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reason you don’t want a check cashed, it’s important to know how to cancel the check quickly before any funds are withdrawn by the person you wrote the check to.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
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”.
Can you cancel a stop payment on a check? ›
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”.
Can you stop payment on a check that was processing? ›
Before you start the process of canceling a check, review your checking account activity to verify that the check has not yet cleared. The bank will not be able to stop the payment if the check has been cashed or is being processed.
What is the best way to cancel a check? ›
Draw two parallel diagonal lines on the cheque. Write the word “CANCELLED” between the parallel lines in the capital letter. Make sure to use a blue or black pen only. Remember, parallel lines do not cover any important details like name, account line, etc.
Is it illegal to write a check and then cancel it? ›
Assuming that you had enough money in the bank to cover the check, stopping payment is not a crime.
How much does it usually cost to stop payment on a check? ›
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.
Can someone cancel a check after it clears? ›
Once the check has been cashed by its recipient, the person who wrote or authorized the check won't be able to make a stop payment with their bank. When the bank has all the needed information to confirm the canceled check, it will be flagged for six months, after which the stop payment expires.
Can I stop a payment that is processing? ›
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.
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.
Is it worth it to stop payment on a check? ›
However, it may not be worth stopping payment on a check if you're able to contact the payee and ask them not to cash or deposit it. Depending on what the check was for, they might be willing to hold off on cashing the check, sparing you the trouble of having to request a stop payment and pay a fee to the bank.
Keep in mind that once you have given a check to the payee, it can't be voided. At this point, the only way to prevent the check from being cashed or deposited is to ask your bank for a stop payment, which may come with a fee.
What can I use instead of a Cancelled check? ›
Even without a canceled check, you can prove that you made a payment with your bank statement, which shows the date and amount of the payment. You also might have a receipt from a retail transaction.
Can I make a Cancelled check? ›
A cheque is cancelled by drawing two parallel lines across the cheque and writing the word "CANCELLED" between the lines. A cancelled cheque cannot be used to withdraw funds from your bank account or authorize other financial transactions.
Can I legally stop payment on a check? ›
If an individual gives their bank reasonable notice to stop the payment of a check they wrote, their bank is required to honor those instructions. If, despite providing reasonable notice, an individual's bank pays a check, that bank is responsible for any damages which the individual may have suffered.
How long do you have to cancel a check? ›
In general, a bank or credit union can't cash a check for six months if you make a timely stop-payment request in writing, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you make a stop-payment request by phone and don't follow up in writing, the bank or credit union can't cash the check for 14 days.
What happens to a canceled 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.
Can a bank reverse a stop payment? ›
Stop payments must be requested relatively quickly after you write the check or before the payment is scheduled, in the case of automatic debits. That's because your bank may not be able to reverse the process once the payment clears.
Can a stop order be reversed? ›
A stop order is an agreement between you and your bank. You instruct the bank to make a series of future-dated repeat payments on your behalf. You can instruct the bank to cancel the stop order at any time.
How long does it take for a stop payment to reverse? ›
If the payment details provided are not exact or the payment is already in process, the stop payment cannot be guaranteed and it may still go through. If the payment is stopped successfully, you will see the payment go through your account and it will be reversed the next business day.
What if someone stopped payment on a check issued to me? ›
If you have been issued a check and payment was stopped on it, you may be able to sue for damages. In order to do so you will need to file with the court, and must provide evidence regarding the check and your losses. In general, you can sue for the amount on the check as well as any additional damages.
