Can the bank pay a check after I place a stop payment on it? (2024)

FAQs

Can the bank pay a check after I place a stop payment on it? ›

Can the bank pay a check after I place a stop payment on it? Generally, banks honor a stop payment request for a check drawn on your account. If you stop payment properly and the bank cashes the check, the bank may be liable for the cashed check. However, the bank is not liable if […]

Scenarios Where Payments Might Still Go Through

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.

Contact your bank.

Some banks may require you to complete a stop payment request form to start the process. Contacting your bank by phone may require you to provide written notification within 14 days, or the stop payment may expire. Stop payment orders take effect as soon as the bank authorizes your request.

If you decide you want to reverse the stop payment previously placed, you can do so using digital banking. Select the account the stop payment is associated with. Choose Account services, then Stop payments within the “Payments” section. Select Stop payment history below “View or cancel existing stop payment requests”.

A stop-payment request always results in a check being voided; however, voiding a check does not always require a stop-payment.

A stop-payment on a check is how you ask your bank to cancel a check before it is processed. After you request a stop payment, the bank will flag the check you specified, and if anyone tries to cash it or deposit it, they'll be rejected.

A stop payment order typically allows you to cancel a check or automatic online payment before it's processed. This can help you get your money back in some situations like theft, fraud, a dispute or an error.

In addition, a written stop payment order often expires after six months. It can be renewed for another six months. If you issue a stop payment order orally and do not confirm it in writing, it lapses after 14 calendar days.

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.

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.

Who is liable for a stop payment on a check? ›

Generally, banks honor a stop payment request for a check drawn on your account. If you stop payment properly and the bank cashes the check, the bank may be liable for the cashed check.

A canceled check is a check which has cleared the depositor's account, and therefore marked “canceled” by the depositor's financial institution. Copies of canceled checks can be used as proof of payment and are accessible for up to 7 years. You can get a copy of a cleared check online.

Both certified checks and cashier's checks are “official” checks and considered “guaranteed” funds.

A stop payment order is issued by the account holder and can only be enacted if the check or payment has not already been processed by the recipient. Issuing a stop payment order on a check often costs the bank account holder a fee (generally $30 although bank policies differ), which is levied by the institution.

When a check with an outstanding stop payment is received by us during the business day, it becomes pending in your personal checking account and must go through our nightly processing before it can be removed as pending from your account.

While some banks will be able to cancel an ACH payment over the phone or online, others may require you to submit a form requesting the cancellation. Recurring ACH debit payments are able to be cancelled, but you must do so at least three business days before the payment is due.

You can stop a pending debit card transaction by contacting the merchant and canceling the purchase. Or you can try contacting your bank if you don't recognize the transaction, you suspect fraud is involved, or the merchant is unresponsive.

Stopping electronic payments works the same way as stopping payments on a check, and an account holder can request a stop payment by calling the bank. Banks require customers to give verbal instructions at least three days before the payment is charged and follow up with a written confirmation within 14 days.

You can contact your bank and place a stop payment order on the recurring transaction. Generally, a stop payment order is only good for six months. To stop payment, you will need to notify your bank at least three business days before the next payment is scheduled to be made. Notice may be made orally or in writing.