How to Get a Voided Check from Bank of America

What a voided check is and why you need one

A voided check is a check from your Bank of America account that you have marked as invalid so it cannot be cashed. You void it by writing the word "VOID" across the front in large letters. Banks and employers ask for voided checks because they contain your routing number, account number, and bank name — the information needed to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or wire transfers. A voided check proves those numbers belong to you and are correct.

Bank of America does not charge you to void a check or to provide one. You straightforward mark an unused check from your checkbook as void and hand it over. If you no longer have checks, Bank of America can print new ones or you can request a voided check through other methods.

Key Takeaways

• A voided check requires only that you write "VOID" across the front of an unused check from your checkbook in large letters.
• If you do not have checks, you can order new ones from Bank of America or request a voided check through your online banking account.
• Bank of America can also provide a document called a "counter check" or "starter check" that serves the same purpose as a voided check.
• You can pick up a voided check in person at a Bank of America branch, or request one by mail or through your online account.

Voiding a check you already have

If you have a checkbook from Bank of America, the fastest way to get a voided check is to void one yourself. Take an unused check and write "VOID" in large letters across the front, covering the signature line and the amount box. Use a pen so the marking cannot be erased. The check is now voided and ready to give to whoever requested it.

Make sure the check is completely blank except for your name, routing number, and account number printed at the bottom. Do not fill in a date, payee name, or amount. The only writing on the check should be "VOID" and your own name if you want to identify it as yours.

Ordering new checks from Bank of America

If you do not have any unused checks, you can order new ones through Bank of America. Log into your online banking account, go to the "Transfers" or "Services" section, and look for "Order Checks" or "Check Services." You can also call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card and ask to order checks by phone.

Bank of America charges a fee for check orders, which varies depending on the style and quantity you choose. Standard checks typically cost between $10 and $20 per box of 100. Once your checks arrive, void one using the method above. Ordering checks takes 7 to 10 business days for standard delivery.

Getting a counter check or starter check

If you need a voided check right away and do not want to wait for an order to arrive, visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask for a counter check or starter check. These are temporary checks that the bank prints on the spot. A teller will print one or more checks with your account information and hand them to you when ready, at no cost.

Counter checks look different from regular checks — they are usually smaller and printed on plain paper — but they contain your routing number and account number and work just as well for direct deposit, bill pay setup, or any other purpose that requires a voided check. You can void a counter check the same way: write "VOID" across the front in large letters.

Requesting a voided check through online banking

Some Bank of America accounts allow you to request a voided check through your online banking portal. Log in to your account, navigate to "Services" or "Account Services," and look for an option to request checks or banking documents. Not all account types offer this feature, so if you do not see it, call the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch.

If your account supports online requests, the bank will mail a voided check to the address on file. This method takes 5 to 10 business days. You can also ask the bank to mail multiple voided checks if you need them for different purposes.

What information appears on your voided check

Your voided check will show your name, your Bank of America branch address, and three numbers at the bottom: your routing number (the first nine digits), your account number (the middle set of digits), and a check number (the last digits on the right). These three pieces of information are what employers, payroll companies, and billers need to set up direct deposit or automatic payments.

The routing number identifies Bank of America and the specific branch or processing center. Your account number identifies your specific account. Make sure the person or organization requesting the voided check receives all three numbers clearly. If any number is hard to read, ask for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I void a check that has already been written and signed?

Yes. Write "VOID" across the front of any check, whether it was blank or already filled out. Once you mark it void, it cannot be deposited or cashed. If you have already mailed a check and want to cancel it, contact the recipient and ask them to destroy it, then provide a voided check as proof of your account information instead.

Is a voided check the same as a blank check?

No. A blank check has no markings and could theoretically be filled out and cashed. A voided check has "VOID" written across it and cannot be cashed under any circumstances. Always provide a voided check, not a blank one, when someone asks for proof of your account information.

How many voided checks do I need to keep?

You only need one voided check per request. If multiple people or organizations ask for one, you can provide the same voided check to each of them, or void multiple checks if you prefer. There is no limit to how many checks you can void.

What if I do not have a Bank of America checking account?

Voided checks come from checking accounts only. If you have a savings account, money market account, or other account type, you cannot void a check because those accounts do not come with checks. Ask Bank of America whether you can convert your account to a checking account, or open a new checking account if you need one.

Can I void a check electronically or get a digital copy?

Bank of America does not provide digital or electronic versions of voided checks. You must have a physical check marked with "VOID" in ink. Some employers or billers may accept a photo of a voided check, but you should confirm this with them before submitting an image instead of the original.