There are a lot of questions when it comes to what is a third-party check, endorsing, and cashing one. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages of online banking that affect these checks. In general, it’s always a good idea to cash your checks as soon as possible.
But what if you find out that they’re third-party checks? Who cashes third party checks near me? Can you cash them at Walmart? What should be on the reverse side of a third-party check to be appropriately endorsed and accepted by the bank for payment? How do they differ from personal checks?
A third-party check is a unique financial instrument that’s distinct from checks made payable directly to the recipient. To ensure trustworthiness, it’s essential to understand the precise process involved in cashing such checks. It’s a two-step process that requires two distinct endorsement signatures, marking a clear difference from standard checks. This information is based on established banking practices and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a set of laws governing commercial transactions.
Third-party checks are sometimes mistaken for elements of a money order scam, contributing to concerns about their legitimacy. However, it’s crucial to clarify that third-party checks are legitimate financial instruments widely used in various scenarios. To address common concerns and uphold trustworthiness, we will provide comprehensive guidance on cashing third-party checks and endorse this information with official banking regulations and industry standards.
What Is a Third-Party Check?
First, before we can discuss the best practices for cashing third-party checks, we have to know what they are. Third-party checks are checks that involve more than one person, such as the issuer, the party the check is made out to, and the person cashing the check. There are three different parties involved with third-party checks. Someone other than the person the check is made out to is what makes it a third-party check. This differs from two-party checks by the fact that third-party checks involve a different person cashing the check other than the person the check is made out to.
Third-party checks also differ from starter checks because starter checks are usually blank and do not have a return address associated with the check.
Ironically, third-party checks are a lot more common than two-party checks. A third-party check is made out to the person cashing the check and includes at least one other person.
An employer is sometimes the third party check recipient for their employees. One example of this would be employees who have jury duty and get paid their normal daily salary amount even though they are at jury duty. Some employers require that the jury duty pay be returned to the employer since the employer is paying the day’s wages for the employee even though they are absent from work.
The employee would sign over their jury duty check and endorse it on the back of the check for jury duty pay. The signature of the employer is also needed to cash the check. You can check out the steps to cash a check made in someone else’s name for proper endorsement.
What Is the Difference Between a Second Party Check and a Third Party Check?
Now that you have a good understanding of what is a third-party check, let’s look at how it compares to a traditional second-party check.
Understanding the Distinction Between Second and Third-Party Checks:
Distinguishing between second and third-party checks is fundamental to enhancing trustworthiness in financial transactions. In a second-party check scenario, only two parties are involved—the drawer and drawee, representing a simpler transaction. In contrast, third-party checks introduce additional complexities by involving more than two parties, including the issuer, the recipient, and the party cashing the check.
Furthermore, it’s essential to note that third-party checks necessitate two endorsement signatures, differentiating them from second-party checks, which typically require just one. While second-party checks are more common, third-party checks serve specific purposes within the financial landscape.
What Are The Benefits of Third Party Checks?
The benefits of 3rd party checks are that it is easier than cash in hand. They don’t have to find change or keep quarters in a roll for the customer for a business, and there are fewer trips back and forth from the register.
Don’t Need To Carry Cash
- For an individual, the third party check benefits include not having to carry cash around, being insured, and if the check bounces, will notify them by mail in plenty of time.
Many people don’t cash third-party checks because they are afraid of getting into trouble for cashing the wrong kind of check, but there are benefits to doing so that may outweigh the risk.
- The upside includes having more places you can cash your paycheck at if it is a personal third-party check and can deposit them quickly with no ID requirements.
It’s also beneficial when someone who owes you money sends payment via mail – this way, there is less chance for fraud than using services like Venmo or PayPal, where sending cash without knowing the person could be dangerous.
The Disadvantages of Third Party Checks
Businesses that cash third-party checks may end up with a lot more paperwork because it needs to be entered into QuickBooks or other accounting software. The process also adds time when cashing out at night since all transactions need to be reconciled before going home if needed.
On top of that, bank tellers usually get paid hourly, so each transaction can take longer, which means lower productivity overall for them and an increased chance for mistakes due to fatigue over time.
Can’t Use Third-Party Checks For Payment
You won’t be able to use third-party checks to pay for certain things, such as how to pay for a car in cash, because dealerships won’t accept them.
Additionally, there might not always be a place to cash third-party checks nearby, or there may be extra charges for cashing them. There can also be potential fraud with these types of checks that people need to watch out for.
Third-party checks are not eChecks. The characteristics are listed in what is an eCheck and how does it work for those transactions.
