Forgot to use the endorse stamp

[joshbingham]

Friends,

We just finished processing a donation batch and dropped off the deposit at the bank deposit box. While driving home I realized we forgot to use the endorsement stamp on the back of one of the checks (which happened to be an Cashiers Check). What do I do? The member had included a note, requesting the check be deposited within two days.

Should I call the bank location/branch (Wells Fargo) when it opens and offer to come down and add the stamped endorsement? Other solutions?

[russellhltn]

(which happened to be an Cashiers Check). ... The member had included a note, requesting the check be deposited within two days.

Which strikes me as an odd request. Perhaps the member isn't aware of how a Cashiers Check works. The funds were removed from the member's account when the check was issued. The check is not drawn on the member's account, but the bank's account. I don't know why the check needs to be cashed within two days unless it's about to expire for some reason.

Personally, I'd just wait and see if it's a problem and then deal with it then. You might want to let the member know in case it becomes an issue. Perhaps you can find out why it needed to be cashed so soon and see if it's really an issue.

[joshbingham]

(which happened to be an Cashiers Check). ... The member had included a note, requesting the check be deposited within two days.

Which strikes me as an odd request. Perhaps the member isn't aware of how a Cashiers Check works. The funds were removed from the member's account when the check was issued. The check is not drawn on the member's account, but the bank's account. I don't know why the check needs to be cashed within two days unless it's about to expire for some reason.

Personally, I'd just wait and see if it's a problem and then deal with it then. You might want to let the member know in case it becomes an issue. Perhaps you can find out why it needed to be cashed so soon and see if it's really an issue.

I follow you and understand that the member is not fully understanding how that type of check works.

I was just wondering if there is an official procedure to resolve forgetting to stamp the endorsement on the back. Indeed, I think you are correct, I'll just wait and see what happens.

If the bank does decide to reject it, how will we (the ward) be notified? Anyone know?

Thanks brothers.

[joshbingham]

Following up with an answer so future clerks/leaders can learn how to solve this mistake:

I called the local bank branch and explained the situation. The banker said they can use a "generic deposit stamp" on the back of the check and that I did not need to come down there and use our deposit stamp. (the one we have in the clerk's office)

Our bank is Wells Fargo. I have no idea if all banks have such a fix, but I think the lesson learned here is to simply call the local branch and explain the situation and follow their advice to fix the mistake.

Of course, the bigger lesson learned here is: Don't forget to stamp the check(s).

Thanks friends.

[lajackson]

The banker said they can use a "generic deposit stamp" on the back of the check and that I did not need to come down there and use our deposit stamp. (the one we have in the clerk's office)

Basically, this means the bank says it trusts you and is willing to represent you. Most will do it. But yes, try not to do it very often.