How to Cancel an Online Payment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Paying bills online can result in errors.

Many bills can be paid online rather than through the mail. Online payment is very convenient, but payment errors can occur. It is easy to click "submit" accidentally resulting in an incorrect payment amount, or a technical error may lead you to think you have paid when the transaction is not actually complete. It is important to understand how to stop or correct an online payment error.

Step 1

Stop it fast. It is easier to stop an online payment within the first 24 hours of the transaction. If you catch it immediately, some websites have a "reverse payment" button on the transaction interface. The "reverse payment" button disappears after a few hours.

Step 2

Call the company. Immediately call the company and let them know the payment was made in error. Most companies can remove the payment immediately, but sometimes it takes up to 48 hours to reverse an error.

Step 3

Send an email. If you are not in a hurry to stop the payment, you can communicate via email. It often takes 48 to 72 hours to receive an email back from a large business, so only use email if timing is not critical

Step 4

Call the bank. Use this as a last resort. If you cannot afford to make the payment, and it is not being removed from your account, you need to notify your bank. Most banks charge a stop payment fee to cancel a transaction. Only request a stop payment if it is absolutely necessary.