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've marked as invalid so it cannot be cashed. You write "VOID" across the front in large letters, and then you use it to share your banking information with someone else — typically your employer for direct deposit setup, a service provider for automatic bill payments, or a landlord for rent collection.

The voided check shows your routing number, account number, and check number in a format that's straightforward for the other party to read and enter into their system. It's safer than writing these numbers on a piece of paper because the check itself is an official Bank of America document, and the "VOID" marking makes it impossible for anyone to actually deposit or cash it.

You don't need to ask Bank of America permission to void a check or to request one. You straightforward void a check yourself from your checkbook and hand it over.

Key Takeaways

• You void a check yourself by writing "VOID" in large letters across the front of an unused check from your Bank of America checkbook.
• A voided check is used to share your routing and account numbers with employers, billers, or landlords without risk because it cannot be cashed.
• If you don't have checks, you can contact Bank of America to order new checks or request a replacement voided check through their customer service.
• Bank of America does not charge a fee to void a check or to provide you with one for direct deposit or bill pay setup.

How to void a check from your existing checkbook

Take an unused check from your Bank of America checkbook. Using a pen (not pencil), write the word "VOID" in large, clear letters across the front of the check. Write it diagonally or horizontally — either way works. The goal is to make it obvious that the check should not be used for payment.

Do not fill in any other information on the check — no payee name, no amount, no signature. The "VOID" marking alone is enough. Once you've written "VOID," the check is ready to hand over to whoever needs it. Keep the check in your possession until you're ready to give it to the person or organization that requested it.

What to do if you don't have checks

If you don't have a Bank of America checkbook or you've run out of checks, you have two options: order new checks or contact Bank of America directly for a voided check.

To order checks, log into your Bank of America online banking account, go to the Transfers & Payments section, and select "Order Checks." You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to order checks by phone. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Once they arrive, you can void one when ready.

If you need a voided check faster, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and explain that you need a voided check for direct deposit or bill pay setup. A representative can sometimes provide you with the information you need over the phone, or they can mail you a pre-voided check. Ask about their current process when you call, as options may vary.

Information you'll find on a voided check

When you hand over a voided check, the other party will use three pieces of information from it: your routing number, your account number, and your check number. All three appear at the bottom of the check in a standardized format.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America and your specific branch. The account number is typically 10 digits and identifies your specific checking account. The check number is a smaller number, usually in the upper right corner and again at the bottom left. For direct deposit and bill pay, most organizations only need the routing number and account number, but having the check number visible doesn't hurt.

When to use a voided check versus other methods

A voided check is the most common way to set up direct deposit with an employer or to authorize automatic bill payments. It's straightforward and requires no special request to Bank of America.

However, some employers and billers now accept electronic verification instead. If the organization asks for your routing and account numbers but doesn't specifically request a voided check, you can ask whether they accept information entered directly into their online form. Many do. This can be faster if you don't have checks on hand.

For situations where you're mailing payment information to someone you don't fully trust, a voided check is safer than writing your numbers on a piece of paper, because the "VOID" marking prevents misuse. If you're concerned about sharing your account information at all, ask the organization whether they have alternative methods — some landlords and service providers accept other forms of verification.

Security considerations when sharing a voided check

A voided check is designed to be safe to share because it cannot be deposited or cashed. The "VOID" marking makes that clear. However, it does contain your routing number and account number, so treat it the way you'd treat any document with that information: hand it directly to the person who requested it, or mail it in a sealed envelope.

Don't post a voided check online, email it to an unsecured address, or leave it lying around. If you're mailing it, use regular mail rather than leaving it in an open mailbox. These are the same precautions you'd take with any document containing your banking information.

If you're concerned that a voided check has been lost or fallen into the wrong hands, contact Bank of America when ready. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity and discuss whether you should close the account and open a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I void a check that's already been written to someone?

Technically yes, but it defeats the purpose. A voided check is meant to be unused so that the routing and account numbers are clearly visible and the check cannot be cashed. If you've already written a check to someone and want to cancel it, contact your bank instead — they can help you stop payment on that specific check.

Does Bank of America charge a fee for voiding a check or providing one?

No. Voiding a check from your own checkbook costs nothing. If you need to order new checks or request a pre-voided check from Bank of America, there is no fee for that service either.

What if the organization asking for a voided check wants me to sign it?

Do not sign a voided check. A voided check should be unsigned. If an organization is asking you to sign it, they may be confused about what a voided check is. Clarify with them that you're providing it only for the routing and account numbers, and that it should remain unsigned and uncashed.

Can I use a voided check for online bill pay setup?

Most online bill pay systems don't require a voided check. Instead, you enter your routing number and account number directly into the biller's website or into Bank of America's bill pay tool. A voided check is most commonly used for direct deposit with employers and for setting up automatic payments by mail or phone.

What if my voided check gets lost in the mail?

If you're concerned that a voided check you mailed has been lost or intercepted, contact Bank of America. They can monitor your account for unauthorized activity. Because the check is voided, it cannot be cashed, but your routing and account numbers are still on it. Your bank can advise you on whether additional steps are needed.