Banking mistakes can happen. Perhaps you noticed you put the wrong amount when writing a check, or your recipient lost your check. In these situations, you may still be able to correct the issue if you respond promptly.
We'll guide you through steps you can take to cancel a check so the check won't go through.
Reasons for canceling a check
You may need to cancel a check because it was stolen or lost, or because the amount or payee information on the check is incorrect or is in dispute. In any case, you have the legal right to stop a payment — but you need to act fast.
Immediate actions to take
The first step is to make sure the check hasn't already gone through. Once it's cashed or deposited, you won't be able to issue any last-minute changes through your bank.
Check your bank account online to see if the payment has already been processed. If your recipient hasn't deposited your check, most financial institutions will allow you to cancel a payment online or through customer service by issuing a stop payment.
What is a stop payment?
A stop payment occurs when a bank customer permits a financial institution to cancel a transaction.
Most financial institutions allow you to place a stop payment request for personal checks. Many, such as Regions Bank, also let you place stop payment requests for ACH debit transfers if you aren't using a paper check.
Alicia Anger, formerly the corporate media and public relations vice president of Regions Bank, says if you're making an ACH transfer, you should also contact the company to cancel your payment since a stop payment order doesn't prevent them from requesting money.
Steps to cancel a check
1. Contact your bank immediately
The best banks will let you cancel a check online.
To cancel one online, log in to mobile or online banking. You might need to click on a specific bank account and request a stop payment. Or, you may have a tab on the app for "customer service" or "account services," which allows you to change or modify account transactions.
If your bank doesn't offer a way to cancel a check online, you can reach out to your bank's customer support or visit a local branch.
Several online banks and credit unions offer customer service beyond traditional banking hours. Many popular online banks have 24/7 customer support.
2. Provide necessary information
You'll need to provide the following information to authorize a stop payment and verify your identity:
- Name of the check recipient
- Date on the check
- Check number and amount
- Account number of your checking account
- A U.S. ID or alternative identification card
Once you verify the information, the bank will process your request.
3. Confirm the stop payment request
Confirming a stop payment will depend on your bank's specific process, which you can find outlined in its Deposit Agreement and Disclosures brochure. Wells Fargo, for example, will automatically send confirmation on stop payment orders of $500 or greater.
Stop payments are usually put in place soon after you make the request. For example, Anger says at Regions Bank, stop payments placed online, at a branch, or through customer support take effect within one business day.
Stop payment orders may remain in effect for six months to two years. After that, your check will expire, and the recipient still won't be able to deposit or cash it because it will bounce.
Even after you've confirmed your stop payment request, it's still important to monitor your financial activity, particularly if the check was lost. For example, you should still review your bank statements at the end of the month to be extra wary. To help prevent identify theft, it may be also be helpful to check your credit report.
Stop payment fees
If you need to cancel a check, you might pay a bank fee. Below, you'll find stop payment fees for checking and savings accounts at the biggest financial institutions. Also, some reduce the fee if you submit your request online rather than over the phone.
| Financial Institution | Stop payment fee |
| Alliant Credit Union | $0 |
| Ally | $15 |
| America First Credit Union | $15 |
| Bank of America | $0 or $30 |
| Capital One | $25 |
| Chase | $0, $25, or $30 |
| Citibank | $0 or $30 |
| Citizens Bank | $35 |
| Consumers Credit Union | $30 |
| Discover Bank | $0 |
| First Citizens Bank | $23 or $35 |
| FourLeaf Federal Credit Union | $30 |
| Huntington Bank | $31 |
| KeyBank | $34 |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | $20 or $25 |
| Pentagon Federal Credit Union | $20 or $30 |
| PNC Bank | $33 |
| Regions Bank | $36 |
| Security Service Credit Union | $5 or $25 |
| TD Bank | $0 or $30 |
| Truist Bank | $0 or $35 |
| U.S. Bank | $20 or $35 |
| Vystar Credit Union | $0 |
| Wells Fargo | $0 to $31 |
You may be able to waive the stop payment fee if you have a high-tier account or are a private banking client. If you aren't sure whether you're eligible to waive the fee, cancel your payment through customer support so you can ask a representative.
FAQs
How do you cancel a check?
Contact your bank immediately and request a stop payment order. Have the check details handy and be prepared to pay a small fee. Some banks let you complete the request online, rather than over the phone, and may charge a reduced fee.
What information do you need to provide to cancel a check?
You need to provide your bank with the following: the check number, date, amount, and recipient, your account number, and proof of your identity in the form of a driver's license or alternate ID card.
Are there fees associated with canceling a check?
Some banks and credit unions charge a fee for issuing a stop payment order, ranging from $5 to $35, though it can be waived for certain customers.
How long does a stop payment on a check last?
Anywhere from six to 24 months is typical. You can renew the order but may have to pay additional fees.
Can you cancel a check after it's been cashed?
A check cannot be canceled if it has already been cleared and cashed by the recipient's bank. If the issue is fraud related, contact your bank immediately to find out what your options are and monitor your financial accounts.
