Understanding Stop Payments: When and How to Use Them

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• Most banks will let you request a stop payment online to cancel a check or electronic debit.
• You may need a stop payment if you discover an error on a check you wrote or cancel a subscription.
• However, a stop payment is not guaranteed to work if the payment has already cleared.

If you ever need to stop someone from depositing a check you wrote or ensure a company doesn't charge you for a subscription you canceled, you'll need to request a stop payment from your bank or credit union .

What is a stop payment?

A stop payment is a request to your financial institution to cancel an electronic payment or check before it has been processed.

Canceling a check or ACH transfer can be done online in most cases, though you may want to call customer service if you have questions about the timing or duration of a stop payment.

Fees for stopping a bank payment can vary at each institution, often ranging from $0 to $35. Your financial institution's Schedule of Fees form can usually be found online and in your initial banking agreement. This document outlines the common bank fees associated with bank accounts.

Reasons for issuing a stop payment

Lost or stolen checks

If someone who you gave a check to tells you that they lost the check, or it was stolen, a stop payment can ensure no one else deposits the check.

Errors on a check

If you wrote a check but later discovered the amount was incorrect, you may want to cancel the check before it's processed and issue a new one.

Disputes over services or goods

A stop payment may be necessary if you sent payment for a good or service, either via check or ACH transfer , but never received it.

Cancellation of a recurring payment

If you're unsure whether a cancellation request for a membership or monthly subscription went through, you can issue a stop payment order to be sure the company cannot continue charging you.

How to request a stop payment online

Most banks allow you to sign in to your account online or through your bank's mobile app to request a stop payment.

Find a tab that may say "Bill Pay" or "Pay My Bills." Here you'll be able to edit or cancel any scheduled payments you have. Select the payment you want to modify and apply the changes. Once you cancel a payment, your bank account will update immediately.

If you are replacing your service or subscription, you may now set up a new payment. If you're canceling your bill, you may reach out to the biller or double-check your bank account on your bill's due date to ensure your cancellation is complete.

Make sure to cancel any payments a couple of days before the due date of your payment. If you wait until the due date of your bill, your payment may already be processed and you won't be able to cancel your payment for that month.

If you're unable to cancel a check online, you may need to reach out to customer support. Be prepared to provide the check number and amount, the date it was written, and the payee's name.

Stop payment FAQs

What information do I need to provide for a stop payment?

If you're canceling a check, you need to provide the check number, the date it was written, the amount, and the payee's name. If you're canceling an electronic payment, find the "bill pay" section of your account. Here you'll be able to edit or cancel any scheduled payments you have.

How long does a stop payment last?

Stop payments typically last for six months, though bank policies may vary.

Can a stop payment be placed on any type of transaction?

Stop payments are commonly used for personal checks, and electronic payments used for paying bills online.

What are the potential fees for requesting a stop payment?

Fees vary among financial institutions but can range from $0 to $35 per stop payment. Some customers may be able to have the fee waived.

Is a stop payment guaranteed to work?

No, a stop payment won't work if the check or electronic payment has already cleared. Check your online transaction history before requesting a stop payment.