How to Cash a Check Made Out to Two People
Examine the check’s “Payable To” line to find out how the payer wrote both names., Contact your bank or financial institution before endorsing the back of the check., Ask your bank about the best way to cash the check., Follow the instructions...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Examine the check’s “Payable To” line to find out how the payer wrote both names.
This determines how the check can be endorsed and cashed.
Checks with names separated by “or,” “and/or,” a comma, or nothing at all can be endorsed and cashed by either individual.
Checks with names separated by “and” must be endorsed and cashed by both individuals. -
Step 2: Contact your bank or financial institution before endorsing the back of the check.
Each bank has its own rules in place regarding checks written out to two people.
Cash the check as you normally would if the check can be endorsed and cashed by either individual.
For example, if the check is made out to “Jane Doe or John Smith,” either Jane or John can cash the check without the other individual’s signature. , Your bank will inform you of its rules and policies for cashing checks written out to two people.
For instance, Bank of America requires both payees to share a bank account, while Wells Fargo and Chase require both payees to visit a branch in person to present government-issued identification., In most cases, checks with “and” between names on the “Payable To” line must be endorsed by both individuals, and cashed in person by both people at the bank., This is the best way to handle the situation if one of the payees cannot endorse the back of the check.
Alternately, request that the payer write two separate checks to each individual. , This can result in your funds being withheld or made unavailable by your bank as a result of violating rules and policies. , Some banks allow you to deposit the check as long as both signatures are present. , This can be used to your advantage if the other party cannot sign the check or visit the bank in person to cash it with you. -
Step 3: Ask your bank about the best way to cash the check.
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Step 4: Follow the instructions provided by your bank to cash the check.
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Step 5: Ask the payer to void the check and write another to just one person if the other payee is unavailable
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Step 6: incarcerated
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Step 7: or deceased.
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Step 8: Avoid cashing the check at an automated teller machine before verifying policies with your bank.
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Step 9: Ask your bank about the possibility of depositing the check instead of cashing it if the other individual is not available to visit the bank in person.
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Step 10: Find out whether you can use a notarized power of attorney to give you full rights over the check if the other individual is not available to endorse the check.
Detailed Guide
This determines how the check can be endorsed and cashed.
Checks with names separated by “or,” “and/or,” a comma, or nothing at all can be endorsed and cashed by either individual.
Checks with names separated by “and” must be endorsed and cashed by both individuals.
Each bank has its own rules in place regarding checks written out to two people.
Cash the check as you normally would if the check can be endorsed and cashed by either individual.
For example, if the check is made out to “Jane Doe or John Smith,” either Jane or John can cash the check without the other individual’s signature. , Your bank will inform you of its rules and policies for cashing checks written out to two people.
For instance, Bank of America requires both payees to share a bank account, while Wells Fargo and Chase require both payees to visit a branch in person to present government-issued identification., In most cases, checks with “and” between names on the “Payable To” line must be endorsed by both individuals, and cashed in person by both people at the bank., This is the best way to handle the situation if one of the payees cannot endorse the back of the check.
Alternately, request that the payer write two separate checks to each individual. , This can result in your funds being withheld or made unavailable by your bank as a result of violating rules and policies. , Some banks allow you to deposit the check as long as both signatures are present. , This can be used to your advantage if the other party cannot sign the check or visit the bank in person to cash it with you.
About the Author
Catherine Kennedy
Specializes in breaking down complex DIY projects topics into simple steps.
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