What is a valid voided check?

A valid voided check is an authentic preprinted check from your bank with VOID written across the front and an intact MICR line showing routing and account numbers. It should be legible and, when required, accompanied by a signed authorization for ACH transactions.

Is a photographed voided check acceptable?

Many organizations accept high-resolution scanned images or photos if the routing and account numbers are clear; ensure no glare, full edges visible, and file types such as PDF, JPEG, or PNG are used per the recipient’s intake requirements.

Can I provide bank details electronically instead of a check?

Yes. Providing routing and account numbers via a secure eForm and a signed electronic ACH authorization is commonly accepted. Electronic signatures meet federal standards under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) when intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are demonstrable.

How do I cancel or change a direct deposit tied to a voided check?

Contact the payer (employer, vendor, or agency) and complete their account-change form or provide a new voided check and signed authorization. Allow processing time per the payer’s payroll or billing cycle and confirm the new setup before the next scheduled payment.

How to protect my account when sending a voided check?

Send voided checks only to known, authorized recipients. Use secure upload portals when available, avoid email if not encrypted, and require that the recipient maintain restricted access and an audit trail for stored images.

What if the routing or account number is wrong?

Incorrect digits cause returned payments, delays, and potential fees. Notify the payer immediately, provide corrected information (ideally a new voided check), and monitor both accounts for unexpected activity until the issue is resolved.

Bank Void Cheque

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

BANK VOID CHEQUE

Purpose: Provide this voided cheque to authorize verification of banking details for direct deposit or pre-authorized debits. Complete all applicable fields, attach or staple the voided cheque to this form, and sign the authorization below. By submitting this form the account holder certifies that the attached void cheque corresponds to the account information provided and that the account holder is authorized to permit electronic credit or debit as indicated.

Account Holder Information

Account Holder Name Mailing Address

Daytime Phone

Email Address

Customer ID / Reference (if applicable)

Bank Account Details

Bank Name Branch / Transit Address

Transit / Branch Number

Institution Number

Account Number

Cheque No. (optional)

MICR / Routing Line (as printed on cheque)

Account Type (select applicable) Chequing Savings Business/Corporate

Attachment and Void Confirmation

Attach a physical or scanned copy of a voided cheque to this form. A valid voided cheque must display the bank account information above and the word VOID clearly written in large letters across the payee line and signature line. Do not sign the voided cheque. Illegible or signed cheques may invalidate this authorization.

I have attached a voided cheque Yes, voided cheque attached

Authorization, Certification and Consent

I certify that I am the legal account holder or an authorized signing officer for the account referenced above. I authorize verification of the banking information provided and consent to electronic transfers to or from the designated account for the purpose(s) indicated by me. This authorization permits the company or designee to initiate credits and, where applicable, debits to correct erroneous transactions. I agree that the financial institution is authorized to accept instructions to credit or debit entries to the account described above and that the financial institution shall not be liable for errors resulting from inaccurate information provided on this form.

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the payor, its agents, and any servicer against claims, loss, or liability arising from acceptance of this authorization except to the extent caused by the payor's gross negligence or willful misconduct. I understand that revocation of this authorization requires written notice received at least ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled transaction date, and that revocation does not affect transactions already processed.

Additional Instructions or Comments

Bank Use Only (Optional)

For bank verification: complete confirmation below if this form is validated by bank personnel. Completion by bank staff confirms the account details match bank records.

Bank Representative Name Bank Reference / Branch Stamp

Account Holder:

By:

Date:

Definition and role of a Bank Void Cheque

A Bank Void Cheque is a canceled check marked VOID and provided to a third party to supply accurate bank account and routing numbers without authorizing a withdrawal. Employers, payers, and financial institutions use a voided check when setting up direct deposit, automated clearing house (ACH) transfers, or account verification. A voided check preserves the check layout (account number, routing transit number, bank name) while preventing use as a negotiable instrument. Many organizations accept a scanned image or a preprinted direct-deposit form in place of an original paper check.

Why a Bank Void Cheque matters for payments and verification

Providing a voided check helps ensure funds route correctly to the intended account and reduces returned-payment risk. It is a simple, familiar method for sharing precise ACH routing and account numbers while preventing check cashing.

Typical users and situations for a Bank Void Cheque

Organizations and individuals provide voided checks in common scenarios such as payroll enrollment, vendor onboarding, benefits reimbursement, loan payments, and utility or subscription ACH authorizations.

Employers and payroll teams: set up employee direct deposit for wages and expense reimbursements.
Vendors and service providers: receive recurring ACH payments or one-time verification of banking details.
Individuals: give bank details to third parties (landlords, insurers, or government agencies) that require verified routing numbers.

Use a voided check when a requester explicitly asks for a physical voided check or when the receiving party requires an image of a check for bank account verification.

Core elements of a professional Bank Void Cheque

A properly prepared voided check is clear, legible, and contains only the information needed for account verification. Avoid altering or obscuring essential fields, and add any required signatures or authorizations separately on an authorization form rather than across the check’s MICR line.

VOID marking

Write or print VOID across the front in large letters so the check cannot be used; leave routing/account numbers visible.

MICR line visibility

Do not obscure the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line; it contains routing and account numbers used by ACH processors.

Bank identification

Ensure the bank name and branch (if printed) are legible so the receiving party can confirm the routing number matches the institution.

Payee line

Leave the payee and amount lines blank and marked VOID; avoid adding signatures on the payee line that could imply authorization.

Associated authorization

Attach a separate signed authorization for ACH debits/credits when a recurring authorization is required by the payee.

Scanned image quality

If submitting a scanned check, use high-resolution color scans or photos so numeric fields remain readable for automated or manual verification.

