What a stop payment does and when you need one
A stop payment is an instruction you give your bank to refuse to cash a specific check you wrote. When you issue the stop payment order, your bank adds that check number to a list. If the check arrives at any bank for deposit or cashing, the paying bank will reject it and return it to whoever tried to deposit it.
You need a stop payment when a check is lost, stolen, or you've sent it to the wrong person. You might also use one if you've already mailed a check but then paid the same bill another way — say you mailed a rent check on Monday but paid rent online on Wednesday and want to make sure the mailed check never clears. Stop payment is not a way to reverse a check that has already been cashed; by then it is too late.
The catch is that stop payment costs money — typically $25 to $35 per check — and it only works if the check has not already been presented to your bank. If the check arrives at your bank before you call, the stop payment order cannot undo it.
Key Takeaways
- Stop payment must be requested before the check is presented to your bank for payment, or it will not work.
- You will need the check number, the amount, the date you wrote it, and the name of the person or business you made it out to.
- Most banks charge $25 to $35 per check and require the order in writing or by phone, though phone orders often expire after 14 days unless you confirm in writing.
- If the check has already cleared your account, stop payment cannot reverse it; you will need to contact the recipient or your bank's fraud department instead.
How to place a stop payment order with your bank
Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Have the check number, the exact amount, the date you wrote it, and the payee name ready. The representative will confirm your identity, take down the information, and tell you the fee — usually charged to your account when ready or on your next statement.
Most banks allow you to place a stop payment by phone, but the order is temporary. You will typically have 14 days to submit the stop payment in writing — either by mail, in person at a branch, or through your online banking portal — or the phone order expires. Some banks let you submit the written order through their mobile app or website right away, which is faster and more reliable than mailing a form.
If you use online banking, log in and look for "stop payment" or "dispute a transaction" in the payments or account services section. You will enter the check number, amount, and date. The order usually takes effect within hours and remains in place for six months to a year, depending on your bank's policy.
What information your bank needs from you
Have these details ready before you call or log in:
- The check number (printed in the bottom left corner of the check)
- The exact dollar amount
- The date you wrote the check
- The name of the person or business the check was made out to
- Your account number (your bank already has this, but they may ask to confirm)
If you do not have the check in front of you, you may still be able to place a stop payment if you remember the amount and approximate date. Your bank can search their records for checks matching that description. However, the more specific you are, the less risk of stopping the wrong check by accident.
When stop payment does not work
Stop payment fails if the check has already been presented to your bank before you place the order. "Presented" means the check has arrived at your bank (or a processing center) for deposit or cashing — not just that the recipient has received it. If you mail a check on Monday and call to stop it on Tuesday, you might still be in time. If you call on Friday and the check was already deposited on Thursday, the stop payment order will not prevent it from clearing.
Once a check clears — meaning the money has left your account and the recipient's bank has accepted it — stop payment cannot reverse it. At that point, your only options are to contact the recipient and ask them to return the money, or to dispute the transaction with your bank's fraud department if the check was unauthorized or fraudulent.
Stop payment also does not work on cashier's checks or certified checks. These are checks your bank issues on its own letterhead, and they are treated as may provide funds. Once issued, they cannot be stopped. If you need to cancel a cashier's check, you must contact the bank that issued it and follow their specific process, which may involve a fee and a waiting period.
The cost and how long stop payment lasts
Stop payment orders typically cost $25 to $35 per check. Some banks charge less for online orders than for phone orders. A few banks waive the fee if you are a premium account holder or if the check was lost or stolen, so it is worth asking. The fee is usually deducted from your account within a few days or appears on your next statement.
A stop payment order remains active for six months to one year, depending on your bank. After that period, the order expires and your bank will no longer reject the check if it arrives. If you need the stop payment to last longer, you can renew it before it expires, usually for another fee. Check your bank's policy or ask the representative when you place the order.
What happens after you place a stop payment
Your bank will send you a confirmation — by email, mail, or through your online account — showing the check number, amount, and the date the order takes effect. Keep this confirmation in case you need to prove you placed the order.
If the check arrives at your bank after the stop payment is in place, your bank will reject it and send it back to whoever tried to deposit it. That person will see the check marked "stop payment" or "refer to maker" and will know the check will not clear. They may contact you to ask why, or they may straightforward ask you for payment another way.
If the check was lost or stolen and you are worried about fraud, also consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus, and monitor your account for unauthorized activity. Stop payment protects you from that specific check, but it does not address identity theft or account compromise.
Alternatives if you cannot use stop payment
If the check has already cleared, stop payment will not help. Instead, contact the person or business who received the check and ask them to return the funds. Explain the situation — you paid twice, sent it to the wrong address, or made an error on the amount. Many recipients will cooperate, especially if you catch the mistake quickly.
If the recipient refuses to return the money or you cannot reach them, contact your bank's fraud or disputes department. Explain that you authorized the check but now want to reverse it. Your bank cannot undo a check that has already cleared, but they can document your complaint and may be able to help you pursue the matter further, such as by contacting the recipient's bank or advising you on small claims court.
For lost or stolen checks, file a report with your bank and ask about their fraud protection policy. Some banks will reimburse you if a lost check is cashed fraudulently, though this depends on your account agreement and the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does stop payment take effect?
Stop payment orders placed online or through your bank's app usually take effect within hours. Phone orders may take up to one business day. Once in effect, the order remains active for six months to one year. If the check arrives at your bank after the order is in place, it will be rejected.
Can I stop payment on a check that already cleared?
No. Stop payment only works if the check has not yet been presented to your bank. If the check has already cleared, contact the recipient and ask for a refund. If they refuse, contact your bank's disputes department to discuss your options.
What if I stop payment on the wrong check by mistake?
Call your bank when ready and ask them to cancel the stop payment order. You may be charged a fee to cancel it, depending on your bank's policy. If the correct check has already cleared, you will need to place a new stop payment order on the right check number.
Do I have to pay the stop payment fee even if the check never arrives?
Yes. The fee is charged when you place the order, not if the check is actually rejected. You pay for the service of monitoring for that check, whether or not it ever shows up.
Can I stop payment on a check I wrote years ago?
Technically yes, but it is usually unnecessary. Checks are typically valid for six months to one year. After that, most banks will reject them as stale-dated, even without a stop payment order. If you are concerned about an old check, contact your bank to ask about their stale-check policy.