I had the bank 'stop payment on' the check. = I had a 'stop payment' (order) put on the check. [=I told the bank not to take money from my account to pay for the check]
Their family is struggling to 'meet the payments on' their house. = They're struggling to keep up (with) their 'mortgage payments'.
They agreed to pay $1,000 a year for five years and then make a 'balloon payment' of $50,000 at the end of the term.
(..) This is the place. Oh, yes. This place has known magic. Sir. In order to gain passage, payment must be made. Payment intended to weaken any intruder. You should have let me, sir. No, no, Harry. Your blood's (..)2009 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince