Ben Nguyen 
A void cheque is a blank cheque that contains banking information without being cashable. For over 17 million RBC customers in Canada and around the world, void cheques are the primary method for setting up direct deposits, making pre-authorized payments, and transferring government benefits.
Understanding how to obtain and use an RBC void cheque ensures smooth financial transactions while protecting your banking security.
What is an RBC void cheque?
An RBC void cheque is a standard cheque from your RBC chequebook with the word “VOID” written in large letters across the front. The void marking must be clearly visible and cannot be removed or altered.
A properly voided cheque cancels the cheque’s monetary value, preventing it from being used to withdraw funds while maintaining its validity as an account verification document. Financial institutions and employers accept void cheques as proof of account ownership because they contain machine-readable MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) encoding that matches RBC’s internal records.
Why would you need an RBC void cheque?
An RBC void cheque is most commonly required in three scenarios:
- Set up direct deposit: Your employer uses these details to deposit your salary directly into your chequing account.
- Receive government payments: Government bodies like the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) use this information for tax refunds, pensions, or benefits.
- Arrange pre-authorized debits: Service providers, such as Utility companies, insurance providers, and landlords, use it to withdraw funds for recurring payments automatically.
Using RBC void cheques properly ensures the money is deposited into the correct account, eliminating the risk and delay of paper cheques.
How to Get a Void Cheque through RBC Online Banking
The most common and fastest way to obtain an RBC void cheque is to download it directly from the RBC Online Banking portal. Follow these five steps:
Step 1: Sign in to your account and navigate to “Account Services” from the main menu.
Step 2: Select “View Void Cheque” under Account Services.
Step 3: Choose the specific account requiring a void cheque.
Step 4: Agree to the terms, then click “Next” to access the void cheque display.
Step 5: Save the void cheque as a PDF for electronic submission or print it for physical delivery.
Download the RBC direct deposit form as an alternative
The RBC direct deposit form is a free alternative to void cheques, which contain your full name, branch address, and all the necessary routing numbers.
To download and print it, sign in to your RBC Online Banking account and select any of your accounts. Navigate to the right section and select “View and Print Payroll Direct Deposit”. Confirm the correct account from the dropdown menu, then click on “View and Print” to generate the document, which you can then save as a PDF or print.
Can you get a void cheque on the RBC Mobile App?
You can retrieve your account information using the RBC Mobile App, though the app itself does not generate an actual void cheque image. This method is sufficient when an employer or service provider only asks for your account numbers rather than a formal document.
To get a void cheque in the mobile app:
- Sign in and tap the Account you want in the bottom navigation bar.
- Select “Details”. This screen displays your transit, institution, and account numbers, which you can copy or reference to fill out forms.
- Finally, click on “Download” to get a PDF of your void cheque.
What are alternative ways to get a physical RBC void cheque?
There are three alternatives for customers without online banking access or immediate void cheque needs.
Visit RBC Branches
Visit any RBC branch with a valid government-issued identification to request a printed void cheque from a customer service representative. Branch staff can generate the document immediately and provide it in person, making this option ideal for urgent requirements.
Call RBC Customer Service
Contact RBC Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-769-2511 to request a void cheque by mail. This service typically requires 5-7 business days for delivery to your registered address. Phone representatives will verify your identity using security questions before processing the request.
Manual void cheque creation
If you have RBC blank cheques, write “VOID” in large, clear letters across the entire cheque face. Ensure the word covers the payment amount area, payee line, and signature area while leaving the banking information at the bottom visible and legible.
Order cheques from RBC Online Banking
If you do not have RBC blank cheques, you can order them through RBC Online Banking, but whether you pay a fee depends on your account type. Premium accounts include free cheques, while basic accounts require payment.
| RBC Account Type | Cheque Ordering Fee |
|---|---|
| RBC VIP Banking | Free |
| RBC Signature No Limit Banking | Free |
| RBC Day to Day Banking | Fees apply for all cheque orders |
| RBC Advantage Banking | First 50 cheques are free; fees apply after |
To order, sign in to Online Banking, go to Account Services, and select Order New Cheques.
The ordering process through online banking completes within minutes. Processing typically requires 7-10 business days for delivery to registered addresses. Rush orders incur additional fees but reduce wait times to 3-5 business days.
How to read the numbers on RBC void cheques
The series of numbers printed at the bottom of an RBC cheque contains three key pieces of information required for electronic fund transfers. The numbers are printed in MICR font to enable automated processing.
- Transit number (5 digits): This is the first set of numbers and identifies the specific RBC branch where you originally opened your account.
- Institution number (3 digits): This number identifies the financial institution itself. For all RBC Royal Bank accounts across Canada, this number is 003.
- Account number (7-12 digits): This is the final set of numbers and represents your unique personal bank account number.
For further details about these numbers, check out the complete article on RBC routing number.
While a physical cheque has a cheque number, the digital version from RBC omits it, as it is not needed for setting up payments.
FAQs about RBC void cheque
Is it safe to send a picture of a RBC void cheque by email?
Sending a picture of a void cheque via email is not the most secure method. It is safer to download the official RBC Direct Deposit Form as a PDF from RBC Online Banking and, for added security, encrypt it with a password before sending.
Is a RBC void cheque the same as a direct deposit form?
Both contain identical banking information (transit, institution, and account numbers) but differ in format; void cheques replicate a physical cheque layout while Direct Deposit Forms use a structured template. About 95% of employers accept either format interchangeably. The Direct Deposit Form is always free through online banking, while void cheques may require purchasing a chequebook.
Can I void a cheque online with RBC?
RBC online banking generates digital void cheque documents but cannot void existing physical cheques. You must manually write "VOID" across paper cheques. The online system creates PDFs with your banking information for direct deposit setup. To stop payment on an issued cheque, use the "Stop Payment" feature or call customer service.
What happens if I provide a RBC void cheque from the wrong account?
If you provide details for the wrong account, your direct deposits or pre-authorized payments will either be rejected or sent to that incorrect account. It is crucial to double-check that you have selected the correct chequing or savings account before sharing the information.
Do I need a chequing account to get an RBC void cheque?
While void cheques are traditionally associated with chequing accounts, you can get them for other deposit accounts, including some savings accounts, through RBC Online Banking.
Why is the cheque number not included on the RBC Direct Deposit Form?
The cheque number is used to identify a specific, individual paper cheque and is not needed for setting up electronic fund transfers like direct deposit. Only the transit, institution, and account numbers are required.
Can I use a void cheque from a closed RBC account?
No, you must never use a void cheque from a closed account. The transaction will be rejected, and it could cause significant delays in setting up your payroll or payments. Always use details from an active account.
Can my employer refuse the RBC Direct Deposit Form?
It is highly unlikely. The RBC Direct Deposit Form is an official document provided by the bank for the express purpose of setting up payroll and is the standard digital equivalent of a paper void cheque.
The bottom line
Obtaining a void cheque from RBC is a simple process with multiple options to suit your needs. For speed and convenience, downloading it from RBC Online Banking is the best method. For those who prefer or require physical documents, visiting a branch or using a chequebook remains a viable alternative.
Regardless of the method you choose, always prioritize the security of your banking information. Only provide your details to legitimate organizations. If emailing the form, use an encrypted or password-protected PDF. If you suspect your banking information has been compromised, contact RBC immediately at 1-800-769-2511.
