Cashing a check for a two year old?

Question

I received a check made out in my daughter's name, who is two years old. To cash it, do I just sign the back of it myself?

The check is for a small amount. A refund from her eye doctor, paid too much.

Answer 1

Yes, sign your name, and print "for minor child" and put your child's name. Do it in front of the teller, and double check the bank's policy before you do it.

Answer 2

The check should be deposited to an account in her name. Once the check clears, you can withdraw the funds. If you don't already have an account set up, I suggest you do so. This won't be the last time you run into this situation. The best thing to do is to open an account with you, the parent, as the custodian for your daughter. Many banks have custodial accounts that are without fees or may require a minimum balance to be free of monthly service charges. All the transactions through the account are controlled by you, both deposits and withdrawals. If significant money is deposited in the account, the interest earned will be reported on her Social Security number so it won't be income you have to report. (This all assumes you are in the United States.)

If this sounds like a hassle, it is. The next best thing is to take the unendorsed check to your bank and ask them to cash it. My guess is they will try to sell you an account to deposit it in. If they do, you want one that has no fees.

Answer 3

Yes, but have you considered opening a savings account for her and depositing the check for her future use? Also if the check is for a large amount leave some of it in the bank and withdraw what her needs are today. You will both be glad in the future if you learn to save some money for future uses.

Answer 4

Yes you do. Go to the bank it was issued from or to your own bank to cash it.

You might want to use the check to get a bank account started for your daughter. You would be the primary and she the secondary. This could be the beginning of her college fund!

Answer 5

Do you have a custodial bank account? If you do, check with the bank. Can the person that send you the check send another check in YOUR name? Usually, a check must be signed by the person that it is made out to

Answer 6

Sign her name then sign yours and underneath yours write in "mother signing for minor child." I used to have to do that ALL the time when my relatives insisted on making checks out to my children before they could even write! Trust me, the banks are all too familiar with this one - happens all the time.

Answer 7

Just sign the back! Or bring it into the bank and explain the situation.

Answer 8

Save it until she is of legal age and can make a decision if she wants to cash it or not. At 18 she should be able to decide. After all...it is HER money.

Answer 9

If it is bearer cheque, than you can try to en cash it. But if it is account payee cheque, then it is impassable for you to en cash it unless you have account in your daughters name. Or you can open a new account in your daughters name (Your self as a guardian) and then deposit that cheque in the newly opened account.

N.J.Reddy

Answer 10

probably not. Polite thing to do would be to go back to the person or place that issued the check and ask them to write you another in exchange for the old check.

Answer 11

bring it to the bank and see what they say
i didnt start signing my own checks until i was about 13 and obviously you daughter can't
if you arent supposed to sign it i dont think it would hurt to do so, but you could bring it to the bank, i think they'll let you sign it there
im pretty sure my parents signed it
maybe you could bring your daughter to the bank as well