Download Article Show Download Article If someone gives you a check, you must endorse it before you can cash it or deposit it in your bank account. Through your endorsement, you give the bank the legal right to process the check. You can simply sign the check with your name only, add restrictions for how the bank should process the check, or sign the check over to someone else.[1]
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement Add New Question
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement VideoRead Video Transcript
Advertisement
Advertisement ReferencesAbout This ArticleArticle SummaryX Before you can deposit or cash a check in your name, you’ll need to endorse it, or add your signature. This will give the bank the legal right to process the check. First, take a look at the payee line on the front of the check, which will specify who needs to endorse the check. The payee line is located near the top of the check, next to the words “Pay to the order of.” If your name is the only one on the payee line, you’re the only person who needs to endorse it. However, if there’s more than one name listed with the word “and” or an ampersand between the names, everyone listed will need to endorse the check. On the other hand, if your name is followed by “or,” a slash, or if there is a “c/o” before any other names listed on the payee line, then only your signature is needed. To endorse the check, turn it over and look for 3 to 5 gray lines printed on the back. You may see the words “Endorse Here” printed above these lines. Write your signature in blue or black ink on one of the lines. Be careful not to extend your writing into the space below the lines, or the bank may not accept the check. If you’re endorsing the check on behalf of a business or other institution, print the institution’s name on the line above your signature. Once you’ve endorsed the check, cash or deposit it right away, for your own security. After the check is endorsed, anyone can cash it. In some situations, you might want to add special restrictions to your endorsement. For instance, say you’re mailing the check to the bank or want to give it to someone else to deposit on your behalf. To prevent someone from cashing the check against your wishes, write “For Deposit Only” on the top line of the endorsement section, above your signature. Or, if you have multiple accounts at the same bank, you can use the top line to indicate which account you’d like to use when you deposit the check. Write the bank account number in the top line, then sign your name on the line below. You can also use the endorsement section of the check to sign the check over to somebody else, but keep in mind that not every bank will accept these third-party checks. To do it, write “Pay to the order of” in the top line of the endorsement section, then print the name of the person you’re signing the check over to on the next line. Finally, sign your name on the third line. Then, give the other person the check so that they can cash or deposit it with their bank. For tips from our reviewer on how to endorse a business check or transfer a check to another person, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,798,292 times. Reader Success Stories
Did this article help you?Can you deposit someone else's check in your account?There may be a case in your life where a friend or family member asks you to deposit their check into your account. This could be because they are unable to deposit the check or because they want to transfer the money from the check directly with you. In general, many banks and credit unions allow this.
Can I Mobile deposit a check that is not in my name?As long as the phrase 'for deposit only' is present on the check, or it is endorsed with the signature of the payee, you shouldn't be faced with any problems when depositing this check for someone else. This will be bank-dependent since individual banks will make their own policies.
How can I cash a check that is not in my name?Check with your bank or the bank that issued the check to see if you have a document that they'll accept as ID. As a last resort, you can sign the check over to someone you trust and ask them to cash it for you. This creates a third-party check.
|