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 write "VOID" across the front in large letters, and the bank will not honor it if someone tries to deposit it. Banks, employers, and service providers ask for voided checks because they contain your routing number and account number printed at the bottom — the same information they need to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or wire transfers. A voided check proves those numbers belong to you and your account.

The reason organizations ask for a voided check instead of just taking your word for the numbers is that it creates a paper trail. If something goes wrong with the payment setup, both you and the organization have a record showing you provided the correct information. Some employers and financial institutions will accept a bank statement or a letter from Bank of America with your account details instead, but a voided check is the fastest and most widely accepted option.

Key Takeaways

• You can create a voided check yourself by writing "VOID" across the front of any blank check from your Bank of America checkbook — you do not need to contact the bank.
• The routing number and account number printed on the bottom of the check are what the recipient needs; the check itself will never be deposited.
• If you do not have blank checks, you can request them from Bank of America by phone, online, or in person at a branch, though they may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
• Some employers and organizations will accept a bank statement or a letter from Bank of America showing your account and routing numbers instead of a voided check.

Creating a voided check from a blank check you already have

If you have blank checks from your Bank of America account, you can void one right now without calling the bank. Take a blank check and write the word "VOID" in large letters across the front, using a pen or marker. Write it diagonally across the check so it is clearly visible. Do not fill in any other information — leave the payee line, amount line, and signature line blank. The check is now voided and ready to give to your employer, lender, or service provider.

The recipient will look at the routing number and account number printed along the bottom of the check in magnetic ink. Those numbers are what they need to set up the payment arrangement. Because the check is marked void, they know it is not a real payment instruction and cannot be deposited. Keep a copy for your records if you want one, though most organizations will not ask you to.

Ordering blank checks from Bank of America if you do not have any

If you do not have blank checks on hand, you have three ways to order them from Bank of America. The fastest online method is to log into your Bank of America account, go to the Checks section under Account Services, and order checks there. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and request checks by phone. A third option is to visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller to order checks for you.

Blank checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though the exact timing depends on your location and the volume of orders Bank of America is processing. If you need a voided check more urgently, ask the organization requesting it whether they will accept an alternative. Many employers and lenders will take a bank statement showing your account number, a letter from Bank of America on official letterhead with your routing and account numbers, or even a screenshot of your account information from the Bank of America app — though you should confirm this with them before assuming they will.

Using a bank statement or letter instead of a voided check

Not every organization requires a physical voided check. Some will accept a recent bank statement from Bank of America that shows your account number and routing number. You can read or print a statement from your online account or request one from a branch. The statement must clearly display both numbers and be dated within the last 30 to 90 days, depending on the organization's policy.

Another option is to request a letter from Bank of America on official letterhead that confirms your account number and routing number. You can ask for this at a branch or sometimes by phone. This letter serves the same purpose as a voided check and may be easier to obtain if you do not have checks and cannot wait for them to arrive. Before you go this route, contact the organization requesting the information and ask whether they will accept a statement or letter — some have strict policies requiring a voided check, while others are flexible.

What information appears on your voided check

The bottom of every Bank of America check contains three sets of numbers printed in magnetic ink. On the far left is your routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America and the specific branch or processing center handling your account. In the middle is your account number, which is unique to your checking account. On the far right is the check number, which identifies that specific check within your checkbook.

The organization you are giving the voided check to will use the routing number and account number to set up direct deposit, automatic payments, or transfers. They do not need the check number. Make sure both numbers are clearly visible and legible on the check you void — if the print is faded or smudged, the recipient may ask for another one. If you are unsure which number is which, you can also log into your Bank of America account online or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm your routing and account numbers before handing over the check.

Common mistakes to avoid when voiding a check

The most common mistake is writing "VOID" too small or in a place where it is hard to see. Write it large and diagonal across the front of the check so anyone looking at it when ready knows it is not a valid payment. Do not use pencil — use pen or marker so the marking cannot be erased. Do not fill in any payment information like a payee name, amount, or signature, because that can create confusion about whether the check is actually voided.

Another mistake is giving out a voided check that has faded or illegible numbers at the bottom. If the routing and account numbers are hard to read, the recipient may reject it and ask for another one. Before you void a check, hold it up to the light and make sure both numbers are clear. If they are not, use a different blank check. Finally, do not assume every organization will accept a voided check — some may ask for a bank statement or letter instead, so it is worth asking what they prefer before you void one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone cash a voided check?

No. Once you write "VOID" across a check, Bank of America's systems are flagged to reject it if anyone tries to deposit or cash it. The check cannot be processed as a payment. The recipient only needs the routing and account numbers printed on it, not the ability to cash the check itself.

Do I need to tell Bank of America I voided a check?

No. Voiding a check is something you do on your own — you do not need to contact the bank or report it. The bank does not track individual voided checks. You are straightforward marking a check as invalid so the recipient knows not to try to cash it.

What if the organization says they need an original voided check, not a copy?

Give them the original check you voided. Some organizations keep it on file as proof that you provided your account information. If you are worried about losing track of it, take a photo or photocopy before you hand it over. You can also ask the organization whether a copy is acceptable — many will take one.

Can I void a check that is already in my checkbook if I have not written it yet?

Yes. Any blank check from your Bank of America checkbook can be voided. You do not have to have written anything on it first. straightforward write "VOID" across it and it is ready to give to whoever needs it.

How long does it take to get blank checks from Bank of America?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you order. If you need checks faster, ask Bank of America about expedited shipping options when you order, though these may have an additional fee. If you need a voided check urgently, ask the recipient whether they will accept a bank statement or letter instead while you wait for checks to arrive.