Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed a voided check, perhaps for setting up direct deposit at a new job or for recurring bill payments, only to realize you don't have a spare check from your checkbook? It's a common predicament, but thankfully, there are several ways to get a voided check or its equivalent from Truist. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you have the necessary information to achieve your goal.
The Importance of a Voided Check
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly understand why a voided check is often requested. A voided check serves as a secure way to provide your bank's routing number and your specific account number without the risk of the check being cashed. It essentially provides a snapshot of your banking details, allowing entities like employers or utility companies to accurately set up electronic transfers to or from your account.
Step 1: Do You Have a Blank Truist Check? Your Easiest Option!
Let's start with the most straightforward approach. Do you currently have a physical, blank check from your Truist checkbook? If the answer is yes, then you're in luck! This is by far the simplest and quickest method to obtain a voided check.
Sub-heading: The DIY Voiding Process
If you have a blank check, here's exactly what you need to do:
- Grab a Blank Check: Take one of your unused checks from your Truist checkbook. Ensure it's completely blank – no writing, no signatures, nothing.
- Write "VOID" Clearly: Using a dark blue or black permanent marker or pen, write the word "VOID" in large, prominent letters across the entire front of the check. Make sure it's clear and unambiguous, so there's no way it could be mistaken for a valid check.
- Pro Tip: You can write "VOID" across multiple lines like the payee line, amount box, and signature line for added security, but ensure the routing and account numbers at the bottom remain perfectly legible. These numbers are crucial!
- Do NOT Cover Key Numbers: While voiding, be extremely careful not to obscure your Truist routing number (the first set of nine digits at the bottom left) or your account number (the set of numbers usually to the right of the routing number). These are the critical pieces of information the recipient needs.
- Record It: It's good practice to make a note in your check register or personal financial records that this particular check number has been voided and for what purpose. This helps you keep track of your checks and prevents confusion.
- Make a Copy (Optional but Recommended): Before submitting the physical voided check, consider making a photocopy or taking a clear picture of it for your records. This provides proof that you provided the requested information.
- Submit it: Provide the voided check to the entity that requested it (e.g., your employer's HR department, a bill payment service).
Step 2: What If You Don't Have a Truist Checkbook? Exploring Alternatives
It's common not to have a physical checkbook on hand these days, especially with the rise of digital banking. Don't worry, Truist offers several ways to get the necessary banking information in lieu of a physical voided check.
Sub-heading: Option A: Visiting a Truist Branch
One of the most reliable ways to get the information you need if you don't have a checkbook is to visit a local Truist branch.
- Locate Your Nearest Truist Branch: You can easily find a Truist branch near you by using the "Locations" search tool on the official Truist website (
truist.com/locations - Gather Necessary Identification: When visiting the branch, make sure to bring a valid form of identification, such as your driver's license or state ID. This is crucial for verifying your identity.
- Speak to a Teller or Customer Service Representative: Explain to the representative that you need a voided check or a document that contains your routing and account numbers for purposes like direct deposit.
- Request a "Counter Check" or "Direct Deposit Authorization Form":
- Counter Check: Some banks can print a "counter check" or "starter check" on the spot, which you can then void yourself using the instructions in Step 1.
- Direct Deposit Authorization Form/Bank Letter: More commonly, Truist can provide you with an official document, sometimes called a "Direct Deposit Authorization Form" or a "Bank Verification Letter," which contains all your necessary account details (routing number, account number, bank name) on official letterhead. This document serves the same purpose as a voided check and is often preferred by employers or billers as it's an official bank document.
- Verify Information: Before leaving the branch, double-check that all the information on the document provided is accurate and clearly readable.
Sub-heading: Option B: Utilizing Truist Online Banking (If Applicable)
While Truist doesn't typically offer a direct "generate voided check" button in online banking for a blank check, you can often find your account and routing numbers there, which can be used to fill out direct deposit forms or provide the necessary information.
- Log In to Truist Online Banking: Go to the official Truist website (truist.com) and log in to your online banking account.
- Navigate to Account Details: Once logged in, look for your checking account and click on it to view its details.
- Find Your Routing and Account Numbers: Your routing number and account number should be clearly displayed within your account details. Make a note of these numbers.
- Consider a Direct Deposit Form: Many employers or organizations will provide their own direct deposit form. You can then accurately fill out this form using the routing and account numbers you found in your online banking.
