Can I cash a check that says in care of?
What does in care of name mean on Form I 131?
How do I endorse a check with my name spelled wrong?
Cashing a check for someone else at the bank
Often abbreviated as c/o, “care of” means through someone or by way of someone. This phrase indicates that something is to be delivered to an addressee where they don’t normally receive correspondence. In practice, it lets the post office know the recipient is not the normal recipient at that street address.
UCC Article 3 stipulates that a check is payable to the intended recipient of the check, even if the check features the wrong name. This extends beyond simple misspellings, such as Ashleigh instead of Ashley, to checks featuring a nickname instead of the legal name of the recipient.
If your business is a partnership, limited liability company or corporation, anyone who is a signatory on the business checking account can cash a check made out to the business—that is, of course, if your bank allows it. This only works, however, if there are enough available funds in the account at the time.
If the check is written to you “℅” (meaning “care of”) someone else, only your signature is needed. They generally cannot cash or deposit the check without your signature.
