Yes — many banks let you print a voided check online by generating a check image or a pre-filled direct deposit form from your online banking dashboard. If your bank doesn’t offer that feature, an official bank letter, a deposit slip, or even a screenshot of your routing and account numbers will usually satisfy an employer’s request. What the recipient actually needs is your nine-digit routing number and your account number, delivered in a format they trust.
How to Find and Download a Voided Check in Online Banking
Log in to your bank’s website or mobile app and look for a menu labeled something like Account Services, Account Details, Direct Deposit, or Customer Service. The exact wording varies by institution. Some banks generate a PDF that looks like a check and carries a “VOID” watermark across the face, already filled in with your name, the bank’s name, your routing number, and your account number.
If your bank offers this, that PDF is the whole answer. You can upload it to your employer’s payroll portal or print it and hand it over. If you don’t see the option after a careful look through the account menus, your bank likely doesn’t offer it, and one of the alternatives below will get you the same result.
Save It as a PDF Before You Print
Once you’ve generated the document, save it as a PDF before sending it anywhere. Most browsers let you choose “Print to PDF” or “Save as PDF” from the print menu. A digital copy uploads cleanly to payroll portals and can be reused the next time someone asks.
If you need a paper copy, print at the highest quality your printer offers. Then check the printout: your name, the routing number, and the account number all need to be fully legible, and the “VOID” watermark shouldn’t cover any of them. Keep the PDF backed up somewhere safe so you’re not starting over next time.
If Your Bank Doesn’t Offer a Voided Check Image
Online-only banks and many newer checking accounts don’t come with a checkbook at all, and not every traditional bank provides a downloadable check image. A voided check isn’t actually required for direct deposit — the Nacha Operating Rules that govern the ACH network require accurate account information and proper authorization, not a specific document.1Nacha. The Importance of Compliant ACH Authorizations Several alternatives work just as well:
- Direct deposit authorization form. Many banks provide a pre-filled form on bank letterhead, typically near the Statements or Direct Deposit section of online banking. Employers and government agencies broadly accept these because the account details come straight from the bank.
- Bank verification letter. An official letter on bank letterhead listing your routing and account numbers. Many banks issue these free through online banking or at a branch.
- Routing and account numbers from your dashboard. Most banks display both numbers when you log in. Some employers accept a screenshot or printout, but confirm with your payroll department first.2Nacha. Direct Deposit Without a Voided Check? Absolutely!
- Deposit slip. Deposit slips carry the same routing and account numbers and are designed only for putting money in, so they’re slightly lower risk to share than a full check.
- A phone call to your bank. Customer service can read you the numbers once they verify your identity.2Nacha. Direct Deposit Without a Voided Check? Absolutely!
- Your employer’s payroll portal. Some employers let you type the routing and account numbers directly into a secure self-service portal, no document required.
Check with the specific employer or agency about which formats they’ll accept. Most are flexible, especially as checkless accounts become more common.
Voiding a Paper Check Instead
If you do have a checkbook, voiding a physical check takes about ten seconds. Use a blue or black pen and write “VOID” in large letters across the front. The letters should be obvious but shouldn’t cover the routing number, account number, or bank name.
Don’t sign it, don’t fill in a payee, and don’t enter an amount. The point is to make the check unusable for payment while keeping the banking details readable. Once it’s voided, you can hand it over, scan it, or photograph it for upload. Note the check number in your register so you know it wasn’t cashed.
Keeping Your Account Information Safe
A voided check hands over your full name, routing number, and account number — everything someone would need to attempt withdrawals from your account. Treat it accordingly.
- Skip unencrypted email. If your employer asks you to email a voided check, ask whether they have a secure upload portal. Standard email isn’t encrypted.
- Shred anything you don’t use. If you void a check and end up not sending it, shred it rather than tossing it.
- Watch your statements. After you set up a new direct deposit or ACH connection, review your account for unfamiliar transactions over the next few weeks. Under federal law, electronic fund transfers are covered by Regulation E, which gives you the right to dispute unauthorized transactions.3eCFR. 12 CFR Part 1005 – Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E)
- Only share with parties you trust. Payroll, your bank, or a government agency. If an unfamiliar company asks, verify the request through a channel you already trust before sending anything.
If you spot an unauthorized withdrawal, contact your bank right away. Under Regulation E, you generally have 60 days from the date your statement is sent to report an error or unauthorized transfer and preserve your full dispute rights.3eCFR. 12 CFR Part 1005 – Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E)