How Long Do You Have to Stop Payment on a Check?

A stop payment order serves as an instruction to a financial institution to prevent a check from being paid from an account. Individuals typically issue these orders to halt a transaction after a check has been written but before it has been cashed or deposited. This measure can be useful in situations such as a check being lost or stolen, an incorrect amount being written, or a dispute arising with the payee. Initiating a stop payment aims to safeguard funds by ensuring the check does not clear the account.

Standard Duration of Stop Payment Orders

The effectiveness of a stop payment order depends on how it is initiated, with different durations for verbal and written requests. Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 4, which governs bank deposits and collections, a written stop payment order is generally effective for six months.

A verbal stop payment order, such as one made over the phone, has a shorter initial validity period, typically 14 calendar days. To extend a verbal order to the full six-month duration, it must be confirmed in writing within that 14-day period. Some financial institutions may offer options to renew or extend the stop payment order beyond the initial six months, often requiring a new request and potentially an additional fee.

Initiating a Stop Payment Order

To effectively place a stop payment order, the account holder must provide specific and accurate information to their bank. This typically includes the account number, the check number, the exact amount of the check, the date the check was written, and the name of the payee. Accuracy in these details is important because an imprecise amount or check number could result in the check being paid despite the order.

Customers can generally initiate a stop payment order through various methods, including contacting the bank by phone, utilizing online banking portals, or visiting a branch in person. Financial institutions commonly assess a fee for processing stop payment requests, which can range from approximately $15 to $35, though this amount can vary by bank and account type.

Checks Outside of Stop Payment Scope

Certain types of financial instruments and electronic payments generally fall outside the scope of standard check stop payment procedures. Instruments like certified checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders are typically difficult or impossible to stop once issued because the funds are guaranteed by the issuing financial institution. While stopping payment on these is generally not possible, a cancellation or refund process might be available if the instrument is lost or stolen, often involving a waiting period and specific paperwork like an indemnity agreement.

Electronic payments, such as Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers and wire transfers, operate under different rules for reversal or cancellation. Unlike paper checks, wire transfers are generally irreversible once processed due to their immediate nature. ACH payments, used for direct debits or recurring payments, can sometimes be stopped or reversed, especially if action is taken within a few business days before the scheduled payment date. Stopping an ACH payment often requires contacting the bank at least three business days prior to the payment date and may involve a written confirmation, similar to verbal check stop payments.