What a voided check is and why you need one
A voided check is a check you write and mark as void — you draw lines through it or write "VOID" across the front — so it cannot be cashed or deposited. Banks and businesses ask for voided checks to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and ACH transfers because the check itself contains your routing number, account number, and bank name printed on it. Those numbers are all a payment processor needs to pull money from your account or send money to it.
Bank of America prints your routing and account numbers on every check you order. A voided check proves those numbers are correct and belong to you, which reduces the risk that someone will set up a payment using wrong information or someone else's account. Your employer, your mortgage lender, your utility company, or a peer payment app may ask you to provide one before they start sending or withdrawing money.
You do not need to actually void a check from your checkbook. Bank of America can print and void one for you, or you can request a statement that shows your routing and account numbers instead. The voided check is simply the easiest proof because it is a single document with all the information in one place.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America can print a voided check for you at any branch, or you can void one from your own checkbook by writing "VOID" across the front.
- You need your account number and routing number ready, and you may be asked to show ID at the branch.
- A printed voided check usually takes one to three business days if you order it online, or you can get one the same day by visiting a branch in person.
- If you do not have checks, you can ask Bank of America for an account verification letter that lists your routing and account numbers instead.
- Never share a voided check with anyone except the organization that specifically asked you for one.
Getting a voided check at a Bank of America branch
The fastest way to get a voided check is to walk into any Bank of America branch and ask a teller to print one for you. Bring your debit card or ID so the teller can confirm your identity and pull up your account. Tell them you need a voided check for direct deposit or bill payment setup — they will print one on the spot, void it themselves, and hand it to you. This takes about five minutes and costs nothing.
If you already have checks in your checkbook, you can void one yourself instead. Write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check, covering the amount line and the signature line. Make sure the check is still readable — the routing number, account number, and bank name must be visible. You can then use that check anywhere a voided check is requested. This is free and takes no time at all.
Ordering a voided check online or by phone
You can order a voided check through your Bank of America online account. Log in, go to the Checks section, and look for an option to order checks or request a voided check. The exact menu path varies depending on whether you use the mobile app or the website, but the Checks section is usually under Account Services or a similar heading. Bank of America will print and mail the voided check to your address on file, which typically takes one to three business days.
If you prefer to speak to someone, call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can process your request over the phone and mail the voided check to you. You will need to confirm your identity by providing your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or other verification information the bank asks for.
What to do if you do not have checks
If you do not have a checkbook and do not want to order one, ask Bank of America for an account verification letter instead. This is a letter from the bank on official letterhead that lists your account number, routing number, account type, and the date the account was opened. Many employers and payment processors accept this letter in place of a voided check, though some specifically require a check.
Request an account verification letter at any Bank of America branch or by calling customer service. There is no charge for this letter. The branch can usually print one for you immediately, or it will be mailed to you within a few business days if you request it by phone. Before you ask for the letter, confirm with the organization requesting the voided check that they will accept a verification letter instead — this saves you a step if they will not.
Information on your voided check
Your voided check contains three pieces of information that matter: your routing number, your account number, and your bank name. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America and the specific branch or processing center that handles your account. The account number is unique to you and is usually 10 to 12 digits long. Both numbers appear at the bottom of the check in a specific order: routing number first, then account number.
The routing number for Bank of America varies by state and by the type of account you have. If you are setting up a payment and the routing number on your check does not match what the payment processor is asking for, do not guess — call Bank of America to confirm the correct number. Using the wrong routing number will send your payment to the wrong bank, and it may take days to recover the money.
Security and what not to do with a voided check
A voided check is safe to share with the specific organization that asked you for one — your employer, your mortgage lender, your utility company — because they need those numbers to set up a legitimate payment. Do not post a voided check on social media, email it to someone you do not know, or share it in a public forum. Anyone with your routing number and account number can attempt to withdraw money from your account or set up unauthorized payments.
If you accidentally share a voided check with the wrong person or suspect someone has your account information, contact Bank of America immediately. You can call the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch. The bank can flag your account, monitor it for suspicious activity, and issue you a new account number if necessary. The sooner you report the problem, the faster the bank can protect your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a check from my old checkbook if I ordered new checks?
Yes, as long as the routing and account numbers are the same. If you closed the account or switched to a different account type, the numbers may have changed. Call Bank of America or check your new checks to confirm the numbers match before you submit an old check.
What if the organization asking for a voided check will not accept a verification letter?
Order checks from Bank of America or void one from your existing checkbook. Checks usually arrive within one to three business days if you order online. If you need one faster, visit a branch and ask a teller to print a voided check for you on the spot.
Do I have to pay to get a voided check from Bank of America?
No. A teller can print and void one for free at any branch. An account verification letter is also free. You only pay if you order a full set of new checks, which is a separate service.
Can someone use my voided check to steal money from my account?
Yes, which is why you should only share it with the organization that specifically asked for it. If you believe someone has your account information, call Bank of America right away. The bank can monitor your account and issue a new account number if needed.
What is the difference between a voided check and a blank check?
A voided check has "VOID" written across it so it cannot be cashed or deposited. A blank check can be filled out and used to withdraw money. Never share a blank check with anyone. Always void a check before you give it to someone.