No, A minor can not cash a check. However, some states provide a driver’s license at 16 and minors can cash a check using it.
Getting a check as a gift from your grandma is pretty common. But if you are a minor then can you cash it?
Well, we are about to find out. Because in this post I’ll talk about can a minor cash a check in detail. Moreover, I’ll also suggest alternative methods and all the related queries. So, without further ado let’s dive in.
Check Out How can a minor cash a check
Can A Minor Cash A Check?
No, A minor can not cash a check on their own at a bank or credit union. Because According to Federal Law,
Anyone under 18 can not open a bank account or engage in any relationship with a Financial Institution.
So, by law, no credit union or bank would let a minor cash a check without the help of their parents or legal guardian. Moreover, for cashing checks, an ID is a must. But minors do not have a valid Government issued ID. So, it will be almost impossible for them to cash checks.
However, some states allow 15 or older children to have a driver’s permit first, and after 16 they get a non-professional driving license. So, they might be able to cash checks at retail stores or check-cashing shops. But can I deposit a check to my child in my account?
Also, check How to write a check to a minor child
Can My Parent Cash My Check?
Yes, your parent can cash or deposit your check into their account.
As minors do not have access to banks or credit unions and do not have a valid ID either. So, they must take the help of their parents to cash a check for them. Banks also allow parents to deposit the check of a minor into their parent’s account. To do it your parent must
- Write their kid’s name on the back of the check.
- Then write Minor in brackets.
- Lastly, endorse the check by signing below.
After that, your parent can deposit the check. Then withdraw money for you from their account.
Where Can A Minor Cash A Check?
Generally, a minor can not cash a check on their own. But minors over 15 or 16 years old in some states might be able to cash a check at check-cashing shops.
A major obstruct in cashing a check as a minor is not having a proper ID. However, some states provide driver’s permits as early as 15 and licenses at 16. So, in these states, minors over 15 have access to a driver’s permit or a license.
Moreover, check cashing shops do not care about their customer’s age. They only care about if the person has a valid ID or not. Some of them even accept driver’s permits.
So, check cashing shops will cash any check for you as long as you pay the fees and the check is valid. Sometimes you can even cash checks as a minor at grocery shops too.
So, if you are above 15 and have a driver’s license or permit then you can try cashing a check at
- Check cashing Shops
- Retail chains.
By now we have found out the answer to Can a minor cash a check? Now let’s look at some of the related queries.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked queries related to this topic.
How Do I Deposit A Check As A Minor?
If you are a minor then you can not deposit a check on your own until you are 18. So, you need the help of your parent or legal guardian to deposit a check as a minor. Because they can endorse the check and deposit it.
Can You Cash A Check If You’re Not 18?
Normally, it’s not possible to cash a check if you are not 18. However, if you are above 16 and have a driving license then you might be able to cash a check on your own. Because check-cashing shops and some grocery stores will let you cash checks.
Can I Cash A Check If I’m 17?
Only if you have a driver’s license then you would be able to cash a check at 17 years old at a check cashing shop or grocery store.
Can A 13 Year Old Cash A Check?
No, a 13 year old can not cash a check in any bank, credit union, check cashing shop, or grocery store. 13 year olds must take the help of their parents to cash a check.
Can A Minor Cash A Check At Walmart?
Walmart check cashing policy only requires a valid ID to cash a check. So, in case you are above 16 and have driving licenses then you can cash a check at Walmart. Otherwise, you can not.
In Summary
Although cashing a check as a minor can be impossible in some situations. But it’s certainly possible. Moreover, you can always take help from your parents for cashing it. Lastly, it’s suggested to get a joint bank account with your parents. Because it will help you understand and manage finance from a young age.
