Q&A for How to Cash a Check Made Out to Two People

If the check was made out to you and your ex (as opposed to or), the bank should have required both signatures before depositing the check. Whether "and" or "or," your ex does have a legal claim to some or all of the proceeds.

If the check is payable to you and your roommate, you will not be able to cash or deposit the check without her endorsement. It may be easiest for you to request that a replacement refund check be issued to each of you individually so that you can cash your portion of the refund.

Because a slash (or stroke) mark does not mean "and," you probably do not need both parties to sign, but it would be up to the banker in charge to decide.

In this case the % symbol means "in care of." The bank really should accept it in your name. Otherwise, the payor will have to cut you another check made out only to you (or the trustee).

Both of you will need to endorse the back of the check. Either your bank or your spouse's bank (if they are different) may accept the check for deposit, but they may require that you both be there in-person together so they can verify the other person's identity.

The bank may simply ask that both parties endorse the check.

Only your bank can tell you their check-endorsement policy. Technically they should require two signatures if the check is made out to one person "and" another person.

Explain this to the bank. They'll decide what to do.

No, you can usually cash the check on your own as long as your name is on it. The "in care of" part suggests the check is meant for you to use to care for someone else, so banks let you cash it.

You could try cashing the check and keeping the money, but be aware of any legal repercussions. The credit card company may come after you to get their money. If they are legally entitled to it, you won't have much choice.

Try to deposit it in a joint account first. If that isn't an option, you may need to ask the government to rewrite the check. Ask the bank first, though, since they may have a way that can help you get it done without getting his signature.

You're better off writing a new check. Even if you initial it, the bank may decide they won't accept the check. Their reasoning is that anyone could cross off the information to make changes, leading to fraudulent charges.

They will verify the check and process it. Sometimes it takes them a few days to transfer the money. It usually isn't a problem and the money will show up in your account after the hold is lifted.

You may have some luck with check-cashing services instead of banks. Try credit unions as well, since they may not be as strict as big banks. The only other way to be sure is to have a joint account with both your names on it, but that won't work if she isn't present.

If the insurance policy has his name on it, then that's why they wrote it that way. They may not know the situation or were legally obligated to include him. It's not illegal on their part, but you may need to ask them to rewrite the check.

If you are the executor, you shouldn't have much of a problem cashing it. Talk to the bank. They usually require a death certificate and then set up an account to help you deal with it. You can then distribute the funds to your own account as the executor.

Usually all you have to do is wait since the hold is little more than the bank processing the check. Banks aren't permitted to hold the check indefinitely. If you wish to speed up the process, contact the bank to see if there is anything you need to do.

This isn't a problem if you have a joint account. If you do, make sure your power of attorney is legal and recognized by the bank. Some banks can be strict with it. You may need to get him to endorse the checks. They will also let you open an account if you have power of attorney and a photo ID.

If you have a joint account together, your bank may accept the check for deposit into the joint account. Check with your bank to see if this is possible. If you do not have a joint account together, you will not be able to cash the check without first obtaining her endorsement.

If the check is payable to you OR your business, then you can cash or deposit the check into your own personal account. If the check is payable to you AND your business, you will not be able to. The precise wording is very important.

Yes, that will probably be fine since the other party is a company instead of an individual. Just remember that you're responsible for paying any money that the insurance company is entitled to. Write a separate check from your own account for that.

Once the other person's estate has been settled, seek to have his name removed from the account. It's possible the bank will require documentation of the death. Then ask for new deposit slips.