Has your child received a check as a gift?
Often checks are gifted by older family members or out-of-town relatives who find a check a more convenient gift to send.
Sometimes checks are received as payment for work, such as yard work, pet sitting, or babysitting.
Unfortunately, this might leave you with the dilemma of how to cash a check for a minor.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to endorse a check for a minor, as well as how children can make deposits into their parents’ accounts.
How To Endorse A Check For A Minor
Follow these three steps to deposit a check made out to your minor child:
- Print your child’s name on the back of the check, then add a hyphen and write “minor.”
- Print your name under your child’s name, add a hyphen, and write your relationship to the child (e.g., “parent” or “guardian”).
- Sign your name and write your account number (or your child’s custodial account number.)
How To Deposit Checks Made Out to Minors
Parents Bank Account
You can deposit your child’s checks into your own personal bank account. Endorse a check by following the three steps outlined above.
Note that your bank might also ask you to fill out a deposit slip.
The deposit slip will include your name, account number, date, check number, and deposit amount.
Give the deposit slip to the teller along with the check to complete the deposit.
Minor’s Bank Account
You can open a bank account for your minor child so that they can deposit their own checks.
Some banks offer joint accounts owned by both parent and child, while others offer custodial accounts.
Minors can make check deposits into custodial accounts by signing the back of the check and writing their account number.
However, some banks might still require parents to endorse and sign the checks.
Can a minor have a bank account?
A minor cannot open a bank account but can create a custodial account under a parent or guardian’s control. To create the account, go to your local bank and provide government-issued photo identification (both minor’s and parent’s IDs). Minors gain complete control of these accounts once they’re 18.
How can a minor cash a check?
A minor can cash a check if it has been endorsed by their parents and have a photo ID or a custodial account. A custodial account enables minors to have bank accounts under parental control till they’re 18. Normally you can deposit the check and withdraw the funds after the check has cleared, which typically takes 3 – 5 business days.
How do you endorse a check for deposit only?
Go to the back of the check and find the designated endorsement area. Write the words “For Deposit Only to Account Number XYZ” (recipients account number). Next, sign your signature under the account number and add the account number you want the check to be deposited into.
How do you endorse a check for mobile deposit?
Start by writing “Mobile Deposit” and sign at the back of the check. Next, open your bank’s mobile app, find the menu, and select the “check deposit” option. You will then follow instructions that include taking a photo of the back and front of the endorsed check and ensuring the amount is accurate.
How To Endorse For The Benefit Of (FBO) Checks
FBO means “For the Benefit of” and these checks enable you to cash or deposit a check on behalf of someone else. For example, a relative who wants to gift money to your daughter (minor) will write an FBO check to them. Write the parent’s or guardian’s name on the “Pay to the Order of” line. Write “FBO” in the memo section followed by the child’s name. Making out a check like this makes it easier for the parent to deposit the check for their child.
Tips On Endorsing Checks For Kids
If someone writes out a check to your child, there are a couple of ways to endorse the check depending on your child’s age. This will allow you to cash or deposit the check in the same way you would a check made out to your name.
For Younger Children
For a younger child who cannot sign their name yet, print their name on the endorsement area at the back of the check and sign your name under it. Some banks will require you to indicate “minor” next to your child’s name. Alternatively, you can sign your name and include “For (name of your child)” next to it.
For Older Children
For older children, have them sign their names in the endorsement area. Note that some banks might require that your child has a custodial account or provide identification documents to cash the check. Some banks might still need your signature, so sign your name under theirs to be safe.
You can also specify that the check is only for deposit into a bank account. To do this, write “For Deposit Only” in the endorsement area at the back of the check. Do not forget to include the account number you want the cash to be deposited into.
FAQ
What does it mean to endorse a check?
Endorsing a check means signing the endorsement area at the back of a check to allow one to cash a check or deposit it into a bank account. Parents or guardians usually endorse cash checks made out to their kids as a present or as payment for a part-time job.
How can a minor cash a check?
A minor can cash a check at a bank if they have a joint or custodial account with that bank. A joint account will require that the minor provides a picture ID, and the parent will have to endorse and sign the check.
How do you write a check to a minor for a gift?
You can write a check to a minor as a gift by writing an FBO or “For the Benefit of” check. Write the parent’s or guardian’s name on the “Pay to the Order of” line. Write “FBO” in the memo section followed by the child’s name. Writing a check in this format will make it easy for the parent to cash the check and hold the money for the child or give it to the child.
Can I cash my minor child’s check at Walmart?
To cash a bank check for a minor at Walmart, you will be required to provide a valid photo ID. Also, the check shouldn’t be older than six months. You will be charged a small fee to cash a check at Walmart. Policies on cashing a minor’s check at Walmart will depend on the store or state you’re in.
Can I use a school ID to cash a check at Walmart?
You cannot use your school ID to cash a check at Walmart because it could lead to check fraud. You will require valid government-issued identification (preferably one with your photo). Examples include a state ID and a driver’s license.
Conclusion
As you can see, endorsing a check for a minor is not a complex process.
When cashing your minor child’s check, please take the opportunity to teach them how banks and financial products work.
Give them financial tips like the importance of having a savings account. If they don’t have a bank account, help them create one.
Get your kids comfortable with banking early on.
Teach them good money habits and the value of saving so that they see their bank balance steadily increase in value over time.
