What Is a Voided Check and How to Use One

A voided check is a personal or business check on which the word VOID has been written clearly across the face, preventing it from being used as a payment instrument. The check cannot be cashed or deposited once it has been voided. However, the printed information on the check — your bank's routing number and your account number — remains visible and usable for account verification purposes.

Voided checks are used to provide accurate bank account information to employers, vendors, or payment platforms without handing over a blank check that could be filled in and presented for payment. The account number printed on the bottom of the check is unique to your account, while the routing number identifies your bank or credit union within the Federal Reserve's payment system. For related guidance, see our articles on the void check and on how to get a voided check.

Creating a voided check takes fewer than 30 seconds and requires only a pen. Follow these steps:

1. Take a blank check from your checkbook — do not fill in any fields.
2. Using a blue or black ink pen, write the word VOID in large letters across the front of the check. Write it large enough that it covers the majority of the check face, including the signature line and pay-to line.
3. Some people write VOID across each field (pay-to, amount box, written amount line, and signature line) individually for extra security — this is optional but adds a layer of protection against fraud.
4. Make a photocopy or phone photograph of the voided check for your own records before submitting it.
5. Provide the voided check as requested — by email, fax, or in person — and keep your record copy in a secure location.

Always use permanent ink when writing on any check. Pencil or erasable pen can be removed, creating a potential fraud risk. If you are also filling out checks for payment, review our guide on how to write a check.

Voided checks are most commonly requested in the following situations:

• Direct deposit setup: Employers typically ask for a voided check when enrolling you in payroll direct deposit. The check gives them your routing number and account number to program correctly into their payroll system.
• ACH payment authorization: Landlords, utilities, subscription services, and insurance companies may request a voided check to set up automatic bank account debits (ACH pulls). Learn more about how long ACH transfers take once your account is linked.
• Loan or investment account setup: Brokerage firms, lenders, and savings platforms often request account verification via voided check when you link a bank account.
• Government benefit payment enrollment: Social Security, veterans benefits, and other federal payments are typically disbursed by direct deposit. A voided check may be used to verify account information.

Not all account holders have a paper checkbook, particularly users of online-only banks or those who rarely write checks. If you need to provide account information but do not have checks, several alternatives are typically accepted by employers and service providers:

• Printed direct deposit form: Many banks and credit unions allow you to print or download an official direct deposit authorization form from online banking, which includes your routing and account numbers and carries your bank's letterhead.
• Account information letter: Some banks provide an official account verification letter on request.
• Bank counter check: Your bank branch can often print a starter check with your account information for a nominal fee. Some banks offer check ordering services for this purpose.
• Online banking account details: Many payers accept a screenshot or printout of your account details from your online banking portal, though acceptance varies by the recipient's policy.

Your bank routing number and account number are printed on the bottom of any personal check in magnetic ink characters. The nine-digit routing number appears on the lower left, followed by your account number, followed by the check number. You can also find both numbers in your bank's mobile app, online banking portal, or on your monthly account statements.

The Federal Reserve operates the routing number system, and each routing number uniquely identifies a financial institution in the U.S. payment system. If your bank has multiple routing numbers (common at large banks), verify which routing number to use for ACH transactions specifically, as some banks use different routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH. Knowing your account information also helps when you need to fill out a deposit slip or set up payments through services like Venmo.