Not All Stores Take 3rd Party Checks
Another drawback can sometimes include being rejected at certain store locations and check-cashing stores. If you are trying to cash a check at Walmart, their policies prohibit them. Many stores have their own company’s branded version of a personal check which cannot be used as a substitute for third-party checks. They may not accept third-party checks, which is a disadvantage if you are trying to pay with them when you receive debit card declined notices.
How To Endorse a Check to a Third Party
Endorsing a third-party check means that you or the person who cashed your check will sign it. Knowing how to sign a check over to someone else isn’t difficult. As a matter of fact, signing a check over to someone else happens all the time.
You need to endorse a third-party check in order for you to cash it at most banks and financial institutions. The correct way to endorse a third-party check is the person the check is made out to must sign it over to a new (third party) recipient. If you need a check, know the differences between a cashier’s check vs. a certified check from a bank. A cashier’s check and certified check are different as they do not require a third person.
To endorse a third party check correctly:
- The original check receiver must write on the back of the check in the endorsement spot write “Pay to the Order Of.”
- Below that, the original receiver of the check must include the name of the new check recipient.
- The new check recipient must sign their name and endorse the check.
Endorsing a third-party check is the same as a two-party check in the fact that they both need to be endorsed. Both checks need to be endorsed on the back of the check in order to be cashed by a bank.
In the rare chance that you make a mistake with endorsing the check, the mistake will be noticed by the bank, and it may not cash. In that situation, you will want to know how to void a check and get the check reissued.
How Do I Cash My Third-Party Check?
Suppose you want to cash out a third-party check. There is no one specific way to do this because every single situation will be different depending on which bank and institution do such transactions with their customers. Not all places accept them as common as places that cash a personal check near me. Bank of America may have different check cashing procedures than credit unions. It is always best to call the bank, business, or company if you have questions.
But if someone wants a more straightforward solution, they can always go online. There are a lot of instant online check cashing options that exist for banking services.
There are many companies now offering people convenient check cashing options such as pre-paid debit cards as well. Another example is a cash transfer.
The best way to cash a third-party check is to send it in for deposit into your account or ask the company you are cashing from how they can help you get the funds deposited if that is what you prefer.
Cashing a 3rd party check isn’t difficult. The most challenging thing when it comes to 3rd party checks is finding where to cash them and making sure to endorse the check.
If you are the new check recipient, you will need a couple of things at the bank to cash the check. You will need the third-party check, a valid ID, and your bank account details on hand to cash it. You should go to the bank where you have an account if possible.
How Do You Cash a Third Party Check Without The Other Person?
If you are trying to cash a third-party check and the other person is not available, there are a few things you can do.
To cash a third party check without the other person:
- You can go to the bank where the check was written and try to get a cashier’s check made out to you.
- Another option is to go online and get a money order.
Both of these options typically have a fee associated with them. Factor that in when trying to cash a third-party check because you do not want the fees to eat up your money.
Cashing a Third Party Check Without ID
A lot of people want to know if you can cash a third-party check without ID. Yes, you can cash a third-party check at certain stores, even without an ID.
Most people will need ID to cash a check of any type. However, for those people that don’t have an ID, cashing 3rd party checks can be done at certain stores without an ID.
Some retailers do accept these types of checks, but most require identification because it’s possible someone might use a stolen identity or create one with fraudulent intention if all they have are personal details about them, such as birth date, address, etc.
Not all retailers accept these types of checks. Most banks may refuse to accept third-party checks without ID.
Third-Party Check Cashing Places Near Me
There are a lot of places you can cash a third-party check. Credit Unions and financial institutions are the best options for third-party checking options. It’s always best to call the store ahead and ask or contact your bank for more information on what stores are available in your area that accepts this type of check.
Obviously, your bank is the best option for casing a third-party check. However, other places will cash them as well.
Places To Cash Third Party Checks Near You
- ACE Cash Express
- Check ‘N Go
- The Check Cashing Store (case by case basis)
- Bank or Credit Union
*Calling ahead to these stores and checking with a check cashing service is highly recommended, so you don’t make a wasted trip. Stores change their check cashing policies often, so follow best practices and call ahead to confirm. Expect to bring documents verifying your identity. In rare cases, both payees may be required to be present. Fees are sometimes charged.
Banks That Cash Third-Party Checks
Using a national bank for check cashing 3rd party checks is the option that makes the most sense. Even a local bank does accept third-party checks as financial transactions with ID. Whether you are depositing the check or cashing, the bank may refuse a person this service but not likely as long as you have an ID. Banks make sure that non-account holders have sufficient funds so account holders can deposit a third-party check.
