How to Get a Voided Check With or Without Checks
Securely provide your bank account and routing details for direct deposit or other services, with or without a physical check.
A voided check is a document that securely conveys bank account and routing information without enabling financial transactions. It is a physical check with “VOID” written across it, rendering it unusable for payment. This method is commonly requested for setting up direct deposit for payroll, initiating automatic bill payments, or linking external financial accounts. The purpose is to ensure the accuracy of banking details, minimizing errors when establishing payment systems.
Understanding Check Information
A standard check contains specific numerical sequences essential for financial transactions and account identification. The routing number is a nine-digit code typically found as the first set of numbers at the bottom left of a check. This number uniquely identifies the financial institution where the account is held.
Immediately following the routing number is the individual account number. This sequence identifies your specific account within that financial institution. The check number, usually the shortest set of numbers, is often located as the third group at the bottom of the check, serving as a tracking mechanism for your records. These numbers are fundamental for setting up electronic payments and direct deposits.
Creating a Voided Check from a Checkbook
Creating a voided check from a checkbook is a straightforward process that renders a blank check unusable for financial transactions while preserving its identifying information. Select a blank check from your checkbook. Using a pen, write “VOID” in large, clear letters across the entire front of the check. Ensure “VOID” covers a significant portion of the check, but do not obscure the routing and account numbers located at the bottom, as these must remain readable.
Some individuals prefer to write “VOID” in multiple locations, such as across the payee line, the amount box, and the signature line. Avoid signing the check or filling in any other fields beyond the “VOID” marking. After voiding the check, record its number in your check register to keep your financial records accurate.
Obtaining a Voided Check Without a Checkbook
Many individuals do not have physical checks, making alternative methods for obtaining bank account verification necessary. One common approach is to utilize online banking portals, where financial institutions allow users to download a “direct deposit form” or “account verification letter.” To access this, log into your bank’s online platform, navigate to the account services or direct deposit section, and look for an option to download or print such a document. This downloadable document will contain your bank’s routing number and your specific account number, serving the same purpose as a voided check.
Another option involves visiting a physical bank branch, where you can request a direct deposit form or a letter of account verification directly from a teller or customer service representative. Banks can print a letter that includes the necessary routing and account details. This method ensures you receive an official document directly from your financial institution. When requesting these documents, be prepared to provide identification and verify your account details.
If visiting a branch or using online banking is not feasible, contacting your bank’s customer service line is an alternative. You can request that a direct deposit form or account verification letter be mailed or emailed to you. Banks require identity verification over the phone, such as confirming recent transactions or personal information, before sending sensitive account documents. This method provides a convenient way to obtain the necessary information without a physical checkbook.