Knowing how to void a check correctly is a simple but important skill — a voided check cannot be cashed or deposited, making it safe to share your bank account information for direct deposit or ACH authorization setups. To void a check, you write the word "VOID" in large, clear letters across the key fields of the check using permanent ink, as recommended by the Federal Reserve's payments guidance. This guide walks you through each step, explains when you need a voided check, and covers what to do if you run out of paper checks.
When You Need a Voided Check
Employers typically request a voided check when you set up direct deposit so your paycheck is routed to your correct bank account. The check provides your bank's routing number and your personal account number in a format your employer's payroll system can verify.
Voided checks are also commonly used when authorizing ACH debits — for example, when setting up automatic bill payments for a mortgage, insurance premium, or utility. Some landlords request a voided check when setting up recurring rent payments. In all of these cases, the voided check is used for informational purposes only and cannot be negotiated or cashed. If you need to share banking details without a physical check, you can also obtain a voided check alternative from your bank's online portal.
How to Void a Check: Step by Step
Start with a blank check from your checkbook. Using a permanent black or blue ink pen, write the word VOID in large capital letters across the front of the check. Make the letters large enough to span the full width of the check so that they cross each key field.
For added security, write VOID on each of these five areas separately: the payee line ("Pay to the Order of"), the amount box (the numerical dollar field), the written dollar amount line, the signature line, and the MICR line (the row of numbers along the bottom of the check that contains your routing and account numbers), as described in the Federal Reserve's check payment system documentation.
Do not fill in any other fields — leave the date, payee, and amount lines blank. The goal is to mark the check as unusable without obscuring the routing and account numbers at the bottom, which the recipient needs to set up the payment. If you have never written a check before, reviewing how to write a check will help you understand the fields you are voiding.
What Not to Do
Never use pencil, marker, or correction fluid on a voided check. Pencil can be erased, and marker may bleed through and obscure the MICR numbers at the bottom. Always use permanent black or blue ink. Do not shred or destroy the check after voiding — the recipient still needs the readable routing and account numbers at the bottom to process your payment setup. Knowing how to endorse a check properly gives you complementary knowledge about check security practices.
No Paper Checks? Use a Direct Deposit Form
If you do not have paper checks, most banks offer a direct deposit authorization form through their online banking portal or mobile app. This form contains your routing number and account number and serves the same purpose as a voided check, as outlined in the CFPB's Regulation E guidance.
You can also ask your bank to provide a letter on bank letterhead confirming your account details. Some employers and service providers accept either of these alternatives in place of a physical voided check. Contact your bank's customer service team if you are unsure how to obtain these documents. If you bank with Chase, the process for ordering checks from Chase is straightforward and can be done online.
How to Find Your Routing and Account Numbers
Your routing number is the nine-digit number printed on the bottom-left of a paper check. Your account number follows immediately to the right of the routing number. The check number typically appears at the far right of the MICR line.
You can also find both numbers in your bank's online portal, in your bank's mobile app, or on a monthly account statement. Never share your routing and account numbers in an unsecured format — only provide them to trusted employers, financial institutions, or service providers through secure channels. Understanding how many bank accounts you should have can help you decide which account to use when sharing banking details for direct deposit.
Protecting Yourself When Sharing Bank Information
A voided check contains sensitive information — your full routing number and account number. Only provide a voided check to parties you trust and through secure means. The CFPB recommends keeping records of any authorizations you grant for electronic fund transfers.
Federal Regulation E gives you the right to dispute unauthorized electronic transfers from your bank account. If you believe someone has used your account information without your permission, contact your bank immediately and file a report with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. You should also know how long to keep bank statements so you have a complete paper trail if a dispute arises. Additionally, if you ever need to close an account that may have been compromised, understanding how to close a Chase checking account can walk you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a voided check be cashed or deposited?
No — once you write VOID across a check in permanent ink, it cannot be cashed or deposited. Banks are trained to reject voided checks at the teller window and through ATM or mobile deposit systems. A voided check is used only to share your routing and account numbers. If you need to deposit funds, a deposit slip is the correct document to use at a bank branch.
What do I do if I make a mistake on a voided check?
If you accidentally write on the wrong check or want to re-void more thoroughly, simply take another blank check and start over. Destroy the incorrectly marked check by shredding it so your account information is protected. There is no limit to how many blank checks you can void from your checkbook. If you need more checks, you can order checks from your bank online.
Do I need to keep a record of voided checks?
It is generally good practice to record the check number in your check register and note that it was voided, so you can reconcile your account accurately. This helps you track which check numbers were used and prevents confusion if your bank statement shows the check number without a corresponding payment. Knowing how long to keep bank statements will help you maintain the right records alongside your voided check log.
Is it safe to email a photo of a voided check?
Exercise caution — a photo of a voided check contains your full routing number and account number, which could be misused if intercepted. When possible, use your employer's secure payroll portal or a bank-provided direct deposit form instead. If email is the only option, confirm you are using an encrypted or secure messaging channel. Understanding how a debit card works versus an ACH transfer can also help you choose the safest payment method for each situation.
Can I create a voided check if I only have a digital account with no paper checks?
Yes — most banks provide a direct deposit authorization form through their online portal or app that contains the same routing and account number information as a voided check. Contact your bank's customer service team to request an official account verification letter if the online form is not accepted. You may also want to review what a voided check looks like so you can confirm your bank's form includes the same key information.
Sources & References
- Federal Reserve — The Federal Reserve's Role in the Payments System — https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/paymentsstudy.htm
- Federal Reserve — Check Payment System — https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/check.htm
- CFPB — Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E) — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/compliance/compliance-resources/deposit-accounts-resources/electronic-fund-transfers/
- CFPB — Protect Your Checking Account — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/bank-accounts/
- FDIC — Consumer Resources on Bank Accounts — https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/
Last updated: April 28, 2026