Ask your bank for a voided check in person, by phone, or through online banking
A voided check is a blank check with "VOID" written across it. Banks issue them to customers who need to provide account and routing information without risking the check being cashed. You can request one by visiting your branch, calling customer service, or logging into your online banking portal—most banks offer at least two of these methods. Some banks print them on the spot; others mail them within a few business days.
You do not need a reason to ask for a voided check. Banks issue them routinely for direct deposit setup, automatic bill payments, wire transfer verification, and loan applications. Have your account number and ID ready when you request one, and ask how long it will take to receive it if the bank does not print it immediately.
Key Takeaways
- A voided check shows your routing number and account number without the risk of the check being deposited or cashed.
- You can request a voided check by phone, in person at your branch, or through your bank's website or mobile app.
- Most banks print voided checks on the spot or mail them within three to five business days at no charge.
- If your bank cannot issue a voided check, you can use a deposit slip or account verification letter instead.
Requesting a voided check by phone
Call your bank's customer service number, which is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready. Tell the representative you need a voided check and ask whether they can mail it to you or print it at a branch.
Phone requests typically take three to five business days for delivery by mail. If you need the check faster, ask whether you can pick it up at a local branch instead. Some banks will hold a printed voided check at the branch for same-day or next-day pickup.
Requesting a voided check online or through mobile banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for options labeled "Account Services," "Checks," or "Documents." Some banks have a direct link to request a voided check; others require you to contact customer service through a secure message. If you find the option, follow the prompts to confirm your mailing address and submit the request.
Online requests usually take the same time as phone requests—three to five business days by mail. Check your bank's website for estimated delivery times, as some institutions offer expedited printing or branch pickup.
Picking up a voided check at your branch
Visit any branch of your bank with your ID and account number. Tell a teller you need a voided check. Most branches can print one immediately or within a few minutes while you wait. This is the fastest option if you need the check the same day.
Call ahead if you want to confirm that your branch has the ability to print checks on demand. Some smaller branches or those in rural areas may need to order them, which adds a few days to the process.
What information appears on a voided check
A voided check displays your bank's routing number (nine digits on the left), your account number (on the right), and the check number. The word "VOID" is printed across the face of the check in large letters to prevent it from being deposited or cashed. Your name and address appear in the top left corner, and your bank's name and logo appear at the bottom.
This information is all that most organizations need to set up direct deposit, automatic payments, or wire transfers. The "VOID" marking makes it safe to share because the check cannot be processed as a payment.
Alternatives if your bank cannot issue a voided check
Some banks, particularly online-only institutions, do not print physical checks and therefore cannot issue voided checks. If your bank falls into this category, ask for a deposit slip or account verification letter instead. Both documents contain your routing and account numbers.
A deposit slip is a small form your bank provides for deposits; it shows the same routing and account information as a check. An account verification letter is a formal document from the bank confirming your account details. Either one works for direct deposit, bill payment setup, and most other purposes that require a voided check. Request these the same way you would request a voided check—by phone, online, or in person.
What to do if you lose or damage a voided check
Request another one using the same method. There is no limit to how many voided checks a bank will issue, and there is no charge. If you need the information immediately, you can also find your routing number on your bank's website or by calling customer service, and your account number appears on your debit card and in your online banking portal.
Keep voided checks in a safe place once you receive them, since they contain your account information. Do not share them with anyone except the organization that specifically requests one for direct deposit or payment setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write "VOID" on a check myself instead of asking the bank?
Yes. If you have blank checks from your checkbook, you can write "VOID" across one yourself. The result serves the same purpose as a bank-issued voided check—it shows your routing and account numbers without risk of being cashed. Many people do this rather than wait for the bank to issue one.
Does it cost money to get a voided check?
No. Banks issue voided checks at no charge. If someone tells you there is a fee, you are dealing with a scam or a third-party service, not your bank.
How long does it take to get a voided check?
Same-day if you visit a branch in person. Three to five business days if you request one by phone or online and have it mailed. Some banks offer expedited delivery or branch pickup for faster service—ask when you make your request.
What if I need the routing and account number but do not have a voided check yet?
Call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. They will verify your identity and provide them over the phone. You can also find your routing number on your bank's website or by searching for your bank name plus "routing number."
Is it safe to email or text a voided check?
It is safer than sharing an active check, since a voided check cannot be cashed. However, email and text are not fully secure. Only send a voided check to an organization you trust, and use a secure method if one is available—such as uploading it through a website portal rather than emailing it.