- Important Note: While you can find your numbers online, some organizations specifically require a voided check image or bank letter. If this is the case, you might need to revert to Step 2, Option A, or explore third-party services (though exercise caution with these). Truist's own documentation suggests attaching a voided check or deposit slip is helpful for mortgage payments, but not always required if a form is used.
Sub-heading: Option C: Contacting Truist Customer Service
If you're unable to visit a branch or find the necessary information clearly in your online banking, contacting Truist customer service is another viable option.
- Find the Customer Service Number: The general customer service number for Truist is 844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478). You can also find specific numbers for different services on their "Contact Us" page (
truist.com/contact - Explain Your Need: Clearly explain to the customer service representative that you need your routing and account numbers, and if possible, a document that serves as an official verification (like a bank letter or direct deposit form).
- Follow Their Instructions: The representative will guide you on the best way to obtain the information, which might involve verifying your identity and then mailing a document to you, or directing you to a specific section of online banking you may have overlooked.
- Be Prepared: They may ask security questions to verify your identity. Have your account information readily available.
Step 3: What to Do with Your Voided Check or Equivalent
Once you have your voided check (physical or digital equivalent), the final step is to securely provide it to the requesting party.
- Review for Accuracy: Before submitting, always double-check that the routing number, account number, and your name on the voided check or bank letter are absolutely correct. A single digit error can cause significant delays or misdirection of funds.
- Secure Delivery:
- If submitting a physical voided check, hand it directly to the authorized person or mail it using a secure, trackable method if necessary.
- If providing a digital copy (like a scanned image of a voided check or a PDF bank letter), ensure you send it through a secure channel as instructed by the recipient (e.g., a secure online portal, encrypted email if specifically allowed). Avoid sending sensitive banking information via regular, unencrypted email unless explicitly instructed and you understand the risks.
- Keep Records: Maintain a copy of the voided check or bank letter for your own records. This can be a physical copy or a digital file stored securely.
Important Considerations for Truist Customers
- Security First: Always prioritize the security of your banking information. Only provide your voided check or account details to trusted and verified entities. Be wary of unsolicited requests for this information.
- Direct Deposit Forms: Many employers will have their own direct deposit forms that you fill out. In these cases, you often just need your routing and account numbers, and a voided check is a convenient way to provide that verification.
- No Checks? No Problem (Usually): As highlighted, even if you don't have physical checks, Truist can provide alternatives like a bank letter with your account details.
- Account Status: Ensure the Truist account you are voiding the check from is active and in good standing.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get my Truist routing number without a check?
You can find your Truist routing number by logging into your Truist online banking account, checking your monthly bank statements, or by calling Truist customer service at 844-4TRUIST.
How to get my Truist account number if I don't have checks?
Your Truist account number is available on your online banking platform, your bank statements, or by contacting Truist customer service directly.
How to get a voided check for direct deposit if I only have a savings account with Truist?
For direct deposit to a savings account, you generally cannot use a "voided check" as savings accounts typically don't have checks. Instead, you'll need to provide your Truist savings account number and the bank's routing number, which you can obtain from online banking, a bank statement, or by requesting a bank letter from a Truist branch or customer service.
How to get a temporary check from Truist?
You can usually get a temporary or "counter check" from a Truist branch by speaking with a teller. They can print one for you on the spot, which you can then void.
How to order new checks from Truist?
You can order new checks from Truist by logging into your Truist online banking account and looking for an "Order Checks" option, or by calling Truist customer service. For first-time orders, call 844-4TRUIST. For reorders, you might be directed to Deluxe (877-838-5287).
How to find Truist branch locations and hours?
You can find your nearest Truist branch and its operating hours by using the "Locations" search tool on the official Truist website (
How to contact Truist customer service for banking inquiries?
You can contact Truist customer service by calling their general support line at 844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478). Their contact page on the website (
How to properly dispose of a voided check?
Even though it's voided, a check still contains sensitive information. It's best to shred the voided check or tear it into very small pieces, especially the part with your account and routing numbers, before discarding it to prevent identity theft.
How to confirm if a company accepts a bank letter instead of a voided check?
Before submitting, it's always best to ask the company or employer directly if they accept a bank letter or a printout of your account details from online banking as an alternative to a physical voided check. Most modern organizations are accommodating.
How to prevent fraud when providing banking information?
Only provide your voided check or banking information to trusted organizations. Verify the legitimacy of the request, use secure channels for submission (in-person, secure online portals), and never send sensitive details via unencrypted email unless explicitly instructed to do so by a verified source.