How Much Does It Cost To Cancel A Cheque?

Whether you made a mistake writing a cheque, sent it to the wrong person, or misplaced it entirely, cancelling it — also known as placing a stop payment — can save you from financial trouble. But it isn’t always instant, and it’s rarely free. In Singapore, most banks charge an administrative fee when you request to cancel a cheque. The process may also differ slightly depending on how and when the request is made. If you need to void a cheque, knowing what to expect (and what it might cost) can help you act quickly and avoid extra charges.

» Want to start at the beginning? Find out about the parts of a cheque

Stop payment fees across different banks

Different banks charge different fees for processing a stop payment. Here’s a quick look at what some of the major banks in Singapore charge:

Always verify with your bank for the most up-to-date information, especially if you’re dealing with business accounts or foreign currency cheques.

*The information above was independently sourced and reproduced by Singsaver. Please contact your bank directly or visit their website before making any decisions.

Situations where cancellation might cost more

Stopping a cheque isn't always a straightforward process — especially if the cheque is already on its way to being cleared. If the bank has already processed the cheque, it may be too late to cancel, and you could still be liable for the amount.

Some banks may also charge extra if you require manual intervention, such as calling in for urgent requests or needing a staff member to process it immediately. These cases might incur a surcharge or require you to visit a branch, particularly close to clearing cut-off times.

Timing plays a huge role here. In Singapore, most same-day cheque clearing happens before 3.30pm on working days. If you realise there’s a mistake, it’s best to submit a stop payment request before this deadline. Acting quickly can make the difference between a successful cancellation and a cheque that’s already out of your hands.

» Check how long a cheque takes to clear

Cancelling multiple cheques at once might be cheaper

If you’ve issued a series of cheques — say, for recurring payments like rent or tuition — and realise there’s a problem affecting all of them, you might not need to cancel each one individually.

Some banks allow you to place a stop payment on a range of cheques or even cancel an entire cheque book. This can be significantly more affordable than paying a fee per cheque.

It’s worth checking with your bank’s hotline or website to see if they offer such bundled cancellation options. Not all do, but if yours does, it’s an efficient way to manage mass cancellations and keep costs down.

Stop payment instructions may expire after 6 months

In Singapore, a stop payment order typically lasts for six months. After that, the bank may automatically lift the instruction unless you renew it.

Renewals are rarely free. Some banks charge a flat renewal fee (e.g., $10), while others may ask you to pay the original stop payment fee again.

If you’re cancelling a cheque due to a legal dispute or other unresolved matter that may take time, don’t assume the cancellation will last forever. Set a calendar reminder before the expiry date to decide whether you need to extend it — and be prepared to pay again if you do.

Can you cancel a cheque online or must you go to a branch?

The good news: most major banks in Singapore now allow you to cancel a cheque online, through their app, or via phone banking. This is especially true for personal accounts with retail banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB.

However, for business accounts, foreign currency cheques, or older manual cheques, you might still need to visit a branch or call in for assistance. Some services may not be available after banking hours or during system maintenance, so always confirm the cancellation has gone through — especially if time is of the essence.

Online methods are usually faster, but always look out for confirmation notices or reference numbers to ensure your request has been accepted.