Whether it’s due to a simple mistake, lost mail, or a change of plans, there are times when you need to cancel a check. As long as you act quickly, canceling a check is simple. But it may cost you upwards of $30.

Here’s everything you need to know about canceling a check.

What does it mean to cancel a check?

Canceling a check means telling your bank not to honor a check you’ve written. Banks refer to this request as a stop payment.

Issuing a stop payment request on a check stops the transaction from happening. If the bank hasn’t processed the transaction and the money is still in your account, you can issue a stop payment request to prevent anyone — intended recipient or not — from cashing the check.

You can only cancel a check that hasn’t yet cleared your account. In other words, if you wrote a check that’s already been cashed by the recipient, it’s too late to cancel the check.

When you might cancel a check

A variety of situations may prompt you to cancel a check. Here are some common scenarios:

• You made a mistake when writing a check. You may have written the check for the incorrect amount or to the wrong recipient, which you can fix by canceling the check.

• A check was lost or stolen. A stop payment request can keep the wrong person from cashing it, whether the check was lost in the mail or stolen.

• You were dissatisfied with a purchase. If you need to dispute a transaction, canceling a check can stop your payment from going through, preventing you from needing to track down reimbursement.

• You suspect fraud. Canceling a check when a transaction seems suspicious can help you protect yourself from fraudulent activity.

Canceled check fees

Canceling a check is a helpful service, but it typically comes with a cost.

Many banks charge around $30 for a stop payment request, though some banks, like Chase, may discount the fee if you make the request online instead of by phone or in person.

It’s also common for banks to waive stop-payment fees on premium accounts. For example, Bank of America charges $30 for stop payments but waives the fee for Advantage Relationship Banking customers. And some banks, like Discover, don’t charge stop payment fees at all.

Keep in mind that if the transaction you’re attempting to cancel costs less than the stop payment fee, canceling the check may not be worth it.

How to cancel a check step-by-step

To cancel a check, take the following steps:

1. See if the transaction has cleared: Log in to your bank’s online platform to view recent transactions and make sure the check you want to cancel hasn’t cleared. If the check hasn’t been deposited, you still have time to cancel the check.

2. Gather necessary information: To make a stop payment request, you’ll need information about the check you want to cancel. This includes the check number, the check amount, the date, and your bank account number. Some banks may ask for additional information or verification, including proof of identity, the reason for the stop payment, or the recipient’s name.

3. Request a stop payment: Log in to your bank account’s online platform and initiate a stop payment. You can also do so at a branch or over the phone. Note that some banks offer lower fees if you make the request online.

4. Pay the fee: If your bank charges stop payment fees, you’ll have to pay to make the request go through.

5. Follow up with a written request: If you requested a stop payment verbally, you’ll need to follow up in writing within 14 days to prevent the request from expiring.

6. Understand the stop payment’s expiration: Written stop payment requests usually expire after six months, after which banks generally won’t accept checks. But if you’re concerned, you can request another stop payment after the first one expires.

Read more: Do checks expire? Here's how long a check is good for.

Frequently asked questions

Can you cancel a check before it's cashed?

You may be able to cancel a check before it’s cashed if you take quick action. To do so, you need to request a stop payment before the check clears your account and provide all the information your bank needs to issue a stop payment. This typically includes the check amount, date, and number, as well as your bank account number.

How much does it cost to cancel a check?

The cost of canceling a check varies by bank. Some banks don’t charge for stop payments, while many charge around $30. Some banks waive the fees for customers with premium or relationship accounts, and some offer a discount for requesting a stop payment online. Look at your checking account fee schedule to find out how much a stop payment will cost you.

How do I cancel a paid check?

You can’t cancel a check after it clears and the money leaves your account. Instead, you can contact the recipient and try to resolve the issue directly. To cancel a check, you have to order a stop payment before the transaction clears.