Request a voided check directly from Wells Fargo
The fastest way to get a voided check is to call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and ask them to void a check from your account. You'll need to provide your account number and confirm your identity. The bank can void a check on the phone and either mail it to you or, in some cases, arrange for you to pick it up at a local branch.
If you prefer not to call, visit your nearest Wells Fargo branch in person. Bring your debit card or ID and ask a teller to void a check for you. They can print and void one on the spot, which takes about five minutes. Some branches will hand it to you immediately; others may mail it within three to five business days.
Wells Fargo does not charge a fee for voiding a check. The bank will mark the check with the word "VOID" printed across the front, making it unusable for payment but still valid as proof of your banking information.
Key Takeaways
- Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to request a voided check over the phone, or visit a branch in person with your ID.
- A voided check shows your routing number, account number, and bank name—the information needed for direct deposit or automatic payments.
- Wells Fargo prints "VOID" across the check to prevent it from being deposited or cashed, but the account details remain readable.
- You should receive a voided check within a few business days if mailed, or immediately if picked up at a branch.
- There is no fee to void a check through Wells Fargo.
Why you need a voided check
A voided check is a standard way to share your banking details without risk. When you provide a voided check, the recipient can see your routing number (the nine-digit code that identifies Wells Fargo), your account number, and your name as it appears on the account. This information is what employers, payroll services, and bill-pay systems need to set up direct deposit or automatic withdrawals.
A voided check is safer than writing down or typing your account number in an email or text message. The "VOID" stamp makes it clear the check cannot be used for payment, so even if it's lost or intercepted, it cannot be deposited or cashed.
What information appears on a voided check
A voided Wells Fargo check displays the following details in the standard locations:
- Your name and address (top left)
- The routing number (bottom left, nine digits)
- Your account number (bottom center, typically 10 to 12 digits)
- The check number (top right)
- Wells Fargo's bank name and logo
- The word "VOID" printed across the front in large letters
The routing number and account number are the two pieces of information most often requested. These remain fully legible even after the check is voided.
Alternatives if you cannot get a physical voided check
If you need your routing and account numbers but cannot wait for a voided check or prefer not to request one, you can find this information in other ways. Log into your Wells Fargo online account or mobile app and look for account details or statements. Your routing number is usually listed under account information, and your account number appears on any recent statement or deposit slip.
You can also call Wells Fargo customer service and ask them to read your routing number and account number to you over the phone. Write these down carefully, as they are the same numbers that appear on a voided check. Some employers and service providers will accept your verbal confirmation of these numbers instead of requiring a physical check.
If a third party specifically requires a voided check as proof of account ownership, however, you will need to provide the physical document. A screenshot or typed list of numbers is not considered acceptable proof in those cases.
Timing and delivery options
The time it takes to receive a voided check depends on how you request it. If you visit a Wells Fargo branch in person, you may receive it the same day. If you call customer service, the bank will mail it to the address on file, which typically takes three to five business days. Some branches offer expedited options, so ask when you call whether faster delivery is available.
Wells Fargo will send the voided check to your mailing address on file. If you have moved recently or want it sent to a different address, update your address with the bank before requesting the check, or ask the representative to note the alternate address in your request.
What to do with your voided check once you receive it
Once you have the voided check, keep it in a safe place until you've submitted it to the employer, payroll service, or organization that requested it. Do not share a photo or copy of it via email or text unless you trust the recipient completely. If you need to send it electronically, use a secure method such as your employer's online portal or a password-protected document.
After the direct deposit or automatic payment has been set up and you've confirmed it's working, you can discard the voided check. You do not need to keep it for your records once the transaction is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I void a check myself instead of asking Wells Fargo?
You can write "VOID" on a check yourself, but most employers and financial institutions require an official voided check from the bank. A self-voided check may not be accepted as proof of account ownership. Requesting one from Wells Fargo ensures it meets the standard format and is recognized by the recipient.
How many voided checks can I request at once?
Wells Fargo will typically void one or two checks per request at no charge. If you need more than that, ask the representative whether additional checks can be voided or whether you should make separate requests. Most people only need one voided check, so this is rarely an issue.
What if I don't have any checks left in my checkbook?
If you've run out of checks or never ordered a checkbook, Wells Fargo can still print and void a check for you. Call customer service or visit a branch and explain that you need a voided check but don't have a checkbook. The bank will print one specifically for this purpose.
Is a voided check the same as a blank check?
No. A blank check has no "VOID" marking and can be filled in and used for payment. A voided check has "VOID" printed across it and cannot be deposited or cashed, even if someone tries to fill in an amount. Always request a voided check, not a blank one.
Can I request a voided check online through my Wells Fargo account?
Wells Fargo does not currently offer an online request option for voided checks. You must call customer service or visit a branch in person. This is a security measure to confirm your identity before the bank sends banking information by mail.