Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate
If you need to cancel a check, you can ask your bank to cancel it and avoid having the funds withdrawn from your bank account. Follow these steps to stop that check in its tracks before it clears.
1. Find out if the payment has already been processed
Before you start the process of canceling a check, review your checking account activity to verify that the check has not yet cleared. The bank will not be able to stop the payment if the check has been cashed or is being processed.
If you don’t see the amount in your transaction history, it’s important to act fast so that the check isn’t deposited before you have time to intervene.
Some banks may allow you to freeze your account through their mobile apps or online banking sites. This is a temporary step you can take to stop payments from going through until the bank cancels the check. Note, though, that a freeze will stop other payments from going through, too.
2. Have your account number and check number ready
Make sure you have the key information your bank will need to process your request: your account number and the check number. You may also need to include the payment amount and the recipient’s name.
The bank might request information on why you are canceling the check. Was it made out for the wrong amount or to the wrong payee? Are you disputing the transaction? Or was the check stolen?
If you’re worried about a lost checkbook, the bank may need to do more than simply stop one payment. In that case, the bank may ask you to close your account and open a new one.
3. Contact your bank – and get ready to pay
Once you have all the details, it’s time to contact your bank or credit union. Even though you are looking to cancel a check, you might not see that exact wording on your financial institution’s website. Instead, you might see “stop payment.” It accomplishes the same objective: not allowing those funds to leave your account.
It’s best to cancel a check online if your bank offers the option, for two reasons: it puts the request in writing and it might be a bit cheaper.
For example, Chase customers can save $5 by using an online or automated system to cancel a check instead of calling to request a stop payment through a banker. If you cannot access your bank’s online services, it’s best to call the customer service number on the back of your debit card.
If you have an account at a traditional bank, you’ll probably pay a fee in exchange for not paying the amount on the check. You may be exempt from the charge if you have a higher-tier account, though. Check out the typical costs for canceling a check at some of the most-recognized names in banking.
| Financial institution | Fee for canceling a check |
|---|
| Bank of America | $30 Waived for: Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking, Bank of America Advantage with Tiered Interest Checking and Bank of America Advantage Regular Checking accounts plus Preferred Rewards customers. |
| Chase Bank | $30 ($25 if the request is made via chase.com, the Chase mobile app or the bank’s automated phone system) |
| Citibank | $30 Waived for: Customers with Citi Priority and Citigold account packages |
| TD Bank | $30 Waived for: Beyond Checking, Beyond Savings, Signature Savings, Private Tiered Checking and Private Tiered Savings account holders |
| PNC Bank | $33 Waived for: Performance Select customers |
| Fifth Third Bank | $33 Waived for: Preferred Banking customers |
4. Understand how long your request will be honored
Stopping a payment may not mean forever. Make sure you understand how long your request will be honored.
If you requested a stop payment orally, the request may only be honored for up to 14 days. It’s a good idea to follow up in writing, in which case most stop payment policies last for six months. However, there are exceptions. And even if you canceled the check, it’s still smart to monitor your account activity to make sure the request was processed successfully.
— Bankrate’s René Bennett contributed to an update of this story.
FAQs
Draw two parallel diagonal lines on the cheque. Write the word “CANCELLED” between the parallel lines in the capital letter. Make sure to use a blue or black pen only. Remember, parallel lines do not cover any important details like name, account line, etc.
What is the best way to cancel a check? ›
Draw two parallel diagonal lines on the cheque. Write the word “CANCELLED” between the parallel lines in the capital letter. Make sure to use a blue or black pen only. Remember, parallel lines do not cover any important details like name, account line, etc.
What is the process of stopping a check? ›
How to Cancel a Check & Stop a Payment
- See if the check has already been cashed/cleared. If a check has been cleared, it will be reflected in your bank account statement. ...
- Gather your account number, check number & amount of the check. ...
- Contact your bank. ...
- Request stop payment.
To stop payment on a check, go to a bank branch or contact the bank by phone or online and speak to a human being, not a recording. Request a stop payment order. Make sure to report the check number, the amount, the recipient's name, and the date on the check.
How to cancel a check online? ›
Some banks will let you cancel a check online by clicking on a specific bank account and requesting a stop payment. Other financial institutions may have a tab for "customer service" or "account services," which allows you to change or modify account transactions.
How do you write a check to cancel? ›
A cheque is cancelled by drawing two parallel lines across the cheque and writing the word "CANCELLED" between the lines. A cancelled cheque cannot be used to withdraw funds from your bank account or authorize other financial transactions.
How do you request a letter to cancel a check? ›
Dear Sir/Ma'am, This letter is to request you to stop payment of the cheque bearing number-………., dated-………, in favour of (name of cheque holder)………., for the sum of (amount)…….. on its submission due to…… (cheque stop payment reason).
How do I stop a payment from going through? ›
You can contact your bank and place a stop payment order on the recurring transaction. Generally, a stop payment order is only good for six months. To stop payment, you will need to notify your bank at least three business days before the next payment is scheduled to be made. Notice may be made orally or in writing.
What is the difference between stopping and voiding a check? ›
Void – Cancel a check payment that has not been processed and released. A stop payment request is initiated when the check recipient reports that the check has been lost, stolen or the vendor claims non-receipt of payment.
What is it called when you cancel a check? ›
A stop payment is a formal request made to a financial institution to cancel a check or payment that has not yet been processed. A stop payment order is issued by the account holder and can only be enacted if the check or payment has not already been processed by the recipient.
How much does it cost to cancel a check? Issuing a stop payment for a check can cost money, but it's worth it. Typically, banks charge anywhere from $20 to $30 for canceling a check, though fees can vary. Some banks will reduce or even waive the stop payment fee for higher-tiered accounts.
What is the policy of cancelled check? ›
Canceled cheques cannot be cashed or deposited, and you may need to issue a new one if the payment is still necessary. Keep in mind that banks may charge a fee for stop payment requests.
How to put a stop payment? ›
How do I stop automatic payments from my bank account?
- Call and write the company. ...
- Call and write your bank or credit union. ...
- Your bank or credit union might use stop payment orders. ...
- Monitor your accounts.
If a check is already cashed, a bank cannot issue a stop payment order. Can I cancel a check after it has been deposited? You cannot cancel a check after it has been deposited and processed by a financial institution.
How long does it take for a check to be stopped? ›
In some cases , it can take up to 24 hours for the stop payment to be processed and the check to be voided . However , it is important to note that the stop payment may not be effective if the check has already been cashed or deposited .
How to tell if a check was cashed or deposited? ›
You probably will be able to tell how your check was processed, after the fact, by looking at your bank statement. Your bank is required to list every EFT transaction in your monthly bank statement, including the dollar amount, the date the transaction cleared, and the name of the recipient.
How much does it usually cost to cancel a check? ›
Issuing a stop payment order on a check often costs the bank account holder a fee (generally $30 although bank policies differ), which is levied by the institution. There are several reasons that a stop payment order on a check may be requested.
Can you get money back from a check? ›
The bank or credit union can take the money back if the check you deposited was fraudulent, even if it made the money available to you and you withdrew the funds. If taking the money back makes your account overdrawn, you should contact your bank or credit union to learn about how to fix the situation.
Is it illegal to write a check and then cancel it? ›
Assuming that you had enough money in the bank to cover the check, stopping payment is not a crime.
