Securing a "voided check" from your bank, like Truist, is a common requirement for various financial tasks, from setting up direct deposit to initiating automatic bill payments. While the term "voided check" might sound intimidating, the process is straightforward. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to get your voided check from Truist Bank, ensuring you have the necessary documentation.
How to Get a Voided Check from Truist Bank: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hey there! Need a voided check from Truist? Don't worry, it's easier than you might think. Whether you're setting up direct deposit for a new job or automating bill payments, a voided check is often the simplest way to provide your banking details securely. Let's get you set up!
Step 1: Understand What a Voided Check Is and Why You Need One
First things first, what exactly is a voided check, and why do so many institutions ask for it?
A voided check is a blank check from your checkbook with the word "VOID" written across it in large, clear letters. The purpose of voiding it is to prevent anyone from cashing or depositing the check. Instead, it serves as a secure document that displays your bank's routing number and your personal bank account number. These are the critical pieces of information that employers, utility companies, or other financial institutions need to set up direct debits or credits to your account.
Why is it needed?
- Direct Deposit: Your employer needs your routing and account number to deposit your paycheck directly into your Truist account.
- Automatic Bill Payments: Companies like your utility provider or mortgage lender might request a voided check to set up recurring payments directly from your account.
- Linking External Accounts: If you're connecting your Truist account to an investment platform or another bank account, a voided check might be required for verification.
- Verification: It acts as proof of your active bank account and ensures the information provided is accurate.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials (If You Have Physical Checks)
If you have a Truist checkbook readily available, this is often the easiest and fastest method.
What you'll need:
- A blank check from your Truist checkbook.
- A dark blue or black pen or marker. Avoid pencils as they can be easily erased or smudged.
Step 3: The Simple Act of Voiding the Check
This is where you make the magic happen!
- Choose a blank check: Select a check that has not been filled out with any payee, amount, or date. It should be entirely blank except for the pre-printed account and routing numbers.
- Write "VOID" clearly: Using your dark pen or marker, write the word "VOID" in large, bold letters across the entire front of the check.
- Pro Tip: Make sure "VOID" is prominent enough to cover the check and prevent it from being used, but still allows the routing and account numbers at the bottom to remain perfectly legible. You can write it in multiple sections (e.g., across the payee line, amount box, and signature line) to ensure it's unmistakable.
- Do NOT sign the check: A voided check should never be signed.
- Do NOT fill in any other details: Leave the date, payee, and amount fields blank.
Step 4: What if You Don't Have a Truist Checkbook? Alternatives!
Don't have checks or ran out? No problem! Truist Bank offers several convenient alternatives to a physical voided check.
Option 4.1: Obtain a Direct Deposit Form or Bank Verification Letter
Many employers and institutions accept an official direct deposit form or a bank verification letter in lieu of a voided check. These documents contain the same crucial information (routing and account numbers) but are generated directly by the bank.
How to get it:
- Online Banking (Recommended First Step):
- Sign in to your Truist Online Banking account.
- Look for a section related to "Direct Deposit," "Account Information," or "Forms."
- Many banks allow you to download and print a pre-filled direct deposit form or a bank verification letter that includes your routing and account numbers. This is often the quickest digital solution.
- Truist Mobile App:
- Check your Truist mobile app. Some banking apps offer similar functionality to download or request these forms directly from your phone.
- Contact Truist Customer Service:
- Call Truist customer service at 1-844-4TRUIST (1-844-487-8478).
- Explain that you need a direct deposit form or a bank verification letter with your routing and account numbers for purposes like direct deposit setup. They can often email it to you or guide you on where to find it online.
- Visit a Truist Branch:
- Head to your nearest Truist branch. A bank representative can print out a direct deposit form or a bank verification letter for you on the spot. Remember to bring a valid photo ID for verification.
Option 4.2: Request "Counter Checks" from a Truist Branch
If you absolutely need something that looks like a check but don't have your checkbook, a Truist branch might be able to print "counter checks" for you.
- Visit a Branch: Go to a Truist branch and explain your need for temporary checks.
- Void Them: Once you receive these counter checks, you can immediately void them by writing "VOID" across them as described in Step 3.
- Note: Some banks may charge a small fee for counter checks, and they typically won't have your name and address printed on them.
Option 4.3: Using Online Voided Check Generators (with caution)
While there are third-party websites that claim to generate voided checks digitally, exercise extreme caution if considering these. You would need to input your bank account and routing numbers into these services, which poses a significant security risk.
- Recommendation: Stick to official Truist Bank channels (your own checkbook, online banking, customer service, or a branch visit) for the safest and most reliable way to obtain your banking information.
Step 5: Submitting Your Voided Check or Alternative
Once you have your voided check or alternative document, it's time to submit it.
- Employer: For direct deposit, give the voided check or direct deposit form to your HR or payroll department.
- Bill Pay: For automatic payments, follow the instructions provided by the company or service you are setting up payments with. This might involve mailing it, faxing it, or uploading a scanned copy online.
- Digital Submission: If permitted, scan your voided check or the bank-generated document into a clear PDF or image file. Ensure all details are perfectly legible before sending electronically.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about voided checks:
How to write "VOID" on a check correctly?
Write "VOID" in large, clear letters across the entire front of the check, ensuring it covers the amount, payee, and signature lines but does not obscure the routing and account numbers at the bottom. Use a dark pen or marker.
How to get a voided check if I don't have a checkbook?
You can typically obtain a direct deposit form or bank verification letter directly from Truist Bank through their online banking portal, mobile app, by calling customer service, or by visiting a local branch. These documents contain the same essential information.
How to find my Truist routing and account numbers without a check?
You can find your Truist routing and account numbers by logging into your Truist Online Banking account or mobile app. They are usually displayed prominently on your account summary page. Alternatively, you can call Truist customer service or visit a branch.
How to submit a voided check electronically?
Scan your physical voided check or the bank-generated direct deposit form into a clear PDF or image file (e.g., JPG, PNG). Ensure all numbers are readable and then upload or email the file as required by the recipient.
How to ensure my voided check is secure?
After voiding, keep the check in a safe place until you submit it. Once submitted, consider shredding any remaining copies to protect your financial information. Only provide it to trusted entities.
How to get a temporary voided check from Truist?
Visit a Truist branch and request "counter checks." These are temporary, blank checks that have your bank's routing and account numbers. You can then void these immediately.
How to know if a direct deposit form is acceptable instead of a voided check?
Most employers and institutions will specify if they accept a direct deposit form or bank verification letter as an alternative. It's always best to confirm with the requesting party beforehand.
How to get a voided check for a business account with Truist?
The process for a business account is similar to a personal account. Use a blank check from your business checkbook, or contact Truist Business Banking customer service or visit a branch for a direct deposit form or bank verification letter for your business account.
How to replace a lost or misplaced voided check?
If you voided a check and then lost it, simply void another blank check from your checkbook. If you don't have more checks, refer to Step 4 for alternatives like a direct deposit form.
How to confirm the routing number for Truist Bank?
Truist Bank's routing number can vary by region. The most accurate routing number for your specific account will always be found on your checks or by logging into your Truist Online Banking account. You can also verify it by calling Truist customer service directly.