Can You Void a Check That Has Been Mailed?

If a mailed check needs to be voided due to a change of plans, an incorrect amount, or if it’s lost or stolen, you cannot truly “void” it once sent. However, you can often prevent it from being cashed by initiating a stop payment order. This requires swift attention, as success depends on acting before the check clears your bank account.

Information Needed to Stop a Check

Before contacting your financial institution to place a stop payment, gathering specific details about the check is necessary. This information allows the bank to accurately identify and flag the payment you wish to halt. Providing these accurate details increases the likelihood of the bank successfully preventing the check from clearing. You will need:
The account number from which the check was drawn.
The specific check number printed on the check.
The exact amount of the check, including both dollars and cents.
The date the check was written.
The full name of the payee (the person or entity the check was made out to).

Placing a Stop Payment Order

Once you have collected the necessary information, you can proceed with placing a stop payment order. Most banks offer several methods for this process.

You can contact your bank by phone, often through an automated system or by speaking directly with a representative. Online banking portals also feature a dedicated section for stop payment requests. Visiting a physical bank branch is another option where you can complete the required paperwork.

Regardless of the method, the bank will immediately place a hold on the specified check within their system. While verbal requests are often accepted initially, many banks require a written confirmation within a specified timeframe, such as 14 days, to ensure the stop payment order remains effective.

What Happens After a Stop Payment Request

After a stop payment request is placed, its effectiveness hinges on whether the check has already been processed or cashed. Banks cannot stop a payment on a check that has already cleared your account. Therefore, quick action is paramount when you realize a stop payment is needed.

A stop payment order typically remains in effect for a specific period. For written requests, this duration is commonly six months, though verbal requests may only last for 14 days unless followed up in writing.

Most financial institutions charge a fee for initiating a stop payment, which can range from $25 to $35. If a check is mistakenly paid by the bank despite a properly placed stop payment order, the bank may be liable for the amount. However, if the check was paid before the stop payment could take effect, you may need to contact the recipient to resolve the issue, as the stop payment does not nullify any underlying obligation.