How Do You Endorse Checks for Minors?

Endorse checks sent to your minor child.

If your minor child receives a check for a birthday gift, Christmas gift or as a reward for making good grades, you will need to be able to endorse and cash it. Endorsing a check for a minor child is similar to endorsing a check for yourself. You need to make sure the bank or financial institution will honor the check and follow any procedures recommended by the bank to cash the check.

Instructions

1. Verify the check and make sure it is made out to your child and your child's name is spelled correctly on the front.

2. Visit your bank or the bank from which the check is drawn and present the check to the teller. Explain that the check is in your child's name and you would like to cash it.

3. Have the child sign the check, if he is old enough. If the child is an infant or toddler, print your child's name on the back of the check.

4. Sign your name under your child's name or signature and print the word "parent" or "guardian" under your signature. Present some type of identification such as a state-issued identification or driver's license to the banker.

5. Receive the cash and give it to your child.

Tips & Warnings

• You may choose to open a joint savings or checking account in you and your child's names and deposit the check in the account. Certain banks and financial institutions give you the option to open a checking account for a minor child over age 13.

References

• Banking Questions: Endorsing a Check for a Minor
• Banking Questions: Cashing a Check Made Out to a Child

Resources

• Chase: High School Checking