How to Cancel a Check and Stop a Payment in 5 Steps

Checks may not be as popular as they were once, but many people still use this form of payment. If you lose a check or suspect it has been stolen, you must act quickly and cancel the check before it’s cashed. Follow these simple steps when you need to cancel a check and stop payment.

What is a stop payment?

A stop payment is an order you can request from your financial institution to cancel a check or recurring debit transaction before it’s processed.

Notify your bank or credit union as soon as you realize you need a stop payment because checks — or automatic debits — cannot be stopped if they are either being processed or have cleared.

What are the reasons to stop payment on a check?

Here are some of the most common reasons to stop payment on a check or automatic debit transaction:

• The check was lost or stolen.
• The check contains a mistake.
• The check was mailed to the wrong recipient or address.
• You were scammed or are a victim of fraud.
• You want to cancel a membership or recurring online payment.

How do I cancel a check?

Here are five steps to take if you need to cancel a check. The exact process can vary by financial institution, so contact your bank for specific stop-payment order policies and procedures.

1. Find out whether the payment has been processed

A check can be stopped only if it has not been processed. Act quickly to check your transaction history, or contact your bank to see if you have time to intervene. If the check has already cleared, your bank won’t be able to stop the payment.

2. Collect your account number, check number and check amount

Before contacting your bank, gather all the information needed to cancel a check. These details typically include the account number, the check number and the check amount. You may also need to provide the check recipient’s name and the reason for canceling the check.

3. Request the stop payment

Contact your financial institution as soon as possible to request the stop payment before the check clears. Some banks allow you to cancel a check online, while others let you place a request by phone or at a branch. Follow the process outlined by your bank.

4. Prepare to pay a fee

Most banks charge a fee to cancel a check. Be prepared to pay it when you submit your request for a stop payment.

Canceled check fees vary by bank but generally cost between $20 and $30. Some banks may waive this fee if you have a premium account or reduce it if you request the stop payment online.

5. Know how long your stop payment will last

A stop payment order isn’t permanent and usually expires after a certain period of time. The way you request a stop payment can affect how long it lasts.

State law generally requires banks to maintain stop payment orders received in writing for at least six months. After that time, the check may be cashed at the bank’s discretion, although personal checks typically expire after six months.

You may be able to renew a written stop payment request for an additional six months if you’re worried about a check being cashed after the stop payment expires. Extending your stop payment will require an extra fee, but it could be worth paying for peace of mind.

Verbal stop payment requests are honored for 14 days, according to federal regulations, but your bank may extend the request. Check with your bank to find out how long your stop payment will last.

What if I need to cancel a check that has cleared?

You can only cancel a check that is pending.

However, if you are the victim of check fraud, such as someone stealing or forging checks, you can take steps to reverse the damage to your bank account. If a check clears and you believe the transaction is fraudulent, contact your bank or credit union immediately to learn your options.

Most banks will reimburse you for any funds lost because of fraud. However, depending on the amount, your bank may require you to provide additional details in writing to support an investigation.

If your check was stolen, monitor your credit report for any signs of identity theft. Look for new credit accounts in your name that you don’t recognize, for example.

What to do after a stop payment

After requesting a stop payment on a check, keep a close eye on your bank statements and transactions. If the check is processed despite your request, you may need to dispute the transaction with your bank.

Retain emails and other records of your stop order request throughout the process in case you face any problems later.

If you cancel a check and still owe money to the payee, you will need to make other arrangements to pay, such as a new check or online payment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to cancel a check?

To cancel a check, you'll need to pay a stop payment fee, which typically costs between $20 and $30. Some banks may offer a discount on this fee if you request the stop payment online.

How long do you have to stop payment on a check?

To stop payment on a check, contact your bank before the payment is processed. For the best chance of stopping payment, contact your bank as quickly as possible.

Can you cancel a cashier’s check?

You cannot place a stop payment on a cashier’s check. These checks are designed to guarantee payment, with the bank using its own funds to make sure the check clears.

Can you cancel a check after it has been deposited?

You cannot cancel a check after it has been deposited. However, if you believe you are a victim of fraud, you may be able to work with your bank to recover the funds.