You can stop a check payment through Bank of America's website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service line

A stop payment is an instruction you give your bank to refuse to cash a specific check you wrote. Bank of America will block that check if it arrives at the bank before you issue the stop order, or if it hasn't been cashed yet. You need the check number, the amount, and the date you wrote it. The process takes a few minutes, but the stop payment itself costs money — typically between $30 and $35 per check, though the exact fee depends on your account type.

The stop payment is not permanent. It lasts for six months at Bank of America. If the check hasn't been cashed by then and you want to keep blocking it, you'll need to renew the stop payment order and pay the fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a stop payment online, through the mobile app, or by phone at 1-800-432-1000, and the order takes effect within hours.
  • Stop payments cost $30 to $35 per check and last for six months before you need to renew them.
  • You need the check number, amount, and date written to place a stop payment order.
  • If the check has already been cashed or deposited before your stop payment reaches the bank, the bank cannot reverse the transaction.
  • A stop payment does not cancel the underlying debt — if you owe someone money, they can still pursue you for it through other means.

Stopping a check online or through the mobile app

Log into your Bank of America account on their website or open the mobile app. Go to the account where you wrote the check. Look for a menu option labeled "Services," "Manage Checks," or "Stop Payment" — the exact wording varies slightly between the website and app. Select the option to place a new stop payment order.

Enter the check number, the amount of the check, and the date you wrote it. Bank of America will show you the $30 to $35 fee and ask you to confirm. Once you approve, the stop payment is in effect. You'll receive a confirmation number and a record of the order in your account history. Keep this confirmation number in case you need to reference the stop payment later.

Stopping a check by phone

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number, the check number, the amount, and the date written ready before you call. A representative will walk you through the stop payment process and confirm the $30 to $35 fee.

The representative will place the order when ready and give you a confirmation number. Ask them to mail you written confirmation of the stop payment, or note the confirmation number they give you so you have a record. This phone route is useful if you're not comfortable using online banking or if you need to stop a check urgently outside of business hours.

What happens after you request a stop payment

Bank of America's system flags your check within a few hours. If someone tries to cash or deposit that check at Bank of America or at another bank, the check will be rejected. The person who received the check will see it bounce, and they may be charged a fee by their own bank for the returned check.

However, if the check was already cashed or deposited before you placed the stop payment order, the bank cannot reverse the transaction. Checks move through the banking system quickly — sometimes within one business day — so timing matters. If you're unsure whether the check has cleared, contact Bank of America when ready.

When a stop payment might not work

A stop payment fails if the check has already been processed and the money transferred. This is the most common reason a stop payment doesn't prevent the payment. Once a check clears, the money is gone from your account, and the bank cannot recover it.

A stop payment also does not erase the debt you owe. If you stop payment on a check because you're disputing a purchase or refusing to pay for something, the person or business you owe can still pursue the debt through other means — they can send you to collections, sue you, or report the debt to credit agencies. A stop payment is a technical block on that specific check, not a legal defense against owing the money.

Renewing or canceling a stop payment

Your stop payment lasts for six months. If the check still hasn't been cashed and you want to keep blocking it, you'll need to place a new stop payment order and pay the fee again. Log into your account, go to your stop payment history, and select the option to renew.

If the check has been cashed or if you no longer need the stop payment, you can cancel the order through your account or by calling customer service. Canceling a stop payment does not refund the fee you already paid — that money is gone. However, if you cancel before the six months are up and then realize you need the stop payment again, you'll have to pay another fee to place a new order.

Alternatives if you need to reverse a payment

If you wrote a check by mistake or want to reverse a payment, a stop payment is one option, but it's not the only one. If you have a relationship with the person or business you paid, contact them directly and ask them to return the check or not cash it. Many people will cooperate if you reach out quickly.

If the check was for a purchase and you're disputing the charge, you may have other options depending on what you bought. For example, if you paid by check for something that arrived damaged or was never delivered, you might be able to dispute the transaction with the seller or file a complaint with your state's consumer protection office. These routes don't cost you the $30 to $35 stop payment fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a stop payment to take effect?

Bank of America's system flags the check within a few hours of your request. However, if the check has already been processed and the money transferred before you place the stop payment, the bank cannot block it. This is why timing is critical — place the stop payment as soon as you realize you need one.

Can I stop payment on a check I wrote weeks or months ago?

Yes, as long as the check hasn't been cashed yet. You can place a stop payment on a check at any time before it clears. However, the longer you wait, the greater the chance the check has already been deposited or cashed. If you're unsure, call Bank of America to check the status of the check first.

What if the check was written for a different amount than what I remember?

You need the exact amount to place a stop payment. If you're not sure of the amount, check your checkbook register or your bank statement. If you can't find the exact amount, call Bank of America customer service — they may be able to look up the check in their system using the check number and date.

Will stopping a check hurt my credit?

Stopping a check itself does not affect your credit score. However, if you stop a check because you're refusing to pay a debt, and the person or business pursues the debt, that could eventually impact your credit if it goes to collections or results in a judgment against you.

Can I stop payment on a check someone else wrote?

No. Only the person who wrote the check can request a stop payment. If you received a check that bounced or was stopped, you would need to contact the person who wrote it and ask them to issue a new check or find another way to pay you.