What to do if…
a company warns it will retry a failed payment within 24 hours and you cannot cover it

What to do now

1. Save the retry notice.
   Note the company name, amount, stated retry timing, and any reference number. Take a screenshot or save the email or message.

2. Check the account for pending items and essential payments.
   Look for the company name and for terms such as “ACH,” “electronic,” or “preauthorized.” Note the available balance and any rent, food, medicine, utility, or transport payments that may also be due.

3. Contact your bank or credit union immediately.
   Say: “A company says it may retry an electronic debit within 24 hours. I revoke authorization for further electronic debits from this company. I cannot cover the retry. Please tell me how this payment is classified and what stop-payment or blocking options are available. Will the action cover a resubmission?”
   Ask:

   • What can still be done before the retry?
   • Is this an ACH debit, another preauthorized electronic debit, a recurring debit-card payment, or another type of transaction?
   • Is there a fee for the available option?
   • Could a failed retry lead to an overdraft fee, an insufficient-funds fee, or another charge under this account’s terms?
   • Do you need written confirmation from me, and where should I send it?
   • Can you send confirmation of any action taken through a secure message or email?

   For a preauthorized electronic fund transfer, federal rules say the bank or credit union must honor an oral stop-payment order made at least three business days before the scheduled debit. Because this retry may be sooner, ask what the bank or credit union can still do immediately. If the bank or credit union requires written confirmation of an oral stop-payment order, it should tell you where to send it. Send the confirmation promptly; an oral stop-payment order can stop being binding after 14 days if required written confirmation is not provided.

4. Tell the company to stop further electronic debits.
   Send a short written message: “I revoke my authorization for further ACH or electronic debits from my account, effective immediately. Do not retry this debit. Please tell me how I can discuss another payment method or date.”
   Save the message and any reply. This changes the withdrawal method; it does not automatically cancel any amount you may still owe.

5. Send any written follow-up your bank or credit union requests.
   Ask whether it needs a copy of your message to the company or a separate written confirmation. Send the requested proof promptly and save a copy.

6. Monitor the account.
   Check whether the retry posts. If a debit appears that you did not allow, is for the wrong amount, or occurs after revocation, contact the bank or credit union promptly and ask to start its electronic-fund-transfer error process. Save the date, the case number, and any written confirmation.

7. Use the CFPB complaint route if the problem remains unresolved.
   If the company or financial institution does not address a clear problem, submit a factual complaint with the notice, your revocation message, and your records of contact.