Void Check: What It Is and How to Create One

Voiding a check is straightforward. Take a blank check from your checkbook — do not fill in any fields before voiding. Using a blue or black permanent marker or pen, write the word VOID in large letters across the face of the check. Write it large enough to cover the check clearly, but do not obscure the account number and routing number printed at the bottom — the recipient needs to read those numbers. Some people write VOID across each field individually (date, payee, amount box, written amount line) as an additional precaution.

Once you have written VOID, the check cannot be cashed or deposited by anyone. All six check fields are effectively cancelled. You can now provide the voided check to your employer, payment platform, or financial institution so they can record your routing and account numbers. Keep a note of who you gave the voided check to and when, for your own records. For a broader guide on check writing and fields, our article on how to write a check explains each field in detail.

The primary reason someone requests a void check is to obtain your bank's routing number and your checking account number. These two numbers appear at the bottom of every check in a standard MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) format. The routing number is typically nine digits and identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account.

With this information, your employer can set up direct deposit to send your paycheck electronically to your account. A payment platform or creditor can use the numbers to initiate ACH debits or credits. Banks use these numbers to verify account ownership during account-linking processes. The CFPB notes that ACH transfers are governed by the rules of NACHA — the National Automated Clearing House Association — and that consumers have rights to dispute unauthorized ACH transactions. For context on how long these transfers take, see our guide on how long an ACH transfer takes.

Void checks are most commonly requested in the following situations. Employers often require a voided check as part of direct deposit enrollment — it provides the exact account and routing numbers needed to route your paycheck. Landlords may request a voided check for setting up automatic rent payments via ACH. Lenders may request one when setting up automatic loan payments from your checking account.

Government agencies — including those administering Social Security benefits and tax refunds — may request banking information that a void check can supply for electronic payment setup. Investment platforms and money-transfer services also commonly request a voided check to verify and link your bank account. In each case, providing a voided check is safer than writing your account information on a blank form, because the VOID marking prevents the check from being used as a payment instrument. If you need to verify the account a check was written on, our guide on how to get a voided check from your bank walks through that process.

If you do not have paper checks — because you use an online-only bank or simply ran out — there are several alternatives. Many banks allow you to print a voided check image or official account verification letter directly from your online banking portal or mobile app. This document typically serves the same purpose as a physical voided check for direct deposit and ACH setup.

You may also provide your routing and account numbers verbally or in writing if the requesting party accepts that format. Some employers and platforms accept a bank statement as account verification. Contact your bank if you are unsure how to obtain proof of your account and routing numbers — banks are required to provide this information to their account holders. If you're considering ordering a fresh supply of paper checks, our guide on how to order checks from Chase covers the process for Chase account holders.

Because a voided check contains your bank's routing number and your account number, treat it as sensitive financial information. Only provide a voided check to parties you trust and through secure channels. Do not send a voided check by regular email — use a secure file-transfer method or deliver it in person when possible.

If you believe your check or account information has been compromised, contact your bank immediately. You may request a new account number if unauthorized ACH debits appear on your account. The CFPB provides resources on disputing unauthorized electronic fund transfers and outlines your rights under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, which limits your liability for unauthorized transactions if reported promptly. Understanding what constitutes a checking account and how its protections differ from other account types is also worth reviewing.