What is the law on a stop-payment check?

The law allows consumers to contact their bank and request a stop-payment on a check if the money has not already been moved from the account, states the FDIC. In most states, a written request for stop-payment is honored for six months.

Most banks only honor an oral request for stop-payment for 14 days, so consumers should verify their request in writing within this time period, advises the FDIC. After this time period, the bank may cash the check if the consumer does not renew the request, states Cornell University Law School. Banks may legally charge consumers a fee for each stop-payment request, advises the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.