How to void a check for direct deposit: 3 simple steps
Raisin is a free platform for high-yield savings accounts and CDs from 100+ banks and credit unions. We don't provide loans, investments, or tax services. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.
Key takeaways
A voided check provides your employer or bank with verified account details to set up direct deposit without the risk of the check being used as a payment.
Writing "VOID" in large, clear letters across the front of the check prevents unauthorized individuals from filling in a payment amount or payee.
Always use a dark, non-erasable pen to void a check and record the transaction in your checkbook register.
A voided check is a standard requirement if you want to set up direct deposit with a new employer or authorize monthly autopayments. By voiding a check, you give a third-party your essential information like your routing and account numbers while ensuring that the physical check can’t be used for a withdrawal.
Despite the rise of digital banking, a physical voided check is still commonly required for verifying account ownership. Understanding how to void a check correctly ensures that your sensitive banking information remains secure during this process.
What does it mean to void a check?
Voiding a check simply means writing “VOID” in large letters across the front so it can’t be cashed or deposited. The check isn’t destroyed, it’s just marked so it’s no longer legally or technically valid for payment and can’t be processed by a bank or merchant.
Once a check is voided, it can only be used as a reference document. As a result, the primary reason to void a check is to share the banking data printed at the bottom:
The routing number: A nine-digit code that identifies your specific financial institution.
The account number: The unique identifier for your personal or business account.
The check number: Used for tracking the specific document within your banking history.
By providing the voided check, you’re enabling an Automated Clearing House (ACH) link. This link allows for the automated deposit of your paycheck or the scheduled withdrawal of bills.
In some cases, you may also choose to void a check if you’ve started filling it out but then need to cancel the process, either due to inaccurate information or a cancelled transaction.
How to void a check in 3 simple steps
Voiding a check is incredibly simple, but you want to make sure you’re following a few key steps to make the check unusable.
1. Use a dark, non-erasable pen
Select a blue or black pen with permanent ink, which can’t be tampered with or erased like pencils. The goal is to make sure the mark can’t be removed without actually damaging the check itself.
2. Write VOID in large letters across the front
Write the word VOID in large, clear capital letters across the face of the check. The letters should be tall enough to cover the "Amount" line and the "Signature" line.
Then, two important things to keep in mind:
Do not cover the routing or account numbers at the bottom.Do not sign the check, as a signature can potentially be exploited, even on a voided check.
3. Document the check number in your register
Even though the check wasn’t used for a purchase, it is a numbered document in your series.
Log the check number in your checkbook ledger and mark the transaction as "Void." This helps you reconcile your account later and ensures you can account for every check in the book, which is a key part of maintaining online safety best practices.
Optimizing your savings strategy
While setting up direct deposit is an important first step, helping your money work for you is equally important. Many savers set aside funds from each paycheck into their high-yield savings accounts to take advantage of competitive interest rates.
Security tips for sharing your banking information
Sharing a voided check does still involve sharing your bank account number. While it’s a common practice, you should only provide a voided check to entities you trust, such as an employer or a reputable insurance company.
When you do, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Check the recipient: Verify that the request for a voided check is legitimate and comes from an official channel.
Choose digital delivery: If you must send a scan of a voided check, ensure you are using a secure, encrypted email or a protected company portal.
Protect the paper: If you are mailing a voided check, use a security envelope that prevents the check from being visible through the paper when held up to light.
Alternatives to voided checks
If you no longer use paper checks or have run out, you still have options for providing your banking information securely.
Bank direct deposit form: Most banks provide a pre-filled direct deposit authorization form through their mobile app or website. This document contains the same routing and account information as a check.
Bank counter check: You can visit a local branch and ask a teller to print a single "counter check." You can then void this check as described above.
Electronic verification: Many modern payroll and billing systems now use third-party services to verify your bank account instantly by logging into your portal, removing the need for a physical document entirely.
Bottom line
Voiding a check is a straightforward but essential task for managing modern financial transactions like direct deposits and automated bill pay.
By using permanent ink, clearly marking the document "VOID," and keeping a record of the check number, you can share your banking details without compromising your security.
Whether you’re starting a new job or organizing your monthly expenses, practicing these safety measures helps protect your financial health. And when you’re ready to take the next steps in your financial journey, Raisin is here to help make sure your money is working for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I void a check that has already been written?
