How to Stop a Bank Check
Stopping a bank check can be an easy task if the check has not cleared the bank. There are a couple of ways to stop a bank check. It’s important not to let too much time go by and contact the bank immediately.
Items Needed:
- Check number
- Bank account number
- Telephone
- Bank phone number
- Internet access
- Decide on the best option to stop a bank check. Locate contact information for the bank.
- Contact the bank and ask to speak with someone in account services. Let the account service representative know you want to stop a bank check from clearing. Provide them the bank account number, check number and the date the check was written.
- Give the bank representative a reason for stopping the bank check. If the check was stolen or lost there is usually no fee to stop a bank check. There will be a fee of $20-$30 to stop a bank check for any other reasons. In tough situations, you can ask them to wave the fee as a first-time courtesy.
- Go online to the main website for the bank. Log in or submit a request to stop a bank check directly from their website. This is another option to stop a bank check without calling. Provide the bank account number, check number and any other requested information. The fee will apply unless you contact them and ask them to waive the fee.
- Contact the person or business to whom the check was written and ask them if the money can be returned to you. Use this option if the check has already cleared the bank.