Have you ever been asked for a "voided check" and wondered what exactly it is and how to get one, especially when you primarily do your banking digitally? You're not alone! Many people find themselves in this exact situation, whether it's for setting up direct deposit with a new employer, initiating automatic bill payments, or linking external financial accounts. The good news is that while the Bank of America app doesn't directly generate a "voided check" image in the traditional sense, there are easy and secure ways to obtain the necessary information or a physical voided check.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a voided check for your Bank of America account, focusing on leveraging digital tools where possible, and providing a clear, step-by-step process.
Understanding What a Voided Check Is (And Why You Need It)
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify what a voided check is. It's simply a regular check from your checkbook that has "VOID" written across it in large, clear letters. The purpose of voiding a check is to prevent it from being cashed or used for any monetary transaction, while still providing all the essential banking information printed on it.
Why is this information so crucial? Because a voided check contains:
- Your bank's routing number: This 9-digit number identifies your financial institution.
- Your account number: This unique number identifies your specific checking or savings account.
These two pieces of information are fundamental for setting up automated financial processes like direct deposits or recurring payments, ensuring that funds go to and come from the correct account.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
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| How To Get A Void Check On Bank Of America App |
Step 1: Do You Really Need a Physical Voided Check? (Engage!)
Hold on a moment! Before you even think about finding a pen and a physical check, let's consider if you truly need a physical voided check. In today's digital age, many employers and institutions are increasingly accepting your routing and account numbers directly, often through an online portal or a dedicated direct deposit form.
Have you checked with the requesting party (your employer, biller, etc.) if they accept just your routing and account numbers instead of a physical voided check?
- If the answer is YES, they accept just the numbers: Great! You can easily find these within the Bank of America mobile app. Skip to Step 2!
- If the answer is NO, they specifically require a physical voided check: No worries, we'll guide you through that too. Proceed to Step 3.
This initial check can often save you time and effort!
Step 2: Obtaining Your Routing and Account Numbers from the Bank of America App
If you've confirmed that you only need your routing and account numbers, the Bank of America mobile app is the fastest and most convenient way to get this information.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Account Details
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Log In to the Bank of America Mobile App:
- Open the Bank of America Mobile Banking app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Enter your User ID and Passcode, or use biometric login (Touch ID/Face ID) if enabled.
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Navigate to Your Account:
- Once logged in, you'll see a list of your accounts. Tap on the specific checking or savings account for which you need the routing and account numbers.
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Locate Account Details:
- Look for an option like "Account Details," "Show Account & Routing Numbers," or similar. This is usually found within the account's summary screen. Bank of America often provides this information clearly to facilitate direct deposits and other setups.
- You might need to scroll down slightly or look for a "Show more details" or "Information & Services" link.
Sub-heading: Recording Your Information Securely
Once you find the routing and account numbers:
- Write them down carefully: Double-check each digit to ensure accuracy. Even a single incorrect digit can cause significant delays or issues with direct deposits or payments.
- Take a screenshot (with caution): While convenient, be mindful of where this screenshot is stored on your device. Delete it immediately after you've used the information to minimize any security risks.
- Use Bank of America's provided direct deposit forms (if available): Sometimes, within the app or on their website, Bank of America offers pre-filled direct deposit forms with your information. This is often the most secure and accurate method for employers. Look under "Services" or "Direct Deposit" sections.
Step 3: Getting a Physical Voided Check (When Digitally Isn't Enough)
If the requesting party insists on a physical voided check, you'll need a physical check from your Bank of America checkbook. The Bank of America app does not generate a digital image of a voided check for security reasons.
Sub-heading: The Traditional "Void" Method
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Locate a Blank Check:
- Find a blank, unused check from your Bank of America checkbook. Do not use a check that has already been filled out or partially written.
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Write "VOID" Clearly and Boldly:
- Using a pen with blue or black ink (avoiding pencils or other colors that might fade), write the word "VOID" across the entire face of the check.
- Make sure the word "VOID" is large and clear so there's no doubt that the check is unusable for transactions.
- Crucially, ensure you do NOT obscure or write over the routing number and account number at the bottom of the check. These numbers must remain perfectly legible. You can write "VOID" multiple times, like "VOID VOID VOID" horizontally and vertically, as long as the numbers at the bottom are clear.
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Do NOT Sign the Check:
- A voided check should never be signed. Signing it could potentially make it appear valid and create security risks.
