Money Moral Dilemma: Should I ask my gran for a new birthday cheque? 25 January at 3:01PM edited 25 January at 3:03PM in Special Occasions & Other Celebrations 38 replies 27.1K views

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My gran very kindly gave me a cheque for £100 for my birthday, but made it out to my nickname, so the bank won't accept it. My gran is in her nineties and doesn't have a lot of money, but is always excited to give her grandchildren what she can as presents. Should I ask her for a new cheque or just leave it, and hope she doesn't notice that I didn't cash it?

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Grumpy_chap

Gran will surely notice if the cheque is not cashed and will also want to know what the grandchild used the money for. 

Grandchild cannot simply say "I got X" but never cash the cheque as Gran is very likely more "with it" than grandchild gives credit for - particularly when it comes to money, even more so if there is not a lot of money spare.

Grandchild has no option other than to mention it to Gran, probably when next visiting.  Make it humorous and express sincere gratitude for the generous gift but that the bank don't work with nicknames, how funny is that?

Jopo1

Just mention it to her next time you see her.  I'm sure she'd be mortified to think you couldn't cash it and will be more than happy to write a new one!

SteveSi

Take the cheque to a pawn shop that cashes cheques. They charge around 10pc I think but it will save you embarrassment.

Groom

Yes you need to mention it to her before she asks you why you haven't cashed it. Make a joke of it and just say the banks are really strict and will only accept it if it has your proper name. It's not as if you are asking her for money, she's already give it to you as a gift and would probably be quite upset if she realises you haven't been able to spend it. 

MalMonroe

I don't agree with SteveSi above because - what embarrassment?! Your Gran just put the wrong name on the cheque. Anybody could do that. Just because your gran is in her nineties doesn't mean she can't be told she's made this minor mistake. 

It isn't a big deal. So you can visit her, taking the cheque with you and just ask her to do another one with your proper name on it this time and in doing so, treat her like a proper adult.

It isn't as if she'll be giving you another cheque for another £100 so she's not going to lose anything.

And plus, she's your gran! She's family. Stop treating her like someone who can't just be told the truth because of her age. 

REJP

It goes this way.  "Hello Gran, thank you for my birthday cheque, but did you know I can't cash it because it has the wrong name on.  Please will you cancel this one and change it for a new one?  Thank you Gran, love you....."
i doubt if she will be embarrassed, probably will laugh about it.

someone

Just try and deposit it via mobile deposit. The cheque was genuinely made out to you and if queried after depositing it's simple to explain.

Marcon

REJP said:

It goes this way.  "Hello Gran, thank you for my birthday cheque, but did you know I can't cash it because it has the wrong name on.  Please will you cancel this one and change it for a new one?  Thank you Gran, love you....."
i doubt if she will be embarrassed, probably will laugh about it.

If you avoid the use of the word 'wrong', but say the bank needs your formal name rather than [whatever your nickname is]/what a fuss these banks make, that should minimise any upset - always assuming there is any to avoid.

bsms1147

Legally change your name to your nickname then pay it in. Sorted.

iyhr

What a caring Grandson you are. No wonder your Gran wanted you to have £100 to celebrate your Birthday. Do you see her, or could you and take the cheque? Maybe you could tell her you've seen ??? that you'd really like to get but the bank (as above) need ?????(your name) on the cheque to cash it.