How to Cancel a Lost Cheque in Singapore

If you’ve lost a cheque, don’t panic, but act fast. In Singapore, cancelling a cheque usually refers to voiding it before it’s used, while “stopping payment” means preventing a cheque that’s already been issued from being cashed. However, most people use the terms interchangeably.

In practice, stopping a lost cheque means issuing a stop payment instruction with your bank. Thankfully, most Singapore banks make this easy to do through internet banking, customer hotlines, or by visiting a branch. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

1. Check if the cheque has already been cleared

Before you rush to stop the cheque, take a quick look at your account activity through your bank’s online portal or mobile app. You want to confirm whether the cheque has already been presented for payment.

If the cheque has cleared, unfortunately, it’s too late to issue a stop payment. The money is already gone. Some banks, like DBS/POSB, even let you view the actual image of the processed cheque through digibank, which can help you verify if it’s your lost one.

» Learn how to stay safe when making credit card payments over the phone.

2. Gather a few key pieces of information

If the cheque hasn’t been cleared yet, the next step is gathering the details you’ll need to submit a stop cheque request. Typically, banks will ask for:

• Your account number

• Cheque number

• Date the cheque was issued

• Name of the payee (if you filled it out)

• Exact amount written on the cheque

Having this information ready makes it easier for the bank to trace the cheque and process your stop payment request accurately, saving you time and avoiding any misunderstandings.

3. Contact your bank

Now it’s time to actually request the stop. In Singapore, banks offer a few convenient options:

• Internet banking: For example, DBS customers can log in to digibank online or mobile app, navigate to Transfer > More Transfer Services > Stop Cheque.

• Mobile apps: OCBC customers can open the OCBC Digital app, tap on More > Cheque Services > Stop Cheque

• Customer hotlines or in-person visits: If you prefer a human touch, calling the customer service hotline or visiting a branch works too.

The key here is speed. The faster you act, the more likely it is that the bank can stop the cheque before it’s cashed.

4. Approve the stop payment fees, if any

Stopping a cheque isn’t always free. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• DBS/POSB: S$20 per cheque (waived if you’re a Priority Banking customer)

• OCBC: S$20 per cheque

It’s important to note that the fee is charged once the stop request is processed, even if the cheque had already been presented before the bank could act. Always double-check your bank’s latest fee schedule, just in case prices have changed.

5. Note down the expiration date on the stop payment order

In Singapore, most banks treat stopped cheques as "inactive" until they become stale, which usually happens six months after the cheque was issued. After that, the cheque can’t be cashed.

However, if for some reason you need the stop payment instruction to remain valid beyond six months, some banks may allow you to renew it (though you might have to submit a new request). It’s a good habit to follow up with your bank if you’re unsure whether your stop payment needs an extension.