Yes, you can void a check that’s already been written, and this is a common practice if you make a mistake during the writing process or if payment isn’t needed.
If you’ve already filled out the payee and amount on a check but decide not to send it, you can still void it. Write VOID in large letters across the front in permanent blue or black pen, and log it in your register.
What information is still visible on a voided check?
Voided checks should still have critical information visible on them, including the account number and routing number. These numbers are the primary reason the check is requested.
Remember, this is still considered sensitive information, you should treat a voided check with the same level of care and security as an active one.
Can I use a deposit slip instead of a voided check?
In some circumstances, you may be able to use a deposit slip instead of a voided check.
A pre-printed deposit slip contains your name, account number, and sometimes your routing number, which may be enough for your employer or financial institution to set up direct deposit. However, not all organizations accept deposit slips because they don't always include a routing number or enough verification detail. It's worth checking with your employer first.
If neither a voided check nor a deposit slip is an option, most banks can provide alternatives such as a direct deposit authorization letter, a pre-filled direct deposit form through online banking, or an official bank verification letter that confirms your account details. Some employers and merchants also offer secure online portals where you can enter your banking information directly. That said, some organizations will always require a voided check.
How do I void a check if I don't have a checkbook?
If you don’t have a checkbook, you can typically download a direct deposit authorization form from your bank's online portal. This form serves the same legal purpose as a voided check. Alternatively, you can request a "counter check" from a local bank branch, which can then be voided manually using the three-step process.
Related Content
The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.
© 2026 Raisin SE. All rights reserved.
The Raisin name and logo are trademarks of Raisin SE. All other trademarks, logos, marks, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.
*APY means Annual Percentage Yield. APY is accurate as of May 28, 2026. Interest rate and APY may change after initial deposit depending on the terms of the specific product selected. Minimum opening deposit is $1.00.
Raisin is not an FDIC-insured bank, and FDIC deposit insurance only covers the failure of an insured bank.
Raisin is not an NCUA-insured credit union. NCUA deposit insurance only covers the failure of an insured credit union.
Raisin does not hold any customer funds. Customer funds are held in various custodial deposit accounts. Each customer authorizes the Custodial Bank to hold the customer’s funds in such accounts, in a custodial capacity, in order to effectuate the customer’s deposits to and withdrawals from the various bank and credit union products that the customer requests through Raisin.com. The Custodial Bank does not establish the terms of the bank or credit union products and provides no advice to customers about bank or credit union products offered by the applicable bank or credit union through Raisin.com. Each customer also authorizes the Service Bank to move funds among the various banks and credit unions at the customer’s request. First International Bank & Trust (FIBT), Member FDIC, is the Service Bank. Bell Bank and Starion Bank, each Member FDIC, are the Custodial Banks.
†Based on $250,000 in FDIC or NCUA insurance coverage per insurable category of ownership at each partner bank or credit union on the Raisin platform (each a "Product Bank"), when aggregated with all other deposits held by you at such Product Bank and in the same insurable category. Deposits made through Raisin will be eligible to receive deposit insurance from the FDIC or the NCUA (each a "Deposit Insurer") in accordance with and up to the maximum amount permitted by law at each Product Bank. Raisin is not a bank or credit union and does not hold any customer funds. Funds are held at FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank or credit union. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Customers may choose to deposit funds with identically registered accounts at different Product Banks on the Raisin platform to be eligible for Deposit Insurer coverage up to $10 million for individual accounts and $20 million for joint accounts when at least 40 Product Banks are utilized. Please be aware, however, that any deposits you have at a Product Bank, whether through the Raisin platform or outside the Raisin platform, that you may hold in the same capacity (such as in an individual capacity or joint capacity) count toward the applicable Deposit Insurer's deposit insurance maximum amount, and any such amounts that you hold in the same capacity at a Product Bank that exceed the maximum insurance coverage by the applicable Deposit Insurer will not be insured. For more information on FDIC deposit insurance, please see here. For more information on the NCUA share insurance fund, please see here. You are solely responsible for monitoring the amount of funds you have on deposit at each a Product Bank, whether through the Raisin platform or outside the Raisin platform, to confirm that the deposits you hold in the same capacity at each Product Bank do not exceed the maximum deposit insurance coverage provided by the applicable Deposit Insurer.