Required data fields on a Bank Void Cheque

Routing number: 9-digit bank routing transit number

Account number: Primary account number as printed on the MICR line

Bank name: Full name of the bank or credit union

Account holder name: Name exactly as shown on the account

Check number: Printed check number for internal reference

VOID indicator: Clear VOID marking to prevent negotiation

Step-by-step: preparing a Bank Void Cheque

Follow these concise steps to prepare a voided check suitable for direct deposit or account verification.

01

Select a check: Use a preprinted business or personal check from the target account.
02

Mark VOID: Write VOID across the front in large letters with a permanent pen.
03

Verify MICR: Confirm routing and account numbers in the MICR line remain fully visible.
04

Attach authorization: If required, sign and attach the payee’s ACH authorization form separately.

How a voided check is used during account setup

A voided check supplies the receiving organization with machine-readable bank details, which they use to configure ACH or direct-deposit instructions.

Receive check/image: The payer collects a paper or scanned voided check from the account holder.
Extract routing/account: Accounting or the bank reads the MICR line to capture routing and account numbers.
Verify ownership: The payer may perform micro-deposits or request a signed authorization to confirm account control.
Activate payments: Once verified, recurring direct deposits or debits are scheduled using the captured banking details.

Configuring an online workflow to accept a voided check

When collecting voided checks electronically, configure the intake process to capture a high-quality image and a signed authorization.

Upload field	Allow PDF or JPEG uploads for check images
Signature field	Require a separate signature for ACH authorization
Auto-detect	Use OCR to read routing/account numbers where available
Verification step	Include micro-deposit or instant verification options
Retention policy	Store images with restricted access and tamper-evident audit logs

Technical and compliance considerations for eSubmission

Digital intake for voided checks should protect data in transit and at rest, support audit trails, and allow secure signer authentication.

File formats: PDF | JPEG | PNG
Integrations: Salesforce | NetSuite | Google Workspace
Security standards: TLS 1.2/1.3 | AES-256 at rest

Choose a platform that preserves signed authorizations, records access logs, and supports HIPAA or other industry controls when handling sensitive financial or health-related payment data.

Timing expectations for providing and activating bank details

Account verification and payment activation follow predictable timelines; plan accordingly to avoid missed payrolls or service interruptions.

Submission timing:

Provide voided check at least one full pay cycle before first scheduled deposit

Micro-deposit verification:

Verification via micro-deposits typically completes in 1–3 business days

Instant verification:

Instant account verification (if available) completes within minutes

Bank processing:

Banks may require 1–2 business days to finalize direct-deposit setup

Cutoff consideration:

Respect employer or vendor payroll cutoff dates to ensure inclusion in the next cycle

Common mistakes when preparing a Bank Void Cheque

Obscuring the MICR line with ink or tape, which prevents automated reading and delays verification.
Submitting a photo with glare, low resolution, or cropped edges that omit routing or account numbers.
Using a different account’s check or entering mismatched account holder names on authorization forms.
Failing to provide a signed ACH authorization when the payee requires explicit consent for recurring debits.

Risks and consequences of incorrect bank details

Returned payments: Costly routing errors

Late payroll: Employee payment delays

Overdrafts: Unexpected fees to account holder

Unauthorized debits: Potential fraud exposure

Tax reporting issues: Incorrect payee info affects Form 1099/W-2 processing

Dispute resolution: Extended reconciliation and bank investigation time

eSignature platform comparison for accepting voided checks and authorizations

Platforms vary by price, bulk-send capability, and compliance posture; signNow is listed first per comparative layout.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Real-world examples of using a voided check for direct deposit

These short cases show how organizations use a voided check to collect verified bank details and complete payment setups.

Optica Ventures LLC

Brian Fitzgibbons, COO, reports a simple interface improved customer experience.

The platform made it easier for customers to supply account details quickly.
As a result, setup time decreased and fewer verification errors occurred during payroll and vendor onboarding, improving operational efficiency without in-person paperwork.

Martin Properties

Tim Martin, Founder, describes processing documents online with full compliance.

He completed tenant direct-deposit enrollments remotely.
The online workflow reduced paper handling, allowed faster rent deposit setup, and ensured records were stored with audit trails for future reconciliation.

Frequently asked questions about Bank Void Cheques

Answers to common questions on validity, acceptable formats, and how to protect bank account information when providing a voided check.

Need help? Contact support

What is a valid voided check?
A valid voided check is an authentic preprinted check from your bank with VOID written across the front and an intact MICR line showing routing and account numbers. It should be legible and, when required, accompanied by a signed authorization for ACH transactions.
Is a photographed voided check acceptable?
Many organizations accept high-resolution scanned images or photos if the routing and account numbers are clear; ensure no glare, full edges visible, and file types such as PDF, JPEG, or PNG are used per the recipient’s intake requirements.
Can I provide bank details electronically instead of a check?
Yes. Providing routing and account numbers via a secure eForm and a signed electronic ACH authorization is commonly accepted. Electronic signatures meet federal standards under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) when intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are demonstrable.
How do I cancel or change a direct deposit tied to a voided check?
Contact the payer (employer, vendor, or agency) and complete their account-change form or provide a new voided check and signed authorization. Allow processing time per the payer’s payroll or billing cycle and confirm the new setup before the next scheduled payment.
How to protect my account when sending a voided check?
Send voided checks only to known, authorized recipients. Use secure upload portals when available, avoid email if not encrypted, and require that the recipient maintain restricted access and an audit trail for stored images.
What if the routing or account number is wrong?
Incorrect digits cause returned payments, delays, and potential fees. Notify the payer immediately, provide corrected information (ideally a new voided check), and monitor both accounts for unexpected activity until the issue is resolved.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now