How to stop a recurring ACH payment with your bank

Your right to stop preauthorized debits

Under the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E (12 CFR 1005.10(c)), you can stop a recurring (preauthorized) debit from your bank account by notifying your bank at least 3 business days before the scheduled payment. You can do it by phone or in writing; the bank may ask you to confirm in writing within 14 days.

Step by step

1. Cancel with the company and revoke its authorization to debit you, in writing if possible.
2. Tell your bank to stop future payments to that company (online banking, phone or branch). Ask how long the stop lasts.
3. Keep proof: the date you contacted the bank and any confirmation number.
4. Check your statements. If a debit still goes through after you revoked authorization, report it to your bank right away — prompt reporting matters for your protection (generally within 60 days of the statement).

Card payments are different

If the subscription is charged to a debit or credit card, ask your card issuer to block future charges from that merchant and dispute any charge made after your cancellation.

If your bank refuses

File a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint — see where to report a company.