How to Stop Recurring Payments on Your Debit Card

Updated February 2026 · 8 min read

You check your bank account and there it is again — another $14.99 you didn't expect. Maybe it's a free trial you forgot to cancel. Maybe it's a subscription you thought you already stopped. Either way, money is leaving your account every month and you want it to stop.

Here's exactly how to stop recurring payments on your debit card, from the easiest method to the nuclear option.

Method 1: Cancel Directly With the Company (Best Option)

The cleanest way to stop a recurring charge is to cancel the subscription at the source. This ensures you don't get sent to collections or flagged for non-payment.

• Log into your account on the company's website or app
• Look for "Subscription," "Billing," or "Account Settings"
• Click "Cancel" or "Cancel Subscription"
• Screenshot the confirmation — you'll want proof

Can't find the cancel button? Check our cancel guides for 440+ services with step-by-step instructions and direct links.

Method 2: Call Your Bank and Request a "Stop Payment"

If you can't cancel through the company (maybe they make it impossible, or the company no longer exists), your bank can block future charges from that specific merchant.

Here's what to say when you call:

"I'd like to place a stop payment on recurring charges from [company name]. The last charge was $[amount] on [date]. I've attempted to cancel with the merchant but was unable to."

How to do this at major banks:

Important: Stop payments on debit cards are covered by federal law (Regulation E). Your bank must stop the payments if you request it in writing at least 3 business days before the next scheduled charge.

Method 3: Replace Your Debit Card Number

If you have multiple unwanted charges or the stop payment isn't working, you can request a new debit card number from your bank. This instantly breaks all recurring payments tied to the old number.

The downside: This also breaks charges you want to keep (Netflix, insurance, utilities). You'll need to update your card everywhere. But sometimes the nuclear option is the only option.

Method 4: Dispute the Charge

If a company charged you after you canceled, or charged you without authorization, you can dispute it:

1. Log into your bank's website or app
2. Find the transaction and select "Dispute" or "Report a problem"
3. Select "Recurring charge I didn't authorize" or "Charged after cancellation"
4. Upload your cancellation confirmation screenshot

Under Regulation E, your bank must investigate within 10 business days and provisionally credit your account while investigating. Read our full guide on what to do when you're still charged after canceling.

How to Prevent Unwanted Recurring Charges

• Use virtual card numbers — Services like Privacy.com let you create single-use or merchant-locked card numbers. Set spending limits or pause them anytime.
• Set calendar reminders before free trials end
• Audit your statements monthly — or use Just Cancel to scan for recurring charges automatically
• Use a credit card for subscriptions — credit cards have stronger dispute protections than debit cards under federal law

How Much Are You Losing to Forgotten Subscriptions?

The average American spends $219/month on subscriptions — and studies show most people underestimate their spending by 2-3x. That's potentially $100+/month you don't even know you're spending.