Sometimes, after you write a check, you realize something went wrong. Maybe you lost the check. Maybe it was stolen. Or maybe you made a mistake with the amount. In these situations, you can ask your bank to stop payment.
Here’s what that means and how it works.
What Does “Stop Payment” Mean?
A stop payment is when you tell your bank not to process a specific check you wrote.
If the check hasn’t cleared yet, the bank can block it. If someone tries to deposit or cash it, the bank will reject it.
Think of it as putting a “Do Not Pay” alert on one exact check.
Important: You can only request a stop payment if the check came from your account.
When Should You Stop Payment?
Stopping payment makes sense in situations like:
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You lost the check
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The check was stolen
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You wrote the wrong amount
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You sent a check to the wrong person
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You and the payee agreed to cancel it
Real-life example:
Let’s say you wrote a $500 check to a contractor, but it fell out of your bag. You don’t know who might find it. Instead of risking someone cashing it, you call your bank and request a stop payment on check #1052.
If someone tries to deposit it later, the bank blocks it.
How to Stop Payment on a Check
The process is usually simple.
Step 1: Contact Your Bank Immediately
Call your bank as soon as possible. Time matters. Once a check clears, it’s too late.
Step 2: Provide Check Details
Be ready to give:
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Check number
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Exact amount
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Date written
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Payee name
The more accurate you are, the better.
Step 3: Confirm in Writing
Most banks allow you to request it by phone, but they require written confirmation within 14 days. If you don’t follow up, the stop order may expire.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Most banks charge around $30 per check. Some banks charge less if you request it online.
Policies vary by institution. For example, banks like Chase Bank or Bank of America typically publish their stop payment fees in their account disclosures.
How Long Does a Stop Payment Last?
In most cases, a stop payment lasts six months.
After that, it expires automatically. If you still need protection, you’ll likely have to renew it and pay another fee.
Always confirm your bank’s policy.
Can You Stop Payment on a Cashier’s Check?
No not in the normal way.
A cashier’s check is guaranteed by the bank itself. Because the bank’s money backs it, the bank cannot simply refuse to honor it.
However, if it’s lost or stolen, you may request cancellation. This usually requires:
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Filling out a declaration of loss
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Waiting 90 days
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Possibly paying a fee
Banks such as Wells Fargo follow similar federal banking rules on cashier’s checks.
But you cannot cancel a cashier’s check just because you changed your mind.
What About Money Orders?
Money orders can sometimes be canceled if they haven’t been cashed.
However:
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You must fill out a request form
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The process can take 30–60 days
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There is usually a fee (often $6–$18)
This is slower than stopping a personal check.
Can You Stop a Debit Card Payment?
Debit card transactions are different.
They often process immediately. That means you usually can’t “stop” them the way you stop a check.
If you have a problem with a purchase:
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Contact your bank immediately
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Ask about disputing the charge
Debit cards generally offer fewer consumer protections than credit cards, but your bank may still help.
If your debit card is lost or stolen, report it right away.
Can You Stop an ACH or Automatic Payment?
Yes but timing matters.
If a company is scheduled to withdraw money from your checking account (like a gym or insurance company), you can request a stop payment.
You must:
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Notify your bank at least 3 business days before the withdrawal
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Confirm the request in writing within 14 days
Even better: contact the company directly and cancel the authorization in writing.
Is It Legal to Stop Payment?
It depends on the situation.
Stopping payment on a lost or stolen check is completely reasonable.
But stopping payment because you simply don’t want to pay for goods you already received could create legal problems. In some cases, it may even be considered check fraud.
If you’re in a dispute with a seller, it’s smart to talk to a local attorney before stopping payment.
What If the Bank Pays It Anyway?
If you properly requested a stop payment and the bank still processes the check, you may be entitled to reimbursement.
However, the bank must have had clear and correct information. Mistakes in the check number or amount can cause problems.
Can You Stop Payment Over the Phone?
Yes most banks allow it.
But nearly all require written confirmation afterward. If you don’t send it, the stop order might not remain valid.
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