Voided Check Alternatives: What Can I Use Instead?

If you do not have a voided check or would rather not use one, you have real options. The most common are a direct deposit form, a short letter from your bank, or a pre-filled sample check from online banking. Each one does the same job: it hands over your routing number (the number that tells payroll which bank you use) and your account number so a payer can set up direct deposit.

Here is each alternative, what it is, when it is accepted, and the catch to watch for.

The alternatives, one by one

1. A direct deposit form from your employer or bank

Most employers give out a direct deposit authorization form. You write your routing and account numbers on it, sign, and hand it back. Many banks have their own version too.

When it is accepted: Very widely. This is the form payroll actually wants, and some employers take the filled-out form on its own with no check attached. Catch: You copy the numbers by hand, so check every digit twice. One wrong number can send your pay to the wrong account.

2. A bank letter on letterhead

This is a short account verification letter, printed on your bank's letterhead, confirming your name, routing number, and account number.

When it is accepted: Widely, and it is sometimes required when you have no checks at all. Brokerages and some employers like it because it comes straight from the bank. Catch: The bank may charge a small fee, and it can take a day or two. Here is a full walk-through of the bank letter guide.

3. A deposit slip

This is the slip in the back of your checkbook that you use to put money in.

When it is accepted: Some payers take it. Catch, and it is a big one: Some banks print a different internal routing number on deposit slips than the one used for direct deposit. A direct deposit set up with that number can bounce back. Use the routing number from an actual check instead, or confirm with your bank that the slip's number is the right one.

4. A pre-filled form or sample check from online banking

Many banks let you download a pre-filled direct deposit form or a sample check image from the app or website. It already has your correct numbers on it.

When it is accepted: Widely, and it is free when your bank offers it. It carries the correct routing number, so it avoids the deposit slip problem above. Catch: Not every bank offers it, and you need online banking set up first.

5. A counter check or starter check from a branch

If you have no checkbook, a teller can print a counter check (also called a starter check) on the spot. You can write VOID across it and use it like any voided check.

When it is accepted: Anywhere a normal voided check works. Catch: You have to visit a branch, and some banks charge a small per-check fee.

6. A recent bank statement

Your monthly statement shows your account number and your bank's name.

When it is accepted: Only when the payer specifically says they allow it. Catch: Statements usually do not show the routing number direct deposit needs, and they list a lot of private activity. Cover up transactions you do not need to share, and confirm the payer takes a statement before sending one.

Which one should you pick?

• Fastest and free, if you bank online: the pre-filled form or sample check from your bank's app.
• No checks and you want it in person: a counter check from a branch.
• Your employer already gave you paperwork: just fill out their direct deposit form.
• A bank or brokerage wants proof on letterhead: a bank letter.
• Avoid a plain deposit slip unless you have confirmed its routing number matches the one on a check.

One habit helps with any of these: ask the person collecting your details which documents they accept before you gather anything. That saves a wasted trip or a rejected setup.

If none of these are handy and you need a clean file to upload today, you can also create a voided check as a PDF with our paid tool. The free options above work well when they fit your situation, so use them first if you can.