What Is a Voided Check?

A voided check is a personal or business check with the word "VOID" written in large letters across the front. The VOID marking prevents the check from being used as a payment instrument, but the printed banking information remains fully readable.

Voided checks are used to share your bank routing number and account number with an employer, biller, or government agency — without the risk of the check being cashed.

What Information Does a Voided Check Contain?

Every voided check displays three critical pieces of banking information printed at the bottom in MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) format:

1. Routing number — A 9-digit number that identifies your bank or credit union. Also called an ABA routing number or routing transit number.
2. Account number — Your unique bank account number, which identifies your specific account at that institution.
3. Check number — A sequential number assigned to each check in your checkbook.

The check also shows your name, address, and the name of your bank — all of which help the recipient verify the account belongs to you.

When Do You Need a Voided Check?

Voided checks are requested in several common situations:

Direct Deposit Setup

The most frequent reason. Your employer needs your routing and account numbers to deposit your paycheck electronically via the ACH network. A voided check provides both numbers in a verified, standardized format.

Automatic Bill Payments

Mortgage companies, insurance providers, utility companies, and loan servicers use voided checks to set up recurring ACH debits from your account.

Mortgage and Loan Applications

Lenders verify your bank account details during the application process and may require a voided check to set up automatic payments.

Tax Refund Direct Deposit

The IRS accepts direct deposit for federal tax refunds. You can provide your routing and account numbers on your tax return, but some tax preparers ask for a voided check as verification.

Rental Applications

Landlords and property management companies may request a voided check when setting up automatic rent payments via ACH transfer.

How to Void a Check

If you have a paper checkbook:

1. Take a blank, unused check from your checkbook
2. Write "VOID" in large letters across the front using blue or black ink
3. Do not cover the routing number or account number at the bottom
4. Do not sign the check or fill in any payment fields
5. Record the check number in your register

For detailed step-by-step instructions, see our guide on how to void a check.

How to Get a Voided Check Without Paper Checks

Many people no longer carry checkbooks. If you need a voided check but do not have paper checks, you have several options:

• Generate one online — Use VoidedCheck.com to create a voided check instantly using your routing and account numbers
• Visit your bank — Request a counter check or temporary check from a teller
• Use online banking — Some banks let you print temporary checks
• Ask for alternatives — Some employers accept a direct deposit authorization form or bank verification letter instead

Learn more in our guide on how to get a voided check.

Is It Safe to Give Out a Voided Check?

Yes, a voided check is generally safe to provide to trusted parties. The VOID marking prevents the check from being cashed or deposited. The routing and account numbers on the check are the same information you would provide on any direct deposit form, ACH authorization, or wire transfer request.

Give voided checks only to:

• Your employer or HR department
• Your bank or credit union
• Established billers (mortgage company, insurance, utilities)
• Government agencies (IRS, Social Security Administration)

Do not give voided checks to:

• Unknown individuals or companies
• Unsolicited requests received via email or phone

Voided Check vs. Cancelled Check

A voided check is a blank check with VOID written on it — it was never used for payment. A cancelled check is a check that was previously written, sent, and processed by the bank. Cancelled checks show the payee, amount, and endorsement, while voided checks have no payment information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I write on a voided check?

Write the word "VOID" in large letters across the front of a blank check using blue or black ink. Do not fill in the payee, amount, date, or signature fields.

Can I get a voided check online?

Yes. Services like VoidedCheck.com generate voided checks using your routing number and account number. The generated check is accepted by employers and billers.

Do I need a voided check for direct deposit?

Most employers request a voided check for direct deposit setup. Some accept alternatives like a direct deposit authorization form or a bank verification letter.

What if I don't have checks?

You can generate a voided check online, request a counter check from your bank, or ask your employer if they accept a direct deposit form instead.

Is a voided check the same as a blank check?

No. A blank check has no markings and could be used to make a payment. A voided check has "VOID" written across it, which prevents it from being used as a payment instrument.

How do I get a voided check from my bank?

Visit your bank branch and ask a teller for a counter check or temporary check. They will print one with your account information, and you can write VOID on it.

What is the difference between a voided check and a cancelled check?

A voided check was never used for payment — it is a blank check marked VOID. A cancelled check was written, sent, processed, and cleared by the bank.

Can someone steal money with a voided check?

A voided check alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account. It provides routing and account numbers, but unauthorized ACH debits require additional authorization and are protected by federal regulations.