How to Cash a Two-Party Check without the other Person | Expert Tips

The check is in the mail, right? If you’ve ever received a check from a friend or family member, you might think that cashing it is as simple as depositing it in your bank account. However, after reading this article, you probably know that’s not always the case. Sometimes, cashing a two-party check can be more complicated than expected. Thankfully, there are ways to cash these checks successfully.

Checking accounts are almost essential nowadays and differ from savings accounts. Depositing a two-party check into your savings account won’t work unless both parties have one of these accounts. If you need to deposit this check in another account, read for some advice about cashing those checks without the other person involved.

You won’t be able to withdraw the check by yourself if both parties’ names are put on the check with “and.” In this case, the bank or financial institution will want signatures from both payees.

What is a Two-Party Check?

A check written in two names is known as a two-party check. You may write “Person A and Person B” or “Person A or Person B” on the Pay-To-The-Order-Of line. Knowing the difference might help you avoid problems.

People with a two-party check often confuse the words “and” and “or” are used. However, there aren’t many significant changes between the two words. If a check is signed by John Hancock “or” Jane Hancock, ” each partner may deposit the check into their bank account, whether a single or joint account.

However, depositing a personal cheque made out to both John Hancock “and” Jane Hancock is a little more challenging. This is particularly true if there isn’t a joint bank account between the parties. Things get much more challenging when the other side refuses or cannot sign the check.

How to Cash a Two-Party Check without the Other Person

You could only redeem a two-party check for the other person if the check is endorsed on the “Redeem-To-The-Authority-Of” section with the initials “Receiver A or Receiver B.” You may claim the money without either party if the payees’ initials contain a “or” among them. Including the word “or” permits either of the payees to cash the cheque without the consent or signature of the other payee. Now, take the following steps to overcome these challenges:

• The first step is to go to the nearest bank location and cash the check.
• Inquire with the bank about the check’s cash limit and verify if your check falls inside it.
• Sign the reverse of the check and present it to the cashier along with your ID card and other relevant documentation (depends on the bank)
• To complete the process, pay the needed fee at the counter. If you cash the check, you’ll get the money immediately, but if you deposit it, it’ll take 2-3 working days for the funds to appear in your account.

How to Cash a Two-Party Check with Only One Signing

If the payee’s name begins with “or,” you can cash a two-party check with just one signature; you must comprehend that if the payee’s name contains the word “and,” both payees must sign the document.

The check-cashing offices and banks compel both parties to endorse the check in this case. So, if you notice “or” between the names of two payees on the two-party check, follow the instructions below:

• Take the check to the financial institution that accepts two-party checks closest to you.
• Verify the bank’s cash limit and determine if your check fulfils the restrictions.
• Hand the check to a cashier, who will review it and ask you to endorse it.
• Sign the back of the check with your valid signature, and then hand it over to the cashier.
• Submit your current photo ID and any additional documents that are requested.
• The cashier will check your signature and documentation, and you will be asked to pay the cost if everything checks out.
• Complete the process by paying the appropriate fee.

What to do If Difficulties Come While Paying a Two-party check without the other party

You may face some difficulties if you want to pay a two-party check without the other party. To deal with them, use the following advice:

A: If you have any queries, call the bank

• Contact the bank if the check has misleading details or you’re unsure where to cash it.
• Read the information on the “pay to” line to the teller to see if the other person needs to be present when the check is cashed.
• Inquire about the type of identification you’ll need to bring. You can also contact the bank that issued the check or the one you have an account with.

B. If you can’t cash the check, ask the payer to rewrite it

A fresh check is the most effective technique to resolve some difficulties. This time, have the payer write the word “or” between the names. If that’s not an option, persuade the payer to split the bill and write different checks to each person.

Reissuing a check can be a pain, especially when dealing with a federal tax refund. It is, however, the only way to ensure that the bank accepts the check.

If the other individual listed on the check is in jail, incompetent, or lost contact with them, you should request a replacement check.

C. If the other person seems unable to sign, get a notarized power of attorney.

This is an option if the other individual cannot cash the check for various reasons, including physical or medical concerns. Download the power of attorney form and have the other person sign it to receive power of attorney.

To legitimize it, submit it to your state’s finance and taxation agency. A power of attorney allows you to manage financial things on behalf of another individual, including cashing two-party checks.

For example, if the other person is old or jailed, having a power of attorney gives you the authority to pay a check in their name. Another adult must sign and notarize the power of attorney document. If you need assistance with this, contact a lawyer.

Difference between Normal Check & Two-Party Check

The difference between a normal check and a two-party check has been highlighted in the table below.

Normal check	Two party check
These are checks that the writer writes out to someone else, who subsequently cashes it.	These are checks that the check writer writes out to someone else, who then gives it to a third party, generally a company.
Business checks are usually normal checks.	Payroll checks are typical two-party checks.
Normal checks do not include the words ‘and” or ‘or”.	Using the term “or,” either party may cash checks made payable to either party. If the word “and” was used to make out the cheque, it must be paid by both parties.
A normal check is a check that is addressed to a single payee.	A check with two payees is referred to as a two-party check.