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Make a Copy for Your Records (Optional but Recommended):
- Before submitting the physical voided check, it's a good practice to take a clear photo or scan of it for your own records. This serves as proof that you provided the necessary information.
Sub-heading: What if You Don't Have a Checkbook?
This is a common scenario in the digital age. If you don't have a Bank of America checkbook, you have a few options:
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Order Checks through the Bank of America App or Online Banking:
- The Bank of America app allows you to order new checks.
- Log in to the app.
- Navigate to your checking or savings account.
- Look for an option like "Order Checks & Deposit Tickets" or "Services."
- Follow the prompts to place an order.
- Be aware that ordering checks may take several business days to arrive by mail. This option is not suitable if you need a voided check immediately.
- The Bank of America app allows you to order new checks.
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Visit a Bank of America Financial Center:
- The fastest way to get a physical check if you don't have a checkbook is to visit a local Bank of America financial center.
- A teller can often print you a counter check with your account information. You can then void this check on the spot.
- Call ahead to confirm they offer this service and what you'll need to bring (usually your ID).
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Use a Direct Deposit Form or Letter from the Bank:
- Sometimes, instead of a voided check, a bank can provide a direct deposit form or a letter on bank letterhead that includes your routing and account numbers. Many employers and institutions will accept this as an alternative.
- You might be able to find a generic direct deposit form on the Bank of America website, or you can inquire about one at a financial center.
Step 4: Submitting Your Voided Check or Account Information
Once you have your voided check or the necessary routing and account numbers, the final step is to provide them to the requesting party.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
- Follow their specific instructions: They may require you to upload a digital image, mail the physical check, or input the numbers into an online portal.
- Keep a record: Always retain a copy of the voided check or confirmation that you provided your banking details.
Important Considerations for Your Security
- Be cautious with online "voided check generators": While some third-party services claim to generate digital voided checks, exercise extreme caution. You are providing sensitive banking information to a third party. It's generally safer to obtain this information directly from Bank of America or through their official channels.
- Never share your account information via unsecured methods: Avoid sending pictures of checks or your account numbers through unencrypted email or text messages.
- Only provide information to trusted entities: Ensure the party requesting your voided check or bank details is legitimate and trustworthy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to voided checks and your Bank of America account:
How to find my Bank of America routing number in the app? You can find your routing number by logging into the Bank of America mobile app, selecting your checking or savings account, and then looking for "Account Details" or "Show Account & Routing Numbers" within that account's summary.
How to find my Bank of America account number in the app? Similar to the routing number, your account number is typically displayed under "Account Details" or "Show Account & Routing Numbers" after selecting your specific checking or savings account in the Bank of America mobile app.
How to get a physical voided check if I don't have a checkbook? If you don't have a checkbook, the best way is to visit a Bank of America financial center and request a counter check, which you can then void. Alternatively, you can order new checks through the Bank of America app or online banking, but this takes time.
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
How to order new checks for my Bank of America account through the app? Log in to the Bank of America mobile app, navigate to your checking or savings account, and look for an option like "Order Checks & Deposit Tickets" under the account services or details.
How to set up direct deposit with Bank of America without a voided check? Many employers allow you to set up direct deposit by simply providing your Bank of America routing number and account number, which you can find in your mobile app or online banking. Some also accept direct deposit forms available through Bank of America's website or at a branch.
How to ensure my voided check is properly legible? When voiding a physical check, use a dark pen (blue or black ink) and write "VOID" clearly and largely across the entire check, making sure not to write over the routing and account numbers at the bottom, as these must remain perfectly clear.
How to securely send a voided check or account information? Follow the specific instructions of the requesting party. If they have a secure online portal for uploads, use that. If mailing, consider certified mail for important documents. Avoid sending sensitive information via unencrypted email or text.
How to get a direct deposit form from Bank of America? You might be able to find a generic direct deposit form on the Bank of America website within the "Direct Deposit" or "Forms" section. You can also visit a Bank of America financial center and ask a representative for a pre-filled direct deposit form.
How to confirm my Bank of America routing and account numbers are correct? Always double-check the numbers you've recorded against what's displayed in the Bank of America app or on your online banking statements. You can also verify them by looking at a statement or calling Bank of America customer service.
How to deal with a voided check if I made a mistake while writing "VOID"? If you accidentally obscured the routing or account numbers, or made another error, simply do not use that check. Take another blank check and void it correctly. Make a note in your check register about the spoiled check.
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