The fee to cancel, or “stop payment,” on a check can be $30 or more at many large banks. However, some banks and credit unions charge less, and the cost can vary depending on how you make the request. Here’s an overview of what you might pay.
Stop payment fees by financial institution
Here’s what it costs to request a stop payment for a personal check* at some of the bigger banks and credit unions:
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| $30 (waived for customers with Advantage Relationship Banking, Advantage with Tiered Interest Checking, Advantage Regular Checking accounts and Preferred Rewards), $0 for recurring debit transactions. |
| $25 via online, mobile or automated telephone banking; $30 via customer service call or at branch (waived for customers with Chase Sapphire Checking and Chase Private Client accounts). |
| $30 (waived for customers with Citigold and Citi Priority accounts, as well as Private Bank clients). |
Navy Federal Credit Union | $20 for a single item; $25 for a series of items. |
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Click for information on more banks' and credit unions' stop payment fees
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| $20 for a single stop payment; $30 for two or more simultaneous stop payments. |
| $33 (waived for customers with Performance Select Checking). |
| $30 (waived for customers with TD Relationship Checking & Savings, TD Beyond Checking and TD Premier Checking accounts). *** |
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| $35 ($0 for Premium and Pinnacle Checking customers and members of the military). |
*A preauthorized series of electronic transfers can also be canceled. Cashier's checks and certified checks usually are not eligible for stop payments.
**This information is based on each financial institution's current deposit agreements and disclosures online.
***TD Bank is only available on the East Coast: CT, DC, DE, FL, MD, ME, MA, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VT, VA.
Some requests cost more
Generally, you can ask for a stop payment through online banking, automated telephone banking or customer service at a branch or over the phone. Some financial institutions have the same fee no matter what; others charge more for personal assistance.
Canceling multiple checks can be cheaper
Some institutions, including Navy Federal Credit Union and Pentagon Federal Credit Union, charge just a bit more to stop payment on a consecutive series of checks than they do for just one check. So if you lost or made errors on several checks recently, you can cancel them all at once at a lower cost than you could if you paid a separate fee for each one.
Deposits are FDIC Insured
Renewing a stop payment costs money, too
When a check’s date is more than six months old, most banks will consider it “stale,” but some may still honor it. A stop payment on a check usually lasts six months, so if you’re afraid a check might still be cashed at a later date, you’ll need to pay a fee to renew the stop payment.
FAQs
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.
How much do banks charge for cancelled checks? ›
How much does it cost to cancel a check? Issuing a stop payment for a check can cost money, but it's worth it. Typically, banks charge anywhere from $20 to $30 for canceling a check, though fees can vary.
How much does it cost to stop payment on a check at US bank? ›
The cost for placing a stop payment on a check is up to $35 and it'll remain in effect for 24 months. If you need to renew the stop payment after 24 months, an additional stop payment fee will be charged. Some consumer accounts will discount the stop payment fee.
Why do banks charge for stop payments? ›
Costs of Stop Payments
Banks charge a fee for executing stop payment requests. The stop payment is charged to the person stopping the payment, and it is associated with the additional workload of flagging and stopping a check payment.
What is the charge for stop payment of cheque? ›
Cheque stop payment charges: Rs. 50 per cheque and Rs. 100 for range of cheques covered in single mandate.
What is the difference between void and stop payment? ›
Definitions: Stop – Stop a check payment that has been processed and released. Void – Cancel a check payment that has not been processed and released. A stop payment request is initiated when the check recipient reports that the check has been lost, stolen or the vendor claims non-receipt of payment.
How much is the stop payment fee for Chase checks? ›
Stop Payment Fee $30 per request at a branch or with telephone banking OR $25 per request on chase.com or our automated phone system,1-800-935-9935.
Do banks charge for cancelling cheques? ›
You'll need to tell us which account the cheque is made out from and the cheque number (you'll find this on the stub in your chequebook). It would be helpful if you could also tell us the cheque amount, date and payee. There may be a charge for cancelling a cheque, depending on the circ*mstances.
How to do a permanent stop payment on a check? ›
Contact the bank to make a stop payment request: Follow your bank's policy to ensure you make the request prior to the date the payment is set to clear. If your bank requires written notification, you may also need to provide that within 14 days of making a verbal request.
How much does it cost to stop payment on a check at Wells Fargo? ›
Wells Fargo Fee
There is no fee for placing stop payments on consumer and non-analyzed small business accounts. Fees may vary based on the type of account you have, please refer to your Consumer or Business Fee and Information Schedule, as applicable.
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.
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.
Is there a fee for canceling a check? ›
Regardless of the reason, you typically can initiate a "stop payment" on a check issued by your financial institution. This stops payment of a check that hasn't been processed yet. Typically, you'll pay a fee of about $30 to cancel a check.
Can you put a stop on a bank check? ›
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.
Can you stop payment on a check before it clears? ›
Confirm the check hasn't cleared yet
You can also contact your bank and inquire about the check's status. You can stop payment on a check any time before it's cashed — but you may not have much time, especially if it's already in the hands of your recipient.
Can you put a stop payment on an official check? ›
Generally, a customer cannot order a stop payment on a cashier's check, and the bank must honor a cashier's check when it is presented for payment. This is because a cashier's check is drawn directly on the bank that issues the check, not on your account.
How do I stop a check from paying my bill? ›
You can request stop payments for a series of checks and pre-authorized ACH debit transactions, such as recurring bill payments. Federal law requires you to make a request orally or in writing to your bank at least three business days before the transfer date.
Who is liable for a stop payment on a check? ›
The owner of the account the check would be drawn from is responsible if they want the check to be nullified, so they would pay to "stop payment". If the check is cashed, the money would come out of their account, so they would need to pay to stop that from happening.
