Checks might be easier than transfers, but I think transferring to/from the stake makes the purpose and authority clearer. The first ward is transferring their excess, while the second ward is receiving support from the stake. All of that is following written guidelines and an wouldn't even get a second look from an auditor.jbuhl68 wrote:It is our experience that following a paper trail is simpler with the writing of checks.
If you do a direct transfer, then it become a question of who authorized it and was this due to transferring responsibility of missionary. The stake also sees the transaction in their records so they'll have record of it. Especially the part about a ward needing support so they can keep an eye on that.
Of course, I am assuming that this excess is due to generous donations by members was wasn't an advance payment for a missionary. If it's the latter, the "excess" ward may not have an excess at all.