Will was fortunate to receive a few checks as holiday and birthday presents. Several were made out to him directly, as opposed to Mom and Dad. As I have done with checks in the past, I figured that I could simply sign them over to us and deposit them in our account, as we don't have a separate account with Will's name on it. So, with carefully endorsed checks in hand, I headed to our bank. I brought Will and his birth certificate along for good measure.
Mom: Hi, I have a few checks here that were made out to my 1-year-old son, but he doesn't have an account in his name. I've written them over to myself to deposit in my account. This is him (Mom points to Will) and I have his birth certificate here. Is there any other identification that you need?
Associate: Okay, sure, just let me double-check with my manager.
Associate (talking to Manager): Yes, the customer has a 1-year-old and she's endorsed these checks over to herself on his behalf etc. etc. etc.
Manager: No, they have to be signed by the original payee.
Associate: But like I said, the payee is a 1-year-old, the mom has his birth certificate.
Manager: Wait, why can't the payee sign?
Associate: Um, because he's a baby (vigorously pointing to Will, who puts on his most innocent "Who, me?" face as Mom tries really hard not to burst out laughing)!
While I was unable to deposit the checks - and with the risk of ID theft, I certainly understand the bank's no exceptions policy on this - I have to give them credit for the comic relief!
