How to Write a Check to a Newly Married Couple
Navigate the nuances of writing a check to a newly married couple. Ensure accuracy for easy deposit.
Writing a check to a newly married couple can seem straightforward, yet name changes and joint accounts often lead to confusion. While digital payment methods are common, checks remain a popular choice for significant gifts, especially for weddings. Ensuring accuracy when filling out a check is important to ensure the recipients can easily deposit the funds without complications. Mistakes in addressing the check can cause delays or even rejection by financial institutions, creating an unnecessary burden for the couple.
Addressing the Payee Line for a Married Couple
The “Pay to the Order of” line is the most important part of the check when gifting to a newly married couple. The names written here must align with how the couple’s bank account is established to avoid deposit issues. Use full legal names, as banks rely on these for verification. If there is any uncertainty, politely asking the couple or a close family member how they prefer the check to be made out is best.
When both spouses adopt the same new last name, options include “John and Jane Smith” or “Jane Smith and John Smith.” If both spouses decide to retain their original last names, the check can be written as “John Doe and Jane Smith.” For situations where one spouse changes their last name and the other retains theirs, both names should be included. While traditional honorifics like “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” or “The Smith Family” can be used, these might pose challenges for bank deposits if they do not precisely match the legal names on the account.
The use of “and” versus “or” between their names is important. Writing “John Doe and Jane Smith” requires both individuals to endorse the check for deposit, which can be inconvenient if one person is unavailable. Conversely, using “John Doe or Jane Smith” allows either person to endorse and deposit the check into their account. Financial experts suggest using “or” for wedding gifts to simplify the deposit process for the newlyweds.
Filling Out the Remaining Check Details
Beyond the payee line, other fields on a check require careful completion to ensure a smooth transaction. The date line, located in the upper right corner, should display the current month, day, and year. Writing the date clearly helps the bank process the check and provides a record of the transaction. While post-dating a check is possible, it does not guarantee the recipient will wait until that date to deposit it, as banks may process it earlier.
The numerical amount is entered in the box to the right of the payee line, starting with a dollar sign. This amount should include both dollars and cents, such as “$500.00.” The written amount must be spelled out on the designated line, confirming the numerical value in words. For instance, “$500.00” would be written as “Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars.” Extend a line through any remaining space on this line after writing the amount to prevent unauthorized alterations.
The memo line, located in the bottom left corner, is optional but serves as a space for a brief note about the check’s purpose. For a wedding gift, phrases like “Wedding Gift,” “Congratulations,” or “For the Honeymoon” are appropriate. Finally, the signature line in the bottom right corner must be signed legibly by the check writer.
Ensuring Your Check is Valid
After filling in the details, review the check to ensure its validity and prevent issues. All information should be written clearly and neatly in blue or black ink. Banks may reject checks with unclear handwriting, which can cause delays for the recipients.
Confirm that all required fields—date, payee, numerical amount, written amount, and signature—are completed. A missing signature renders the check invalid. Consistency between the numerical and written amounts is also important. If these two figures differ, banks typically rely on the written amount, but discrepancies can lead to processing delays or rejection.
Avoid making any corrections, cross-outs, or using correction fluid on the check. Alterations can make the check appear suspicious and may lead to its rejection by banks due to fraud concerns. If a significant error occurs, void the mistaken check by writing “VOID” across it and starting anew with a fresh check. A perfectly filled out check minimizes the chance of it being returned, allowing the newly married couple to enjoy their gift without unnecessary hassle.