How to cancel a check at Bank of America
You can cancel a check at Bank of America by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the check has not yet cleared. The fastest route is a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement — you'll need the check number, the amount, the date you wrote it, and the name of the person or business you made it out to. Bank of America can stop payment immediately over the phone, though you may be charged a fee (typically $30 to $35 per check, though this varies). If the check has already been processed and cleared, cancellation is no longer possible — the money has left your account.
The window to cancel matters. If you call within a few days of writing the check, Bank of America can almost certainly stop it. Once the check reaches the recipient's bank and clears, it is too late. If you are unsure whether the check has cleared, log into your online banking account or call customer service to check your transaction history.
Key Takeaways
- Call Bank of America's customer service number (on your card or statement) with the check number, amount, date, and recipient name to request a stop payment.
- Stop payment requests cost $30 to $35 per check and take effect immediately, but only work if the check has not yet cleared.
- If the check has already cleared your account, cancellation is not possible — the money has already been transferred.
- You can also request a stop payment in person at a Bank of America branch, though a phone call is faster.
- Check your online banking account or call customer service to confirm whether the check has cleared before requesting a stop payment.
Calling Bank of America to stop payment
Phone is the fastest way to cancel a check. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Have ready: the check number, the exact amount, the date you wrote it, and the name of the payee (the person or business you made it out to). The representative will confirm these details and place a stop payment order on your account immediately.
The stop payment order stays in effect for six months at Bank of America. If the check still has not been cashed by then and you want to keep it blocked, you can request a renewal. After six months, if you have not renewed, the stop payment expires and the check could theoretically still be cashed — though by that point most checks are stale and banks will not honor them.
You will be charged a fee for this service. Bank of America's stop payment fee is typically $30 to $35 per check, though the exact amount may vary by account type or region. Ask the representative for the exact fee before you authorize it, and confirm that it will be deducted from your account.
Stopping payment in person at a branch
If you prefer to handle this face-to-face, you can visit any Bank of America branch and request a stop payment at the teller window. Bring your debit card or account information and the same details you would provide over the phone: check number, amount, date, and payee name. The teller will process the request and provide you with a confirmation number.
In-person requests take the same effect as phone requests — the stop payment is placed immediately and lasts six months. You will still be charged the stop payment fee. The main advantage of going in person is that you receive a printed receipt and confirmation number on the spot, which can be useful if you need documentation later.
Checking whether your check has already cleared
Before you request a stop payment, confirm that the check has not already cleared. Log into your Bank of America online banking account and review your recent transactions. Look for a debit or withdrawal matching the check amount and date. If you see it listed as "cleared" or "posted," the stop payment will not work — the money has already left your account.
If you do not use online banking, call customer service at the number on your card and ask a representative to check your account. They can tell you within seconds whether the check has cleared. This step takes only a minute and can save you the $30 to $35 stop payment fee if the check has already been processed.
What happens after you request a stop payment
Once Bank of America places the stop payment order, the check should be rejected if anyone tries to cash or deposit it. However, the stop payment is not a may provide — if the check is presented to a bank before the order is fully processed through the system, it could still clear. This is rare but possible, especially if the check is deposited at a different bank or at an ATM.
If the check does clear despite your stop payment request, contact Bank of America immediately. Explain that you requested a stop payment and the check cleared anyway. The bank may be able to reverse the transaction or dispute it on your behalf, though this depends on the specific circumstances and how quickly you report it.
Alternatives if you cannot reach Bank of America
If you cannot reach customer service by phone during business hours, you can request a stop payment through your online banking account. Log in, navigate to your account settings or transaction history, and look for an option to place a stop payment order. Not all Bank of America accounts offer this feature online, so if you do not see it, you will need to call or visit a branch.
If you are out of the country or unable to call the U.S. number, Bank of America's international customer service line can also process stop payment requests. The number is listed on the back of your card or on the bank's website.
Preventing the need to cancel checks in the future
To avoid the hassle and fee of canceling a check, double-check the amount and payee name before you mail it. If you are paying a bill, use Bank of America's bill pay feature instead — it allows you to schedule payments and cancel them before they are sent, at no cost. For peer-to-peer transfers, consider using Zelle or another digital payment method, which can be reversed more easily if needed.
Keep a record of every check you write, including the check number, amount, date, and payee. This makes it much faster to request a stop payment if something goes wrong, and it helps you track which checks have cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a check after it has been cashed?
No. Once a check has been cashed or deposited and cleared, the money has left your account and cancellation is not possible. If you believe the check was cashed fraudulently or without your permission, contact Bank of America to report it and discuss your options for disputing the transaction.
How long does a stop payment order last?
Bank of America's stop payment orders remain in effect for six months. If the check still has not been cashed and you want to keep it blocked, you can request a renewal before the six months expire. After six months, the order expires and the check could theoretically be cashed, though most checks are considered stale after that time.
What if the check is from a joint account?
Either account holder can request a stop payment on a check written from a joint account. You will need the same information — check number, amount, date, and payee — and the fee will be charged to the account.
Can I cancel a check if I do not remember the exact amount?
You can provide an approximate amount, but Bank of America will ask for the exact figure if possible. If you are off by even a few dollars, the stop payment might not catch the right check. Check your checkbook or bank records to find the exact amount before calling.
Will the recipient know that I canceled the check?
The recipient will know the check was not honored when they try to deposit or cash it and it is rejected. They will not receive a notification from Bank of America, but they will see the rejection at their bank. It is a good idea to contact the recipient directly to explain the situation and arrange an alternative payment method.