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—usually by writing "VOID" across the front in large letters. Banks and businesses ask for voided checks when they need your account and routing numbers but do not want to risk you accidentally depositing the check itself. The check gives them proof of those numbers in your own handwriting, which some payroll systems, bill-pay services, and loan processors still require.

You do not need Bank of America's permission to void a check yourself. You can void one right now by taking a blank check from your checkbook, writing "VOID" across the front in blue or black ink, and keeping it. That is the fastest and most direct route. If you do not have blank checks on hand, or if you need Bank of America to provide one officially, the bank can print and mail you a voided check or show you how to generate one online.

Key Takeaways

  • You can void a check yourself by writing "VOID" across a blank check from your checkbook—you do not need to contact the bank.
  • If you have no blank checks, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to request a voided check be printed and mailed to you.
  • Bank of America's online banking platform may allow you to view or print a voided check image, though this varies by account type.
  • A voided check shows your routing number, account number, and check number—the three pieces of information most payroll and bill-pay systems need.
  • Mailed voided checks typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you have a important date.

Voiding a check yourself from your checkbook

If you have a Bank of America checkbook, the simplest path is to void a check on your own. Take any blank check from the back of your book, lay it flat, and write "VOID" in large capital letters across the front using a blue or black pen. Write it diagonally or horizontally—either way works. Make sure the word covers enough of the check that it would be impossible to cash or deposit.

Once you have voided it, keep that check in a safe place or photograph both sides before you hand it over. The person or organization requesting it will see your routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left), your account number (the longer code in the middle), and your check number (top right). Those three pieces are what they actually need. The "VOID" marking straightforward proves the check cannot be used as a payment instrument.

Requesting a voided check from Bank of America by phone or in person

If you do not have blank checks available, call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Tell the representative you need a voided check mailed to you. They will ask for your account number and may verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number or other security questions. Let them know if you have a specific important date—they may be able to note it on the request.

Bank of America will print a check, mark it as voided, and mail it to the address on file for your account. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need one faster, visit a Bank of America branch in person with your ID and account information. A teller can often print and void a check for you on the spot, though some branches may require you to order it and wait for mail delivery.

Checking your online banking for a voided check image

Some Bank of America customers can view images of checks through the online banking platform, though this feature is not available on all account types. Log into your Bank of America account online, navigate to the checks or transaction history section, and look for an option to view check images. If the feature is available to you, you may be able to print an image of a voided check directly without waiting for mail.

This option is most common on business checking accounts and some premium personal accounts. If you do not see a check image option in your online banking, it means the feature is not enabled for your account type. In that case, phone or branch request is your next step.

What information appears on a voided check

A voided check contains three pieces of information that payroll departments, bill-pay services, and lenders need. At the bottom left of the check is your routing number—a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America and the specific branch or processing center. In the middle of the bottom is your account number, which is unique to your checking account. At the top right is the check number, which identifies that particular check in sequence.

Some organizations also want to see the bank name and your name as it appears on the account. A voided check shows all of these. If someone asks for your routing and account numbers but says they do not need a voided check, you can provide those numbers verbally or in writing—you do not have to hand over a check at all. But if they specifically request a voided check, it is because their system is designed to accept it as proof of those numbers.

Timing and planning ahead

If you void a check yourself from your checkbook, you have it when ready. If you request one from Bank of America by phone or in person, plan for 5 to 10 business days of mail delivery. Weekends and holidays can extend that timeline. If you have a payroll setup important date or a bill-pay enrollment that is coming up soon, void a check from your checkbook now rather than waiting for the bank to mail one.

If you are setting up direct deposit for a job and the employer says they need a voided check by a specific date, let them know as soon as possible that you have submitted the request to the bank. Many employers will hold the important date if they know you are working on it, or they may accept a voided check you void yourself instead of waiting for an official bank version.

Security and what not to do with a voided check

A voided check is safe to hand over because the "VOID" marking makes it impossible to cash or deposit. However, it still contains your routing and account numbers, so treat it the way you would treat any document with that information. Do not email a photo of it to someone you do not trust, and do not post it online. Hand it directly to the person or organization that requested it, or mail it in an envelope rather than leaving it visible.

If you are mailing a voided check, use regular mail—it does not need to be certified or tracked. If you are concerned about it getting lost, photograph both sides before you mail it so you have proof you sent it. If the recipient says they never received it, you can show them the photo and request a new one from the bank or void another check from your checkbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I void a check that is already in my checkbook?

Yes. Take any blank check from your checkbook, write "VOID" across it in large letters, and keep it. You do not need to contact Bank of America. This is the fastest way to get a voided check.

What if I do not have a checkbook anymore?

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch. They can print and mail a voided check to you, or a teller may be able to print one on the spot. This takes 5 to 10 business days if mailed.

Is a voided check safe to give to my employer?

Yes. The "VOID" marking prevents anyone from cashing or depositing it. It is safe to hand over for direct deposit setup or payroll purposes. Treat it like any document with your account numbers—do not email it to strangers or post it online.

Can I use a voided check image instead of a printed one?

It depends on what the recipient will accept. Some payroll systems and bill-pay services accept a printed image or PDF. Ask the person requesting it whether a photo or digital copy works before you request a physical check from the bank.

What if I void the wrong check number?

It does not matter. The check number on a voided check is just one piece of information. As long as the routing number and account number are correct, the recipient has what they need. If you are worried, you can void a different check and provide that one instead.