Who can write out checks from a joint checking account?
If a husband and wife share a checking account, but the checks only have one of the spouses’ names at the top, are both still able to write out and sign the checks? Or would new checks need to be ordered with both names?
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Both can write checks, as far as the bank is concerns, but many businesses won’t accept them from the spouse whose name is not on the check.
Both. You don’t need a name on the check, you just need the person to be an approved signatory on the account. Temporary checks don’t even have any name on the checks.
It’s true some businesses might not take the check, but any bills you need to pay like utilities will take it. Most people don’t pay at retail stores with checks anymore. For years we had an account with only one of our names on it. Never had a problem.
Best to get them both on the account with a “Mr. Joe Jones OR Mrs. Jo Jones.”
Were it me, I’d feel more comfortable having both names listed on the checks.
But, technically, if both names are on the account, either can sign the check.
If someone wanted to write a check at our auction house, and their name was not specifically on the check, I would tell them no. I’d be afraid sonny-boy had gotten a hold of mom’s checkbook, or some other family drama. I doubt we’d ultimately be out any money, but there is such potential for drama.
Regardless of the name printed on the check if you are registered as a signatory on the account then sign away.
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