How Does a Stop Payment Work?

A stop payment request can't be applied for every type of transaction. You may request a stop payment in several situations, such as:

Stopping payment on a check can be simple, but timing is key. Stop payment policies vary between financial institutions, and following your bank’s exact policy may help you avoid unnecessary delays. Stopping payment on an automatic charge may be a little more complicated but is still relatively straightforward. While the specifics between institutions may differ, most stop payment requests follow a general framework:

How to Stop Payment on a Check

1. Check whether the payment has cleared.
   You can only request a stop payment for a check that hasn’t been cashed.
2. Gather relevant information:

• Amount
• Check number
• Date
• Recipient

1. Contact your bank.
   You may be able to learn about your bank's stop-payment process and even initiate a request verbally by visiting a local branch or calling customer service.

To finalize the process, some banks may require you to fill out a form to submit a written request, within 14 days.

How to Stop an Automatic Payment

1. Check whether the payment is still pending.
   You can dispute a charge that has already cleared but can’t request a stop payment. Some banks allow you to cancel a payment that’s still processing using your online account, but restrictions may apply. 
2. Gather relevant information:

• Checking account number
• Date of payment
• Payee
• Payment amount

1. Contact your bank.
   Visiting or calling a local branch could help you better understand your bank's stop payment process, and you may be able to start a request over the phone. Some banks also require that you submit a written request or form within 14 days.
2. Contact the company
   Contacting the company directly to inform them of the unwanted charges may be best, even with a stop payment order.¹ Keep in mind that if the charges in question are related to a service you’ve received, outstanding loan, or other ongoing financial obligation, you may need to set up an alternative payment method to avoid penalties or fees.

Throughout the request process, save banking documentation related to your stop payment.  Once your stop payment request is submitted, monitor your account closely. Requesting a stop payment order doesn't always guarantee the payment will be blocked. If an unwanted payment is still processed, you'll need to dispute it as soon as possible.

A stop payment request may not always be honored. Stop payments can be useful, but they have limitations. For example, stop payment orders can't be used on checks or debits already processed. A stop payment may not be applicable to cashier's checks or money orders, either.

Additionally, stop payment orders aren't permanent solutions. They expire after a set period, and banks often charge fees for each request.

It's important to note that even if you successfully stop a payment, it doesn't necessarily cancel your obligation to pay. A stop payment order prevents the transaction, but it won’t erase any underlying debt you may have.

Stopping payment isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, it’s possible to resolve the issue without contacting your bank.

• Update your payment method
  If you want to keep the service or subscription but no longer want the payments to come out of a specific account, you can simply update your payment method.
• Contact the merchant directly
  If you need to change a payment due to an incorrect amount or cancel a double payment, try contacting the merchant directly. Often, a quick phone call can resolve the issue without the need for a stop payment.
• Double-check cancellation policies
  Following the correct process to formally cancel a service, such as a meal delivery subscription, may help you avoid future automatic payments. If an extra pending payment does appear on your account, you may be able to resolve the issue by reaching out to the company directly.