How do I request a stop payment?

Asked by: Dr. Kyla Witting  |  Last update: August 9, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (72 votes)

To stop payment on a check, go to a bank branch or contact the bank by phone 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. Follow up in writing.

What is a valid reason for a stop payment?

Reasons to Issue a Stop Payment

The check was made out for the wrong amount, to the wrong person, or for the wrong date. The check was mailed to the wrong payment address. The payment is no longer warranted due to a canceled contract for services. The check was stolen.

Can I ask my bank to stop a payment?

Contact the bank to make a stop payment request: Follow your bank's policy to ensure you make the request prior to the date the payment is set to clear. 1 If your bank requires written notification, you may also need to provide that within 14 days of making a verbal request.

Can you request a stop payment online?

Most banks will let you request a stop payment online to cancel a check or electronic debit.

How do I place a stop payment?

You'll need to contact your bank and let them know that the check shouldn't be honored if it hasn't already been processed – a process known as a “stop payment.” This is done through a careful multi-step process and requires thorough communication with your bank.

Online Banking - Stop Payment

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Can I do a stop payment order online?

Use Online Banking

Login to your Online Banking profile and select 'My Bank Accounts' to view a list of your accounts. Select your debit order account and then 'My Debit Orders'. A list of your debit orders will be displayed. Select the reason for disputing the debit order and then select 'Reverse' or 'Stop'.

How to make a stop payment?

How to Stop a Payment
  1. Select the Account the cheque or pre-authorized payment was issued from.
  2. Enter the Payee Name (e.g. the name of the person or business the payment is payable to).
  3. Select which Payment Type you wish to stop. ...
  4. Enter the Amount of the payment.
  5. Enter the payment's Due Date. ...
  6. Enter the Cheque Number.

How do I stop a payment being taken?

To stop payment, you need to notify your bank at least three business days before the transaction is scheduled to be made and your bank may charge a fee. The notice to stop the transaction may be made orally or in writing. A bank can require written confirmation of an oral stop payment request.

Can you block a payment from coming out?

Stopping a card payment

To withdraw consent, simply tell whoever issued your card (the bank, building society or credit card company) that you don't want the payment to be made. You can tell the card issuer by phone, email or letter.

How do I stop a payment being taken from my debit card?

Call and write the company

Call the company and tell them you are taking away your permission for the company to take automatic payments out of your bank account. The company's customer service should be able to help you, and there might be an online form you can use. Then, follow up by writing a letter or an e-mail.

Can I block a company from charging my debit card?

Can I block a company from charging my card? Yes, you can block a company from charging your credit card. You do this by contacting your bank and either revoking authorization for the payment or requesting a stop payment order.

How do I cancel an online payment?

How to Cancel Recurring Payments for Online Subscription Services and Apps?
  1. Log into Your Account. ...
  2. Access Settings or Subscriptions Page. ...
  3. Click on Manage. ...
  4. Select the Subscription to Cancel. ...
  5. Initiate Cancellation. ...
  6. Contact the Company. ...
  7. Contact the Bank. ...
  8. Monitor and Follow Up.

Can I tell my bank to stop a pending transaction?

So, can banks call off pending transactions? The answer is yes, but while merchants can give back a refund within a few days, banks may take several weeks to work through this operation.

How do I tell my bank to stop payment?

To stop payment on a check, go to a bank branch or contact the bank by phone 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.

What are the rules for stop payments?

Stopping electronic payments works the same way as stopping payments on a check, and an account holder can request a stop payment by calling the bank. Banks require customers to give verbal instructions at least three days before the payment is charged and follow up with a written confirmation within 14 days.

What is the penalty for a stop payment?

Stop Payment Costs and Fees

The exact fees can vary between banks and financial institutions, so checking with your bank for accurate information is essential. Typically, the fees for initiating a stop payment range from ₹100 to ₹500 per request.

Can you stop a payment coming into your bank account?

Any Direct Debits on your account are yours to control, and they're very easy to cancel. You can either get in touch with your bank or building society and tell them which one you want to stop, or you can cancel online or via your banking app.

How do I stop an automatic payment from coming out of my account?

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.

How do I block a payment on my bank account?

To issue a stop payment order for the next scheduled payment, contact your bank at least three business days before the payment is due to come out of your account. If you want to stop all future payments, your bank may ask for your request in writing.

How much is a stop payment fee?

The cost for placing a stop payment on a check is up to $35 and it'll remain in effect for 24 months. If you need to renew the stop payment after 24 months, an additional stop payment fee will be charged. Some consumer accounts will discount the stop payment fee.

How do I stop a pending payment?

If you want to eliminate the transaction before it settles, contact the merchant who placed the charge. This is the seller, store, or vendor you purchased from. It's best to do this as soon as possible—within one or two days.

Can I stop an ACH payment?

There are a couple things to consider before you stop an ACH payment or recurring debit transaction: Payments already in process or completed can't be stopped. To stop a scheduled payment, you'll need to submit the request at least three business days before the scheduled payment date.

How do you write a stop payment letter?

Dear Sir/Ma'am, This letter is to request you to stop the payment of the Cheque bearing no:____, dated:________. It's issued in favour of *cheque holder's name*, for the sum of *amount* As the Cheque is *mention the reason to stop the cheque payment*, I request you to stop the payment with immediate effect.

Can I block someone from taking money from my bank account?

Call and write your bank or credit union

Tell your bank that you have “revoked authorization” for the company to take automatic payments from your account. You can use this sample letter . Some banks and credit unions may offer you an online form.

How long do you have to do a stop payment?

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.