How to Get a Voided Check (4 Easy Ways, Even Without a Checkbook)
Your new employer wants a voided check for direct deposit. Your landlord or insurance company wants one for automatic payments. And you haven't written a paper check in years — or never had a checkbook at all. The good news: getting a voided check takes a few minutes, and you have more options than you might think.
Quick answer: to get a voided check, write "VOID" in large letters across a blank check from your checkbook. If you don't have checks, ask your bank for a counter check or a direct deposit letter, download a direct deposit form from your online banking, or generate a voided check online with your routing and account numbers.
Below, each option is explained step by step — plus what's on a voided check, whether you can get one online, and how to share it safely.
What is a voided check?
A voided check is a regular check with the word "VOID" written across the front. The word makes the check impossible to cash or use for a payment, but it keeps your banking details readable. That's the whole point: a voided check is a safe way to share the information printed on it.
Why do employers and billers ask for a voided check?
A voided check proves which bank account a payment should go to — or come from. It's most often requested for:
- Direct deposit — your employer or payroll provider sends your paycheck straight to your account.
- Automatic bill payments (ACH) — rent, insurance, loans, utilities or a gym membership charged directly from your account.
- Government payments — benefits, tax refunds or pension payments.
- Business payments — when a client, platform or vendor needs to pay you by bank transfer.
Companies prefer a check over numbers typed into a form because it reduces typos: the details come straight from what your bank printed.
What information is on a voided check?
- Routing number — the 9-digit number at the bottom left. It identifies your bank.
- Account number — the number in the middle of the bottom line. It identifies your account.
- Check number — the last group of digits, which matches the number in the top right corner.
- Your name and address — printed in the top left, so the company can match the account to you.
Not sure which routing number belongs to your bank? Look it up on our list of US banks and credit unions.
4 ways to get a voided check
1. Void a check from your checkbook
If you have paper checks, this is the fastest option and takes about a minute:
- Take a blank check from your checkbook.
- With a blue or black pen, write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check.
- Make sure the word covers the payee, amount and signature lines — but does not cover the routing and account numbers at the bottom.
- Don't sign the check.
- Write "void" next to the check number in your check register, so you know it wasn't lost.
Then take a photo or scan of the check if the company accepts it digitally, or hand over the paper copy.
2. Get a counter check or a bank letter from your bank
Yes, you can get a voided check from your bank. Most banks will print a counter check — a single check with your account details — at a branch, sometimes for a small fee. You can void it the same way as a regular check.
You can also ask for a bank letter (sometimes called a direct deposit letter or bank verification letter) on official letterhead, with your name, routing number and account number. That's why many forms say "attach a voided check or bank letter" — either one works for them.
3. Download a direct deposit form from online banking
A lot of banks offer a pre-filled direct deposit form in their website or mobile app — usually under account details, account services or "set up direct deposit." It contains your routing number, account number and name, and you can download it as a PDF in seconds. If your employer accepts a form instead of a check, this is a good free option.
4. Generate a voided check online
If you don't have a checkbook and need an actual voided check, you can create one online. With VoidFast, you enter your bank, routing number, account number and name, and get a properly formatted voided check as a PDF in under a minute — ready to print, email or upload. You can also start from your bank's page, for example a Bank of America voided check, a Capital One voided check or a Citibank voided check.
Always double-check the routing and account numbers against your bank's app before you send the check anywhere.
Can you get a voided check online?
Yes — in two ways. Many banks let you download a direct deposit form from online banking, which most employers accept instead of a check. And if you need a document that looks like an actual check, you can generate a voided check online from your routing and account numbers and download it as a PDF.
Either way, you don't need to visit a branch or order a checkbook. Just make sure the numbers match your account exactly — a single wrong digit means your paycheck goes nowhere.
Which option should you choose?
- You have checks: void one from your checkbook — it's free and instant.
- You're near a branch: ask for a counter check or a bank letter.
- Your employer accepts a form: download a direct deposit form from your online banking.
- You need a check today and have no checkbook: generate a voided check online.
If you're not sure what the company will accept, ask HR or the billing department. Most simply need correct routing and account numbers in a format they can keep on file.
Is it safe to share a voided check?
A voided check can't be cashed, but it does show your routing and account number, so treat it like other sensitive documents:
- Send it only to the company that asked for it, through their official channel — an HR portal, a payroll system or a known email address.
- Be careful with unexpected requests for a voided check, especially from someone you've never worked with.
- Don't post a photo of it online or leave it in shared folders.
- Check your bank statements after setting up a new direct deposit or automatic payment.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get a voided check?
From your own checkbook — just write "VOID" across a blank check. If you don't have checks, get a counter check or bank letter at your bank, download a direct deposit form from online banking, or generate a voided check online.
Can I get a voided check without a checkbook?
Yes. You can ask your bank for a counter check, download a direct deposit form from online banking, request a bank letter, or create a voided check online with your routing and account numbers.
Can I get a voided check from my bank?
Yes. Most banks can print a counter check at a branch, which you then void yourself, or give you a bank letter with your account details. Some charge a small fee for counter checks.
Do I need to sign a voided check?
No. Don't sign a voided check. The company only needs the routing and account numbers, and leaving the signature line empty makes the check even safer.
What if I don't have a voided check for direct deposit?
Ask your employer if they accept a direct deposit form or a bank letter instead — most do. If they specifically want a check, get a counter check from your bank or generate a voided check online.
Can I use a deposit slip instead of a voided check?
Sometimes, but be careful. The routing number on a deposit slip can be different from the one used for direct deposit and ACH payments. Confirm the correct routing number with your bank before using a deposit slip.
Does a voided check expire?
No. A voided check stays valid for direct deposit setup as long as the bank account is open and the details on it are correct.
Is a voided check printed online accepted for direct deposit?
Most employers and payroll providers only need correct routing and account numbers, so a printed voided check works in most cases. If a company specifically asks for a document from your bank, use a direct deposit form or a bank letter instead.