Bank Regulation for Cashing Two-Party Check 

It’s critical to understand the requirements set out by your bank for cashing two-party checks.

Banks often consider the risks when one Person on a multi-person check tries to move the money into their account rather than a shared account. The stipulation that the two payees have a joint account is one method they reduce the risk. A combined tax return’s tax refund cheques for married couples are written out to both persons. Tax refunds are subject to this regulation at Bank of America, but not routine checks. Ally Bank takes a similar stance.

Both payees must cash checks at Wells Fargo, Chase, and Walmart. A state ID, driver’s license, or other legitimate official ID that can validate the signatures must also be shown.

The regulations at Capital One and Citibank are looser. Any party may cash the check without showing identification or the necessity for a joint account as long as the payees personally sign the checks.

Cashing two-party checks without the other Person Online

Several guidelines exist for cashing a two-party check online without the other Person. The bank and the way the cheque was written have a role in this. Either Person may cash checks written payable to the other using the phrase “or” online. If the word “and” was used to make out the cheque, it must be paid by both parties.

To guarantee that the check clears, it’s crucial first to confirm the regulations with the bank. After that, overcome obstacles by obtaining the other Person’s signature, for example. As long as you know the bank’s policies, most checks are rather simple to handle. You can also use your banking app to cash checks online.

Is it legal to cash two-party checks without the other Person?

This is dependent upon your bank’s policies. Checks payable to either party with the term “or” may also be cashed by either party. However, it will be against the law to cash the cheque without the other person if it was made out to both of them with the term “and.”

Top 5 Banks to Cash a Two-Party Check without the Other Person

The Top 5 Banks to Cash a Two-Party Check without the other Person include:

• Bank of America
• Chase Bank
• Discover Bank
• Alliant Credit Union
• Ally Bank

This has also been highlighted in the infographics below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best place to cash a two-party check?

A two-party check can be cashed at banks and other financial institutions such as a credit union, check processing stores, and other agencies like Money Tree and Speedy Cash. However, not every banking institution will accept a two-party check, so check with the bank before attempting to cash the check.

Can a two-party check be deposited into your bank account?

Yes. If the check with the name states “or” on the “pay to the order of the line,” you can pay it into your bank account. On the other hand, if the check’s “pay to the order of line” says “and,” you can only lodge the check into a joint account with the other beneficiary.

You must also bring a government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or passport. Make sure your picture and signature are included. Expect the teller to ask for it to confirm that you are the person whose name appears on the check.

Is it possible to cash a two-party check without the other party’s signature?

• If the payee’s name is linked by “or,” it is feasible to cash a two-party check without the other person’s signature.
• If the payee’s name includes the word “and,” the payment will be delayed.

Banks and other check cashing establishments limit both parties’ ability to endorse the check. Financial firms require both parties ‘ signatures to ensure both sides are ready to cash the two-party check or deposit it into any particular account. You can call the bank to fix the issue if some banks still require both parties to endorse and present the check for cash payment.

What is the difference between “and” and “or” on two-party checks?

How you deposit or cash a check made to numerous payees is influenced by how the check is written. If the check specifies that the funds be paid to either party by utilizing the phrase “or,” the check can be redeemed by any payees.

On the other hand, if the check specifies that monies be paid to both parties by using the word “and,” the process becomes more complicated, and both payees must endorse the check.

Furthermore, many banks need both parties to go to the bank location and verify their signatures with a valid photo ID. If the check is written with the word “and,” depositing the check becomes more complicated. Both payees must have a shared bank account to deposit the two-party check in this instance.

What happens if the two-party check doesn’t have an “and” or an “or”?

The bank will ask both payees to authorize the check if there is no “and” our “or” on the two-party check.

Does Walmart accept two-party checks?

Yes. Walmart receives two checks and employment, corporation, tax, 401(k) payout, pre-printed, and underinsured motorist checks.

Is it possible to cash a check written in someone else’s name?

Yes. You can cash a check in someone else’s name in the United States. The check would be ‘counter-signed by you. The person whose name appears on the check would sign it to you or endorse it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, two-party checks come with diverse merits. And if you desire to learn how to cash a two-party check without the other person, the tips above will aid you immensely.

Expert Opinion

One of the safest methods for transferring money or paying bills is through checks. A two-party check is one of the many kinds of checks that are accessible. The process for cashing or depositing a two-party check, also known as a joint check, is quite similar to that of a conventional check, but there are a few more steps, such as validating both payees, that must be taken.

Follow the steps outlined above if you are unfamiliar with two-party checks and want to know all the specifics of its cashing processes, including cashing with only one signature, without the other party, online, etc.

Article References

• https://www.mybanktracker.com/news/deposit-check-written-payees
• https://www.paisabazaar.com/banking/what-is-cheque/
• https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-laws-cs/negotiable-instruments-act/parties-of-a-cheque-and-essentials/
• https://kalyan-city.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-are-features-of-cheques.html