It's not unusual to write a check, hand it over, and then change your mind and want to stop payment. For example, you may have received goods, paid with a check, then found out the goods were defective.

After you’ve called your bank to request the stop payment on a check, use this form to give the bank written notice of your request. It’s wisest to send two copies of the statement with a stamped, self-addressed envelope so that one signed notice can be returned to you.

Important to Know:

• In many situations, a stop payment lasts only six months or a year. If you’re worried that the holder of your check will try to cash it much later, you’ll need to renew your stop payment order.