How to endorse, deposit, and cash a check for a minor

How can a minor cash a check or deposit funds into a bank account?

Minor’s may have a custodial account or endorse a check to be cashed by their parents. Parents can deposit a check into a custodial account without issue. 

Endorse a check made out to a minor by:

  1. Sign the back of the check with the child’s name and write ‘minor.’ 
  2. Sign your name underneath the child’s name to take ownership of the check. Disclose your relationship by writing ‘parent’ or ‘guardian.’ 

You can cash or deposit a check for a minor once the check is endorsed over to the parent or guardian. Endorsing a check for a minor is best, especially if the minor is without I.D.

Imagine, being able to turn the check grandma wrote your child into cash. Even better, what if you got your child their own debit card?

Check cashing for minor’s is easy, even without a bank account of photo I.D.

Luckily for you, I’ll show you how a minor can cash a check with the help of a parent. I’ll even show you how to endorse a check and set up a custodial bank account. Your child will be on their way to managing their own money in no time!

Key Takeaways

  • Parents can deposit or cash a check for a minor if they have a joint or custodial account for their dependent.
  • Endorsing a check for a minor gives the rights to the check over to a third-party, such as the parents. The parent may then cash or deposit the check for the minor.
  • To endorse a check for a minor, sign the back of the check with the minor’s name and write ‘minor.’ Sign your name underneath and your relationship, such as ‘parent’ or ‘guardian.’
  • The bank is the best place to cash a check made out to the minor, even if the minor is without a bank account.

21-103 - How to endorse, deposit, and cash a check for a minor

This article may contain affiliate links which pays a commission and supports this blog. Thank you for your support!

How can a minor cash a check?

Parents can cash a minor’s check if they have a custodial account or get the check endorsed. Minor’s are unable to cash a check themselves, so a parent or legal guardian is required. Some banks allow children to have their own debit card under parental supervision.

A custodial bank account allows the child to have a bank account with parental approval. The funds belong to the child, so the parents cannot spend the child’s money. At age 18, the child will take control over the bank account.

Some banks allow for kids and teens to have their own bank account with parental controls. 

For example, Chase allows kids ages 6-17 to have a bank account with their own debit card. Parents maintain control over the account, give allowances, and set restrictions on shopping locations. Kids learn to manage their own money and can track their purchases on the Chase mobile app.

Endorsing the check gives the ownership rights to the parent. Once the parent has ownership, they can deposit or cash the check like they would if it was issued to the parent.

Checks can be cashed at your bank, typically for free. Some check cashing locations will accept third-party checks, but most only take two-party.

You may also have the option to use ATM or mobile app deposits for endorsed checks. Visit an ATM with your debit card, enter your pin, and follow the on screen prompts. Mobile app deposits allow you to take a picture of the check for deposit.

Hold onto the checks until the deposit has been confirmed for ATM and mobile deposits. There is a slight chance a bank may deny the transaction, so you’ll need the check to try again.

Can a minor have a bank account?

Minor’s are allowed to have a custodial account with parental approval and identification. A parent or legal guardian manages the account on behalf of the child. All custodial account funds are the property of the child who may take full ownership at age 18.

The problem is that banks cannot enter into any sort of agreement with a person under the age of 18. Therefore, a minor can’t open their own bank account or cash their own checks.

An adult must be able to give permission and take on the responsibility of opening the account. However, opening a bank account for your child isn’t that complicated.

To open a bank account for a minor, visit your local bank. Ensure to bring government issued photo identification of both the parent and child. A child without proper photo identification may use a social security card.

After the account is open, the parent will be able to deposit money into the account. Ask your bank about opening a children’s debit card or accessibility of the account funds.

How to endorse a check made out to a minor to your bank account

Endorse a check made out to a minor by:

  1. Sign the back of the check with the child’s name and write ‘minor.’ 
  2. Sign your name underneath the child’s name to take ownership of the check. Disclose your relationship by writing ‘parent’ or ‘guardian.’ 

You are now able to deposit or cash the child’s check with your bank account information.

Click to Tweet! Please Share!Click To Tweet

Summary: Endorsing, depositing, and cashing a check for a minor

As you can see, endorsing, depositing, and cashing a check for a minor isn’t overly complicated. A custodial account might be a good option if your child is going to see regular checks. Your child will take control of the account when they turn 18.

You can endorse a check over to the legal guardian or parent. To endorse, write the child’s name and ‘minor’ on the back of the check. Have the parent sign the check underneath the child’s name.

A parent may cash or deposit an endorsed check as if the check were written to them. However, some cash checking locations will not accept a third-party check.

You might also be interested in getting your child a bank account with their own debit card. You’ll still be able to manage finances with parental controls.

Recommended

Based on this article, we think you’ll enjoy the following:

John is the founder of TightFist Finance and an expert in the field of personal finance. John has studied personal finance for over 10 years and has used his knowledge to pay down debt, grow his investment portfolio, and launch a financial based business. He is committed to sharing content related to personal finance based on his experience in his career, investing, and path towards reaching financial independence.