How do I cancel a certified bank check?
Emma Miller
Updated on February 14, 2026
Canceling a cashier’s check is more complex than canceling a personal bank check. If you lose a cashier’s check you must notify the bank, fill out a declaration of lost form, and wait–it can take 90 days (after you file) to recoup the money. The bank will levy a fee of $30 or more when you cancel a cashier’s check.
Can you put a stop payment on a certified check?
One drawback to certified checks is that you cannot stop the payment once you’ve handed over the check. The funds are frozen and will be released to the person you paid when they deposit or cash the check. Another downside, although not quite as drastic, is that certified checks do come with fees.
How much does it cost to cancel a certified check?
The fee to cancel, or “stop payment,” on a check can be more than $30 at many large banks. However, some banks and credit unions charge less, and the cost can vary depending on how you make the request. Here’s an overview of what you might pay.
Can you stop a cashier’s check?
Generally, a customer cannot order a stop payment on a cashier’s check, and the bank must honor a cashier’s check when it is presented for payment. Contact the bank immediately if the cashier’s check is lost, stolen, or destroyed, or if you believe a check is fraudulent.
Is there a difference between a certified check and a cashier’s check?
Cashier’s checks are signed by the bank while certified checks are signed by the consumer. Cashier’s checks and certified checks are both official checks issued by a bank. The difference is that cashier’s checks are drawn on the bank’s account and certified checks are drawn on the check writer’s account.
What if you get a cashier’s check and don’t use it?
If you lose a cashier’s check that you requested from your bank, the bank can require you to obtain an indemnity bond for the amount of check before they’ll issue a new one. This essentially gives the bank some reassurance that they won’t have to cover the payment for both checks if the lost one is found.
How long can a bank cancel a certified check?
If a bank customer purchases a certified check but subsequently loses it or believes it to have been stolen, the bank can cancel the check after a period of 90 days.
Can a bank stop payment on a certified check?
If a bank customer purchases a certified check but subsequently loses it or believes it to have been stolen, the bank can cancel the check after a period of 90 days. When this occurs, the bank places a stop payment, cancels the entire transaction and offers the check purchaser a full refund.
What happens if I cancel a check I have already deposited?
If you haven’t waited too long, that will stop the check, and your bank will charge you for that service. If the check has already cleared with your bank, the transaction is complete, the money is gone, and your bank may still charge you for the effort to stop it.
Is there a way to void a certified check?
To void a certified check, you must place a stop payment on it through your bank. It may become void on its own if issued with an expiration date or is stale.