections like “Account Summary,” “Account Details,” or “Direct Deposit Information.” Many banks also provide a pre-filled direct deposit form or a printable document containing this information through their online platforms.

Your bank statement, whether paper or electronic, also contains your routing and account numbers, usually located near your account details or in the header/footer. The routing number identifies your financial institution, while your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. If digital options are unavailable, you can contact your bank directly by phone or visit a local branch to request a pre-printed direct deposit form or a letter confirming your account details. This ensures you have the accurate information for electronic transactions.

Submitting Your Direct Deposit Information

Once you have your banking information, submit it to your employer or payer. Submission methods include handing the voided check or printed bank information to human resources or a payroll administrator. Many organizations also offer online portals where you can directly input your routing and account numbers, or upload a scanned image of your voided check or direct deposit form.

After submission, your employer or payer will use this information to configure the direct deposit, linking their payroll system to your bank account for automatic transfers. Verify that your first direct deposit arrives as expected, by checking your bank statement or online banking account. This confirms the setup was successful and ensures your funds are being routed correctly.