If you need to open an account, there are banks that don’t use Chexsystems that might be an option for opening an account.
The best part of using a bank is you don’t have to worry about check cashing apps that don’t use Ingo for your deposit.
If you go to a bank where you have an account, then cashing a third-party check is free and takes seconds. If you go to a bank where you don’t have an account, then there may be a fee for the bank to cash the third-party check.
Many banks will cash third-party checks, but you will need identification unless it is at your bank. You still may need an ID even at your own bank, however. Follow good practice, and be sure to have ID available when you go to banks.
Banking and the financial market have been evolving. See: what is visa provisioning service as an example.
Some of the banks that accept third party checks include:
- Bank Of America *Requires identification* (though not always)
- Wells Fargo *Requires Personal Info & Photo ID*
- Chase Bank *Require personal info and photo ID for all transactions over $100*
- Citi
- Capital One *Requires personal info and photo ID*
- Jupiter Bank *Requires identification if not current customer or depositor with Jupiter*
- SunTrust Banking Center *Requires identification if not a current customer
Be sure to call ahead to the bank above and ask if ID will be necessary. Many banks’ policies change from time to time, so calling is best to get confirmation of what is needed for check cashing.
If you go to a bank to cash your 3rd party check, many bank direct deposit times for banks won’t apply. Since you are cashing the check at a bank location, the money should be available immediately once the check has been cashed. You can also go to a credit union to cash one.
Places That Do Not Accept Third-Party Checks
Generally, 3rd party checks carry a lot of risk over a two-party check, and there are a lot of places that don’t accept them.
Places that do not cash 3rd party checks:
- Some Check Cashing Stores
- Grocery and Convenience Stores
Does Walmart Cash Third Party Checks?
Walmart does not cash personal third-party checks. According to their site, they only accept two-party checks and up to a $200 max limit.
Walmart does offer a lot of cash services. You can cash your payroll checks, cash a government check, and more at Walmart locations with the same max of $200 per transaction. You can see Walmart check cashing details here.
Does PayPal Cash Third Party Checks?
PayPal does not accept third-party checks. Checks deposited to PayPal must be either a two-party check or an electronic funds transfer for a limited time. Checks that are accepted by PayPal are deposited as cash into a PayPal account. PayPal will not deposit a third-party check even if someone else has signed the back of the check to a third party.
Is PayPal Cashing Stimulus Checks?
- You can have your stimulus checks sent to PayPal and cash them without any fees for a limited time. PayPal will accept the check and deposit the check for parties as part of their service. See details in this article here.
A lot of people make money with PayPal, and as a result, there are a lot of cash services PayPal offers. Some of those services include direct deposit, cash your paycheck with PayPal, and more.
Related Questions & FAQs
Can You Deposit Someone Else’s Check in Your Account?
You can cash a third-party check at any bank or credit union. You can also deposit someone else’s check in your account, but you’ll need to have their written permission first. You can get their permission by having them sign the back of their check.
Can You Deposit a Check to Someone Else’s Account?
Yes, you can deposit a check to someone else’s account if they give their written permission on the back of that person’s check.
Can You Deposit Someone Else’s Check in Your Account Without Their Written Permission?
No, third-party checks cannot be deposited into your account without first having them sign the back of it and giving you written permission to deposit it.
Can I Cash a Check That is More Than My Checking Account Balance?
No, you can’t cash a check that is more than your bank account. You will need to deposit the funds into your account before cashing it. Following a budget by paycheck model can help avoid insufficient funds in your accounts.
Conclusion
Knowing the details of what is a third-party check is important. If you’re uncertain about which options are open to you, it’s best to ask your bank or financial institution directly. Some banks may cash a check if the pay to the order is made out to another person and all of the requirements are met for endorsing a check.
The process of endorsing checks and cashing third-party checks can be tricky. You have to know what services your bank offers on a checking vs. savings account. That’s a reason why a credit union or bank is a great option for cashing 3rd party checks.
Knowing how to endorse is also crucial. When you endorse a third-party check, it means that you are signing off on the payment and declaring it as good.
It’s important to note what happens when there is no endorsement or if the endorsement was done incorrectly; without an appropriate signature of acceptance, the responsibility for paying out funds lies with whoever issued them in the first place (typically a bank). This can be problematic because banks, check-cashing stores or a check cashing service, credit unions, and other check cashing entities often have policies against giving cashback to people who’ve endorsed checks improperly.
