If you’ve ever set up direct deposit, automatic bill pay, or automatic investing, you may have been asked to provide a voided check. For many people, that request can be confusing especially if you’ve never done it before.
The good news? Voiding a check is simple and takes less than a minute.
Let’s walk through exactly how it works, why companies ask for it, and what to do if you don’t have checks.
What Does “Voiding a Check” Mean?
When you void a check, you’re marking it so it cannot be used for payment. The check still shows your:
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Bank account number
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Bank routing number
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Name and address
But it can no longer be filled out and cashed.
Companies use this information to connect your bank account for:
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Direct deposit from your employer
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Automatic mortgage or rent payments
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Utility bill autopay
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Investment account transfers
Think of a voided check as a safe way to share your banking details without giving someone a usable check.
How to Void a Check (Correct Way)
Here’s exactly what to do:
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Take a blank check from your checkbook.
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Use a pen or permanent marker.
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Write “VOID” in large letters across the front of the check.
Make the word big enough to cover most of the check, but do not cover the numbers at the bottom (the routing and account numbers). The company needs those numbers to set up the electronic connection.
Why Write It Large?
Writing “VOID” across the entire check prevents anyone from:
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Writing in a payee
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Filling in an amount
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Signing and cashing it
Even if someone stole it, they wouldn’t be able to use it as payment.
Important: Record the Voided Check
Before handing it over, record it in your check register.
Write:
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The check number
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The date
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The word “VOID”
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A short note (example: “Given to employer for direct deposit”)
Why this matters:
If you skip this step, you might later see a missing check number and wonder:
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Did I write a check and forget?
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Was it stolen?
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Is it going to clear my account?
Keeping good records avoids confusion.
How to Send a Voided Check Safely
If you’re handing it to someone in person, no problem.
If you’re sending it electronically:
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Don’t attach it to a regular email if possible.
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Upload it through a secure company portal.
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Use encrypted file-sharing when available.
Remember: a voided check still contains your bank account information. Treat it like sensitive financial data.
What If You Don’t Have Checks?
Many Americans today don’t use paper checks regularly. So what do you do if you don’t have any?
Here are your options.
1. Set It Up Online (Best Option)
Many employers and financial institutions now allow you to enter your:
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Routing number
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Account number
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Account type (checking or savings)
directly through a secure online form.
If this option is available, you don’t need a voided check at all.
2. Use a Pre-Printed Deposit Slip
If you have pre-printed deposit slips from your checkbook (not blank ones you fill out by hand), some companies will accept those instead.
These usually contain:
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Your account number
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Routing number
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Bank information
Call and confirm first not all organizations accept them.
3. Get a Counter Check From Your Bank
You can visit your bank branch and request a temporary “counter check.”
The teller prints a check with your account information on it. You can then write “VOID” across it and use it just like a regular check.
4. Request an Official Bank Letter
If you can’t get a check, ask your bank for a letter on official letterhead confirming:
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Your name
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Account number
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Routing number
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Account type
Some banks also provide a pre-formatted direct deposit letter through online banking.
Should You Keep a Copy?
Yes absolutely.
You’ll likely need to provide a voided check multiple times over the years (new job, new mortgage, new investment account, etc.).
Scan or photocopy your voided check and store it securely:
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Locked file cabinet (physical copy)
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Encrypted digital storage (electronic copy)
Never store it casually on your desktop or in an unsecured email folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Void a Check After Sending It?
If you already mailed or handed over a check without voiding it and you’re worried you can request a stop payment from your bank.
Contact your bank immediately and provide:
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Check number
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Amount
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Payee name
If the check hasn’t been cashed yet, the bank can usually block it. If it has already cleared, your options become much more limited.
When Do You Typically Need a Voided Check?
You’ll most commonly need one when setting up:
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Employer direct deposit
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Social Security or government benefits
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Automatic loan payments
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Brokerage account transfers
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Recurring bill payments
Some companies accept written account information, but many prefer a voided check for verification.
How Long Is a Check Valid?
In general, most U.S. checks are valid for six months (180 days).
After that, banks may refuse to cash them although policies can vary. Some checks may list a shorter or longer expiration period directly on the front.
