Most banks charge between $25 and $35 to stop payment on a check, though some charge as little as $15 or as much as $50.

The exact cost depends on your bank and the type of account you have. Some banks charge less for customers with premium accounts or those who bank online. A few banks include one free stop payment per year as part of their account benefits, so it's worth asking before you pay the fee.

The fee covers the bank's work in flagging your check in their system and instructing tellers or processing centers not to cash it if it comes through. This takes time and coordination, which is why banks charge for it.

Key Takeaways

  • Stop payment fees typically range from $15 to $50 depending on your bank, with $25 to $35 being most common.
  • You must request the stop payment before the check clears, and the bank needs the check number, amount, and payee name to process it.
  • A stop payment order usually lasts six months, after which you may need to request it again if the check still hasn't been cashed.
  • If the check does clear despite your stop payment request, contact your bank when ready — they may reverse the charge or refund the fee.

How to request a stop payment

Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. You'll need to provide the check number, the amount, the date you wrote it, and the name of the person or business you made it out to. Some banks let you request a stop payment online through your account dashboard, though phone or in-person is more reliable for a record of your request.

The sooner you call, the better. If the check has already been processed and the money withdrawn from your account, the bank cannot stop it. Most checks clear within one to three business days, so time matters.

What happens after you request a stop payment

The bank enters your check into a system that flags it if it comes through for payment. If someone tries to cash or deposit the check, the bank will reject it and return it to whoever tried to deposit it. The person or business holding the check will see that payment was stopped.

A stop payment order typically lasts six months. If the check still hasn't been cashed after six months, you can request another stop payment order for another fee, or you can assume the check is lost and move on.

When a stop payment doesn't work

Occasionally a check clears despite a stop payment request. This can happen if the check was already in the bank's processing system when you called, or if there was a delay in the stop payment being entered into the system. If this happens, contact your bank when ready and explain that you requested a stop payment.

Many banks will reverse the stop payment fee or refund part of it if the check cleared due to their error. Some will also attempt to recover the funds from the account that cashed the check, though this is not may provide. Document everything — the date and time you called, the name of the person you spoke with, and any confirmation number they gave you.

Alternatives to paying a stop payment fee

If the amount on the check is small or the fee is high relative to what you're trying to protect, you might decide the stop payment isn't worth the cost. In that case, you can contact the person or business who has the check and ask them to destroy it or return it to you.

If you're worried about a check being used fraudulently, you can also report it to your bank as a forgery or unauthorized check. This is different from a stop payment and may not cost you a fee, though the investigation takes longer.

Why banks charge for stop payments

Stop payments require manual work. A teller or processing center employee has to enter your information into a system, flag your account, and monitor for that specific check. If the check does come through, someone has to review the flag, reject the payment, and generate a return notice. This is labor-intensive compared to letting checks process automatically.

Banks also assume some risk. If they miss a flagged check and it clears by mistake, they may have to refund your money and eat the cost themselves. The fee helps offset this risk and the staff time involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, as long as the check hasn't cleared yet. Most checks clear within one to three business days, but some take longer. Call your bank and ask if they can see the check in their system. If it's already been processed, they cannot stop it.

What if I don't know the exact check number?

Tell your bank the approximate date you wrote it, the amount, and the payee name. They can usually search their records and identify the check. Having the check number makes it faster, but it's not always required.

Do I get my money back if the stop payment works?

Yes. When a check is stopped and rejected, the money stays in your account. You pay the stop payment fee, but the funds themselves are not withdrawn. If you want to pay the person or business, you'll need to send them money another way.

Can I stop payment on a check someone else wrote to me?

No. Only the person who wrote the check can request a stop payment. If you received a check and want to report it as fraudulent or unauthorized, contact your bank and they can investigate, but that's a different process than a stop payment.

Will stopping payment hurt my credit?

No. A stop payment is between you and your bank and does not appear on your credit report. However, if you stop payment on a check you owe someone money on, that person may pursue you for the debt through other means.