What Is a Canceled Check?

The phrase “canceled check” refers to a check that has been processed and paid by the bank and can no longer be used for future payments. A check that has been canceled has typically had its funds properly transferred from the payer to the payee.

That said, it’s easy to confuse a canceled check with a check whose payment you don’t want to go through, like in the case of a stop payment request. Let’s explore what a canceled check is and how it differs from a stop payment request. 

What is a canceled check?

A canceled check is a check that has been deposited to a bank account or cashed, processed by the bank, cleared and then paid to the intended recipient. Once a check has completed those steps, the bank cancels it, meaning that it can’t be used again. 

When do you need a canceled check?

Canceled checks might be a useful means of showing that you have made a completed payment to another party. A financial institution may be able to provide you with an image or a scan of the canceled check as proof of payment to the recipient. 

A canceled check might also be helpful for bookkeeping purposes. You might want to ask for a canceled check if you want a record of your spending. On the other hand, if you’re running a business, you might want to ask for canceled checks as proof of payment and income, which could be helpful when filing your taxes.

Canceled checks vs. stop payment requests

A canceled check generally refers to a check that has been processed by the bank, but it may also be used colloquially to refer to a check that’s voided before a payment is made to a potential recipient. This process might seem like you are canceling a check, but your financial institution might instead refer to this as a stop payment request. 

If there’s an issue with a transaction on a check you have written, you may want to void the check before it’s deposited or cashed. In these instances, you may need to call your financial institution to stop its payment from being processed, and they might issue a stop payment request in response. Note that stopping a payment is also different than writing a void check, which is when you write “VOID” across a check that has errors on it to prevent it from being processed at all.

How to cancel a check with a stop payment request

If you want to make a stop payment request with your financial institution, there are a few steps you might take, including:

• Contact your financial institution: The sooner you contact your financial institution, the better chance you have of preventing the check from being processed. You may be able to contact your bank or credit union over the phone, through your mobile app or by visiting a branch.  
• Provide details: When you contact the bank, they might ask for the check number, the amount on the check, the payee’s name and the date you wrote on the check.
• Be aware of any fees: Financial institutions may charge a fee for stopping a payment.
• Be aware of how long it lasts: Generally, stop payment requests made over the phone halt a payment from being processed for 14 days. If you put the request in writing, the stop payment order typically lasts 6 months, so after a phone call, you might want to make a written request as well.

When should you consider canceling a check with a stop payment request?

There are a few different instances where you might consider making a stop payment request:

• Your check was lost or stolen: If you misplace your check and you don’t want it to end up in the wrong hands, you might want to make a stop payment request
• You suspect fraud: If you write a check to a scammer by accident, you may want to act quickly and make a stop payment request
• You made an error in the amount or payee: If you wrote the wrong amount or the wrong name on your check, you may want to cancel it and write a new one with the correct details

Tips for canceling a check with a stop payment request

Making a stop payment request might feel stressful because you don’t want your money to go to the wrong place. Here are some helpful tips for making a stop payment request: 

• Act as quickly as possible: The faster you submit the request, the more likely you are to prevent the check from being processed
• Double-check the check number and information: If you used a check from your checkbook, you should generally be able to identify the check number of the check you want to void. Make sure to clarify the other details to make it easier for your financial institution to find the check.  
• Follow up with written confirmation: It’s generally wise to follow up with written confirmation so that your stop payment request lasts longer. With an oral request, your financial institution is only required to stop the payment for 14 days. 

Canceled checks and your finances

Using a canceled check as proof of payment or for your bookkeeping records may be a helpful way to manage your finances. Additionally, you may sometimes need to make a stop payment request to nullify a check that you’ve written incorrectly, lost or given to the wrong person.

If you’re not sure of the whereabouts of a check you’ve written and want to see proof of it being cashed or deposited, or void it before someone deposits it, reach out to your financial institution for further guidance. They may be able to help you track it and guide your next steps.  

Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.