You need a Chase account to deposit a check there, but a parent or guardian can open one for the minor in minutes

Chase does not deposit checks into accounts that do not exist. If the minor has no Chase account, you have two paths: open a Chase account for them first, or use a different method to cash or deposit the check elsewhere.

The fastest route is opening a Chase First Banking account (for ages 6 to 17) or a Chase Student Checking account (for ages 13 to 17). Both require a parent or guardian to open the account in person at a Chase branch with the minor present. Once the account is open, the check can be deposited through mobile deposit, at an ATM, or at a branch.

If you cannot open a Chase account or do not want to, you can cash the check at a Chase branch (with ID), use a check-cashing service, or deposit it into an adult's account and transfer the funds to the minor later.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase First Banking and Chase Student Checking both allow check deposits, but the account must be opened in person at a branch with a parent or guardian and the minor present.
  • Once the account is open, checks can be deposited through the Chase mobile app, at a Chase ATM, or in person at a branch.
  • If opening a Chase account is not an option, you can cash the check at a Chase branch with a valid ID, or use a third-party check-cashing service.
  • Depositing into an adult's account and transferring funds to the minor is legal but requires trust and clear communication about whose money it is.

Opening a Chase account for the minor to receive the deposit

Both Chase First Banking and Chase Student Checking are designed for minors and allow check deposits. To open either account, a parent or guardian must visit a Chase branch in person with the minor. Bring the minor's Social Security number, a valid ID for the parent or guardian, and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within the last 60 days).

Chase First Banking is for ages 6 to 17 and has no monthly maintenance fee. Chase Student Checking is for ages 13 to 17, also has no monthly maintenance fee, and includes features like a debit card and online banking. Both accounts are linked to a parent or guardian account, which means the adult can monitor activity and set spending limits.

The account opens the same day. Once it is active, the check can be deposited immediately through the Chase mobile app (if the minor or parent has it), at a Chase ATM, or by visiting a branch with the check and the minor's debit card or account number.

Depositing the check once the account is open

Chase offers three ways to deposit a check into a minor's account. Mobile deposit is the fastest: download the Chase mobile app, sign in to the minor's account, select "Deposit a Check," take photos of the front and back of the check, and submit. The funds typically appear within one business day.

At a Chase ATM, insert the debit card, select "Deposit," choose "Check," and follow the prompts to photograph or insert the check. Processing time is usually one business day.

At a Chase branch, bring the check and the minor's debit card or account number. A teller will process the deposit on the spot. Funds are available the same day or the next business day, depending on when the deposit is made.

Cashing the check at Chase without opening an account

If the minor does not have a Chase account and you do not want to open one, you can cash the check at any Chase branch. The minor will need a valid photo ID (state ID, passport, or school ID with photo). Walk into the branch, tell the teller you want to cash a check, and provide the ID and the check.

Chase charges a fee to cash checks written by non-customers. As of 2024, this fee is typically $6 to $15 depending on the check amount, though fees vary by branch and change over time. Call your local Chase branch to confirm the current fee before you go.

The teller will verify the check and the ID, then hand over cash. This is immediate and requires no account setup, but the fee reduces the amount the minor receives.

Using a check-cashing service or store

Walmart, grocery stores, and dedicated check-cashing businesses will cash checks for a fee. Fees are often lower than Chase's — typically $2 to $5 for personal checks under $1,000 — but vary widely by location and check amount. Some stores cash checks only for customers with a membership or rewards card.

The minor will need a valid photo ID. Processing is immediate. The downside is that the fee comes out of the check amount, and some services charge higher rates for larger checks or checks from out-of-state banks.

Depositing into an adult's account and transferring to the minor

A parent or guardian can deposit the check into their own account, then transfer the funds to the minor's account (if the minor has one) or give the minor cash. This works if the minor has no account and you want to avoid opening one or paying a cashing fee.

The transfer between accounts is free and instant if both accounts are at the same bank. If the minor has an account at a different bank, use a free transfer service like Zelle (if both banks support it) or an ACH transfer, which takes one to three business days and is also free.

Be clear with the minor about what the money is for and that it belongs to them, especially if they are old enough to understand. If the minor is very young, document the transfer or keep records in case questions arise later about whose money it is.

What to do if the check is made out to the minor but they have no account

A check made out to a minor's name cannot be deposited into an adult's account without the minor's signature or endorsement, even if the adult is the parent or guardian. The minor must either sign the back of the check or authorize the deposit in writing.

For young children who cannot sign, a parent or guardian can sign on their behalf and write "by [parent name], parent" next to the signature. Some banks accept this; others do not. Call your bank before you try.

The safest route is opening an account for the minor first, then depositing the check into that account. This avoids questions about authorization and keeps the money in the minor's name from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a parent deposit a check made out to their child without the child's signature?

Not without the child's endorsement or written permission. The parent can sign on behalf of a young child and write "by [parent name], parent," but some banks may refuse. Opening an account for the minor and depositing the check there is the clearest path and avoids disputes.

How long does it take to open a Chase account for a minor?

The account opens the same day you visit the branch with the minor and a parent or guardian. You will have a debit card and account number immediately, though the card may take a few days to arrive by mail. Mobile deposit can be used right away.

What if the check is from an out-of-state bank?

Chase will still deposit it, but processing may take longer — up to five business days instead of one or two. Mobile deposit and ATM deposit both work for out-of-state checks. If you cash the check at a third-party service, fees may be higher for out-of-state checks.

Can a minor deposit a check themselves using the Chase app?

Yes, if they have access to the Chase mobile app on their phone or tablet and the account is set up to allow it. Most teen accounts allow mobile deposit. A parent or guardian can control whether the minor has this permission through the linked parent account.

Is there a limit on how much a minor can deposit?

Chase First Banking and Student Checking have no stated deposit limits for individual checks. However, the account itself may have daily or monthly transaction limits set by the parent or guardian. Check the account settings or call Chase to confirm what limits are in place.