escrow refund check

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JD MartinBusiness Member
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Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
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This is what I would do first these days, unless it doesn't have your name anywhere on it in which case the software might read it and reject it. And keep my eyes open that it actually credits and doesn't bounce back in the account.

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  • Jimmy Samaha
    Staten Island, NY · Member since 2013 · 105 posts · 42 votes
    1d

    Rough one. Banks turning down a POA is pretty common because a lot of them only accept their own form or send it to their legal department first. The easiest fix is usually to ask whoever issued the check, the servicer or title company, to void it and reissue it either payable to the right person or by ACH or wire to an account you control. Then nobody has to cash a check under a POA.

    If you do need to deposit it, call the branch manager where the owner has an account and ask exactly what POA wording they accept before you go in. Some want it notarized and reviewed, which can take a week or two. Another option is having the owner endorse it and deposit it by mobile deposit into their own account, then move the money.

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  • Bill B.
    Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
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    Do you happen to have digital check depositing on your phone’s app? I’ve found Wells Fargo’s app to be very forgiving on who the checks written out to. Unless it’s a large check and you carry small balances.

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    • JD MartinBusiness Member
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      Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
      1d

      This is what I would do first these days, unless it doesn't have your name anywhere on it in which case the software might read it and reject it. And keep my eyes open that it actually credits and doesn't bounce back in the account.

      Podcast Guest on Show #243
      Skyline Properties
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  • Ametria Chaney
    Realtor · Memphis, Shelby County · Member since 2026 · 133 posts · 42 votes
    1d

    I would approach this through the bank's POA review process rather than by shopping for a bank that will simply cash it. Most banks and credit unions will review a power of attorney before accepting a check made out to someone else, and that review can take time — bring the original POA, your identification, and any supporting documents, and ask up front what their review requires. Smaller community banks and credit unions are sometimes more flexible about walking you through that process in person, but there is no shortcut around their review. If a bank declines, a real estate attorney can often help by contacting the issuing servicer about reissuing the check or routing it through an attorney trust account. Keep copies of everything, and get any acceptance or refusal in writing so you have a record if you need to escalate.

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