How to Stop a Check With a Stop Payment Order

A stop payment order serves as a directive issued to your bank, instructing them to decline payment on a check you have written. This financial tool becomes necessary in various situations, such as when a check is lost or stolen, or if it contains an error like an incorrect amount or payee. It can also be employed when there is a dispute with the recipient of the check or if fraudulent activity is suspected.

Information Needed for a Stop Payment Request

Before initiating a stop payment request, gathering specific details about the check is important to ensure your bank can accurately identify and halt the payment. You will need the check number, which helps pinpoint the exact instrument to be stopped; providing the precise amount of the check, including cents, is also necessary, as inaccuracies could render the stop payment ineffective; and the date the check was written is another piece of information that assists the bank in locating the transaction. Additionally, you should have the name of the payee readily available. This detail ensures the bank can match the payment to the intended recipient and prevent it from being processed. Your account number, from which the check was drawn, is also required.

Submitting Your Stop Payment Request

Once you have gathered all the necessary check information, you can proceed with submitting your stop payment request through various channels offered by most financial institutions.

Online Submission

Online banking platforms often provide a dedicated section for initiating stop payments. You typically log into your account, navigate to a “services” or “account services” menu, and locate the “stop payment” option to input the previously prepared details. This method frequently creates an immediate written record of your request.

Phone Request

Alternatively, you can place a stop payment request over the phone by calling your bank’s customer service line. Be prepared to verify your identity and provide the check’s specific details verbally to a representative. Some banks may require a follow-up written confirmation for oral requests.

In-Person Visit

Visiting a physical bank branch allows you to complete the request in person with the assistance of a teller or customer service representative. You will present the check information and may need to sign a form to finalize the order.

Understanding a Stop Payment Order

Once a stop payment order is successfully placed, it typically remains effective for a specific duration. An oral stop payment order, such as one made by phone, is generally binding for 14 calendar days unless it is confirmed in writing within that period. A written stop payment order, including those submitted online, is usually effective for six months. Many banks allow these orders to be renewed for additional six-month periods by providing a new written request.

Financial institutions commonly charge a fee for processing stop payment requests. This fee can vary, often ranging from approximately $20 to $35 per request, although some banks may charge more or less. The exact fee can sometimes depend on how the request is submitted or the type of account held. A stop payment order is only effective if the check has not already been paid or certified by the bank. If the check clears before the order is processed, the funds will be disbursed, and the stop payment will not prevent the transaction. If you decide a stop payment is no longer needed, you can typically contact your bank to revoke the order, though the initial fee paid for placing the stop payment is generally not refunded.