How to Stop Checks

Stopping a personal or business check is possible through the bank or the Internet.

If you've written a check and later realize you to want to stop payment, it can be done by calling your bank or through online banking. Stopping payment usually incurs a fee of about $25 to $50, depending on the institution. Most online banking sites are very similar so a bank such as Wells Fargo has almost the same site layout and functions as a bank like Chase, so navigating the site via the following steps will be simple.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Check Information

Instructions

Online Banking

1. Open your Internet browser and sign into your online banking site. You must have an existing online banking account set up with your bank to log on to your account.

2. Click on the "Account Settings" option which will bring you to a page with a number of options for your account. Under the personal or business checking category there is an option to select "Stop Payment on a Check." Click on that link and it will bring you to a new page.

3. Select the account from which you want to stop a check. On this page you will also fill in the information about the check you wish to stop such as the check number, the amount, who it was made payable to and also when the check was written. Fill out that information and click "Submit" at the bottom. The information will then be sent to your bank and a stop payment will exist for the next six months.

Calling Your Bank

1. Call your local branch of the bank you have an account with. Ask for a teller or banking representative. They will be able to process your stop payment over the phone. Another option would be to visit the bank in person.

2. Give the teller or banking representative your account information and name so they can look up your account. Tell her you wish to stop payment on a check.

3. Give the banking representative the information about the check such as when it was written, the number on the check, who it was made payable to, and the amount of the check. You will be told of a fee for stopping the check and it will require a verbal confirmation to apply the fee towards your account.

References

• Stopping a Check