A void cheque is a blank cheque marked "VOID" across the front that you give to your employer or bank to set up direct deposit
A void cheque contains your account number and routing number printed at the bottom — the two pieces of information direct deposit needs to work. When you write "VOID" across the cheque in large letters, you make it impossible to cash or deposit, which is the whole point. You are not giving away money; you are giving away the routing and account information that already appears on every cheque you own.
Your employer or the organization setting up direct deposit asks for a void cheque because it is the simplest way to confirm you have provided the correct account details. The cheque itself cannot be used. What matters is the information printed on it.
Some employers or government programs now accept a bank letter or a screenshot from your online banking instead of a physical void cheque. Ask first whether your organization will take an alternative before you print and void a cheque.
Key Takeaways
- A void cheque is a regular cheque with "VOID" written across it in large letters, used only to share your routing and account number.
- You write "VOID" yourself on a blank cheque from your chequebook — your bank does not issue void cheques separately.
- The cheque cannot be cashed or deposited once marked void, so there is no financial risk in handing it over.
- Many employers and banks now accept a bank letter or online banking screenshot instead of a physical void cheque.
- You need the routing number and account number from the cheque; the cheque itself is just the easiest way to provide both at once.
How to create a void cheque
Take a blank cheque from your chequebook. Write "VOID" in large letters across the front — use a pen or marker so it is clearly visible and cannot be missed. That is all you need to do. Do not fill in any other information: no date, no payee name, no amount. The only writing on the cheque should be the word "VOID".
Make a copy of the void cheque before you hand it over, so you have a record of which account number and routing number you provided. Keep this copy with your employment or banking records.
What information the employer actually needs
The employer or organization needs two numbers from your cheque: your routing number (also called the transit number) and your account number. Both are printed at the bottom of every cheque you receive from your bank.
The routing number identifies which bank branch holds your account. The account number identifies your specific account within that branch. Together, they tell the employer's payroll system exactly where to send your pay.
If you look at the bottom of a cheque, you will see a series of numbers. The routing number is usually the first set of numbers on the left (often five digits), and the account number follows it (usually 7 to 12 digits, depending on your bank). The void cheque simply presents both numbers in one document.
Alternatives to a physical void cheque
Many banks now provide a direct deposit letter or bank letter that lists your routing number and account number. You can request this from your bank's customer service or download it from your online banking portal. This letter serves the same purpose as a void cheque and is often faster to obtain.
Some employers also accept a screenshot from your online banking that clearly shows your account number and routing number. Check with your employer or the organization setting up direct deposit before you assume a void cheque is required. If they will take a letter or screenshot, you can skip the cheque entirely.
If you do not have a chequebook or prefer not to use one, ask your bank whether they can issue a direct deposit letter. Most banks provide this service at no charge.
Why employers ask for a void cheque instead of just asking for the numbers
A void cheque is a single document that proves you own the account and that you have provided the correct routing and account number. When you hand over a void cheque, you are confirming that the numbers belong to you and that you want direct deposit sent to that account.
If an employer simply asked you to type your routing and account number into a form, a typo could send your pay to the wrong account — possibly someone else's account. A void cheque reduces that risk because the numbers come directly from your bank, not from your memory or typing.
The void cheque also creates a paper trail. If there is ever a dispute about where your pay was supposed to go, the employer has a copy of the cheque you provided, which proves what information you gave them.
Security and risk when sharing a void cheque
A void cheque contains your routing number and account number, which are already printed on every cheque you write. These numbers are not secret — they appear on bills you send, on forms you fill out, and on any cheque you have ever handed to someone. Sharing a void cheque does not expose information that is not already exposed.
Because the cheque is marked void, it cannot be cashed or deposited. Someone cannot take your void cheque to a bank and withdraw money. The void marking makes the cheque worthless as a financial instrument.
That said, only provide a void cheque to organizations you trust. Verify that you are handing it to the correct employer or bank, not to a scammer posing as one. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact your employer or bank directly using a phone number or website you know is correct.
What happens after you submit a void cheque
Once you submit a void cheque, the employer or bank enters your routing and account number into their system. Direct deposit is then set up on their end. You do not need to do anything else.
Direct deposit usually begins with your next pay period or within one to two pay cycles. Some employers run a test deposit of a small amount (often one cent) to confirm the account is valid before sending your full pay. If you see a tiny deposit appear in your account, that is normal — it means the setup worked.
You can ask your employer when to expect your first direct deposit payment. If it does not arrive by the date they give you, contact payroll to confirm the void cheque was processed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use my void cheque to steal money from my account?
No. A void cheque cannot be cashed or deposited because it is marked void. The routing and account number on it are the same numbers printed on every cheque you write, so they are not secret information. Only provide a void cheque to organizations you trust.
What if I do not have a chequebook?
Ask your bank for a direct deposit letter or bank letter instead. Most banks provide this at no charge and it contains the same routing and account information. You can also check whether your employer will accept a screenshot from your online banking.
Do I need to sign a void cheque?
No. Do not sign a void cheque. Signing it could make it appear valid, which defeats the purpose of marking it void. Write only the word "VOID" across the front.
Can I use a voided cheque from an old account?
No. Use a void cheque from your current account only. If you submit a cheque from a closed or old account, direct deposit will fail and your pay will not reach you.
What if I made a mistake on the void cheque?
If you wrote "VOID" but then accidentally filled in other information, start over with a fresh cheque from your chequebook. Write only "VOID" on the new one and submit that instead.