Can I Put a Hold on a Check I Wrote?

A stop payment order is a formal request to your bank or financial institution to prevent a check you have written from being paid from your account. The effectiveness of a stop payment order relies on the check not having already cleared your account.

When a Stop Payment is Possible

A stop payment order can only be effective if the check has not yet been cashed or deposited by the payee and subsequently cleared through the banking system. Once a check has cleared, the funds have already been transferred from your account, making a stop payment impossible.

The timing of your request is therefore paramount. You must initiate the stop payment before the check is presented for payment and processed by the bank. If a check has already been processed, the transaction cannot be reversed through a stop payment order. This means that immediate action is necessary once you determine the need to stop a payment.

Information and Process for a Stop Payment

To process a stop payment request, your bank will require specific check details. This information typically includes the check number, the exact amount of the check, the date the check was written, and the name of the payee. Providing accurate information is important, as even minor discrepancies in the amount or check number can render the stop payment ineffective.

Stop payment orders can be initiated through several methods. Many banks offer online banking portals where you can navigate to a “stop payment” feature under account services. Alternatively, you can contact your bank’s customer service line by phone, providing the necessary check details to a representative. For those who prefer in-person assistance, visiting a local branch allows you to complete the request with a teller.

Important Details About Stop Payment Orders

Once a stop payment order is placed, its duration is typically not indefinite. A written stop payment order is usually effective for six months. However, if the initial request is made orally, such as over the phone, it may only be binding for a shorter period, often 14 calendar days, unless it is confirmed in writing within that timeframe. Some banks may allow for renewals of stop payment orders, extending their effectiveness beyond the initial period.

Banks typically charge a fee for processing a stop payment order, which can vary depending on the financial institution and the method of request. These fees commonly range from $20 to $35 per request. It is advisable to check with your specific bank for their current fee schedule. While rare, if a check clears despite a timely and correctly placed stop payment order, the bank may be liable for the payment. However, the effectiveness of the order fundamentally relies on the check not having cleared before the order was placed and processed by the bank.