Whether a check you’ve written was lost or stolen, or there’s another reason you don’t want a check cashed, it’s important to know how to cancel the check quickly before any funds are withdrawn by the person you wrote the check to. You’ll need to contact your bank and let them know that the check shouldn’t be honored if it hasn’t already been processed – a process known as a “stop payment.” This is done through a careful multi-step process and requires thorough communication with your bank.
How to Cancel a Check
Once you’ve decided to cancel a check, it’s important to act fast, as you will not be able to stop payment on a check after it has been deposited or cashed. The following steps will ensure that you are prepared to properly cancel a check.
1. See if the check has already been cashed/cleared.
If a check has been cleared, it will be reflected in your bank account statement. Keep an eye on your account to make sure that the check has not already been cashed or deposited by the other party. You can also call or visit your bank and ask a representative to let you know the status of the check.
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2. Gather your account number, check number & amount of the check.
You can find the important information about the check in your online banking account. Most online banking services will offer an option to view your account details. Here’s how to find your account and routing number. Your bank will also need the check number and exact amount the check was written for. Some banks will even request the date on the check and the full name of the check recipient.
3. Contact your bank.
Stop payment policies will vary by bank, so make sure you contact your bank to verify the process of canceling a check through them. There may be some conditions under which you will not be able to cancel a check. For example, your bank might only allow a stop payment request to be placed during their business hours.
4. Request stop payment.
Each bank will have a different stop payment process. Some will accept a verbal stop payment while others may require a written stop payment directive. There also may be a fee for canceling a check that will be charged to your account (pending your approval) before a stop payment can be processed. Most stop payment orders will stay in effect for six months, but you can ask your bank if they offer extensions if you find it necessary.
FAQs
How Do I Stop Payment on a Check? To stop payment on a check, go to a bank branch or contact the bank by phone and speak to a human being, not a recording. Request a Stop Payment Order. Make sure to report the check number, the amount, the recipient's name, and the date on the check.
Is there a way to stop payment on a check? ›
How Do I Stop Payment on a Check? To stop payment on a check, go to a bank branch or contact the bank by phone and speak to a human being, not a recording. Request a Stop Payment Order. Make sure to report the check number, the amount, the recipient's name, and the date on the check.
What is the difference between a stop payment and a Cancelled check? ›
A stop payment order may prevent someone from cashing a check and taking money out of your account. But you'll have to follow a set process for canceling a check, and you'll probably need to pay a fee.
Can a stop payment on a check be reversed? ›
Not all banks allow you to reverse/cancel a stop payment. Those that do not only won't reverse the fee, they may charge you another fee instead. So usually you're better off just writing a new check.
Can you cancel a check before it clears? ›
If you suspect a check you've written is lost or has been stolen, you need to proactively cancel it to ensure the funds aren't withdrawn by someone other than the intended recipient. You should initiate this process with your bank by requesting a stop payment order, if the check hasn't yet been processed and paid.
How long does someone have to issue a stop payment on a check? ›
Verbal stop payment orders expire after 14 days, according to federal regulations. However, your specific bank may honor the request for longer. For these reasons, it's important to check with your financial institution about its stop payment policies, so you understand how long your stop payment will last.
Can a bank refuse to stop payment on a check? ›
Find out if the payment has already been processed
The bank will not be able to stop the payment if the check has been cashed or is being processed. If you don't see the amount in your transaction history, it's important to act fast so that the check isn't deposited before you have time to intervene.
Why would a stop payment not work? ›
A stop payment request will not work if the check has already been deposited or cashed or the electronic payment has been processed. This is because a stop payment is for outstanding payments only, so a payer has a limited amount of time to request it.
What are a few reasons someone would want to stop payment on a check? ›
A check mailed to the wrong address. A lost or stolen check. Insufficient funds in a bank account. A dispute over a purchase or services rendered.
What are 3 reasons an office may stop payment on a check? ›
Reasons to Stop Payment
Consumers and businesses may request to stop payment on checks for a number of reasons, including error, fraud, or dispute: Checks mailed to the wrong address or made out for incorrect amounts. Insufficient funds.
Check if the check has cleared: You'll only be able to stop payment on a check if the bank has not yet cashed the check. You can check your account online to see if the transaction has posted.
What is the difference between a cleared check and a canceled check? ›
A canceled check has been paid (cleared) by the bank it was drawn on. A returned (or bounced) check is not paid or cleared by the bank because the account holder has insufficient funds. Consequences.
What are some reasons to submit a stop payment on a check? ›
Generally, stop payments are used in cases when the account holder does not want the check to be paid for various reasons. Some of the reasons include stolen or lost checks, forged checks, insufficient funds to cover the check amount, or a dispute between the depositor and the party that was given the check.
What is a good reason to stop payment on a check? ›
Reasons to Issue a Stop Payment
The check was made out for the wrong amount, to the wrong person, or for the wrong date. The check was mailed to the wrong payment address. The payment is no longer warranted due to a canceled contract for services. The check was stolen.
