Can I deposit this check?

Question

I have a check someone gave me, but they screwed up my name. There are two problems:

First is they butchered the spelling of my last name. It happens fairly often, but has never been a big deal (officially speaking, I don't take it personally, either).

The second problem is that I don't use my legal name with casual acquaintances, I go by my nickname. This person put my nickname on the check.

Now the last name thing is no big deal by itself, it slides all the time. But the nickname thing is a slightly fishier matter, and the two together I'm thinking may not fly when I go to deposit it. My brother suggested just endorsing it with the name on the check, and I was also thinking I could just go to a teller and explain the situation and they might ok it, but then they might not.

The obvious solution is to get the person who wrote me the check to write a new one, but I would really rather not have to because this person can be unpleasant.

So do you think I can deposit it, and if so how, or am I gonna have to bite the bullet and talk to this person?

Answer 1

Just sign the check the way it is written, then under that, sign your legal signature with account number, you will be fine.

Answer 2

You need to sign it twice.  The first signature should be exactly as it is written on the check.  The second signature should be your name as you have it on your bank account.  Write "for deposit only" and your account number.  It is perfectly legal and happens frequently.