Can you cash a check if your name is spelled wrong?

Especially if your name could be spelt in multiple ways, it is not uncommon to receive a check in which your name is misspelled. Banks are used to seeing problems like this and have a simple procedure that allows you to cash or deposit the check as it is written.

When you cash a check written to a name that does not exactly match your identification or the name on your bank account, you must prove to the person cashing the check that it is actually intended for you. In the case of a minor misspelling, as long as the name written on the check is just one letter off or is another reasonable way to spell your name, this should be enough proof.

To cash or deposit a check, you must endorse the back of the check with your signature. When your name is misspelled on the front of the check, you should endorse it twice. On the first line, sign your name as it is written on the check. On the second line, sign your name as it is actually spelt. After you do this, you should be able to deposit or cash the check just like you usually do.

If the bank or check cashing company is not confident that the check was intended for you, it might hold the check instead of immediately giving you the money or putting it in your account. When the bank holds the check, it confirms with the person or company who wrote the check that it was intended for you. If you will be receiving more checks from this person, mention the correct spelling of your name to avoid problems in the future.

You might have more trouble cashing the check at a facility at which you do not have an account than at your bank. If you have an account with the bank, it can contact you if there is a problem with the check, whereas a check cashing establishment does not have that backup. For the best chance of getting the misspelled check accepted, deposit it into your bank account.