Can the bank pay a check after I place a stop payment on it?

Generally, national banks honor a stop payment request. If you properly record a stop payment order and the bank cashes the check, the bank may be liable for the cashed check.

However, the bank is not liable if—

• you fail to provide enough information to identify the check or
• you fail to provide sufficient notice to implement the stop payment order.

In addition, a written stop payment order often expires after 6 months. It can be renewed for another 6 months.

If you issue a stop payment order orally and do not confirm it in writing, it lapses after 14 calendar days.