Can You Deposit and Endorse Someone Else’s Check In Your Account?

AndreyPopov / iStock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Thanks to modern technology, writing and depositing a check is usually a straightforward process. You can deposit a check from your smartphone or walk into your local branch — as long as the check is made out to you. But can you deposit someone else’s check into your account? 

In most cases, yes. But there are specific conditions, guidelines and endorsement types that you need to be aware of. This quick guide will walk you through the process of endorsing and depositing someone else’s check into your account.

What Is an Endorsement on a Check?

The endorsement is your signature on the back of the check. You have to endorse every check before depositing it — this helps to safeguard against fraud. 

Although signing a check might seem like a simple process, endorsements come with conditions and specifications. For example, if the check is for “Sara and Ken,” both people must endorse it. If it is for “Sara or Ken,” then either one can sign.

There are three types of check endorsements:

• Blank endorsements: With a blank endorsement, you sign your name on the back of the check and don’t include any other instructions.
• Restrictive endorsements: Sometimes, you only want the check deposited but not cashed. In this case, you write “For Deposit Only” on the back and include the bank account number. Depending on your bank, you may need to write “For Mobile Deposit Only” if depositing the check through a smartphone app.   
• Full endorsements: These only happen when you want to create a third-party check that someone else may deposit. To do so, you must write “Pay to the order of,” add the person’s name, and then sign your name beneath. Likewise, someone else can create a full endorsement for you to deposit a check for them. 

If you want to make a blank endorsement, do so when you’re physically at the bank location for an extra layer of security. Additionally, always endorse your check with a black or blue pen to make it easier to read and prevent someone from erasing the signature.

How To Deposit Someone Else’s Check into Your Account

The exact process to deposit someone else’s check into your account will vary depending on your bank. Every bank or credit union has its own rules. 

However, this is typical process you might expect to follow:

1. Contact the bank: Call a representative of your bank or contact them through your banking app to clarify their rules about depositing another person’s check.
2. Review the details: Make sure all the information on the check is correct. 
3. Endorse: The person must provide a full endorsement on the back of the check. In other words, write “Pay to the order of (your name)” and sign their name below. 
4. Bring the check to the bank: Your bank might not let you deposit a check with a full endorsement through mobile deposit. Your best bet is to take it to a branch and give it to a teller. If your account is with an online bank, contact a representative about the best way to deposit the check.

How To Deposit Someone Else’s Check into Their Account

In some cases, you might need to deposit someone else’s check into their account for them. This process also varies for each bank, but will usually involve these steps:

• Have them sign the check: The person will endorse the check with a restrictive endorsement, which means the words “for deposit only” and their signature. 
• Have them fill out a deposit slip: Ask them to pick up a deposit slip from their bank — if they don’t have any in the back of their checkbook — and fill it out with all relevant information, including the date of the deposit.
• Bring it to the bank: Again, the bank may not let you deposit the check via mobile. Take the check and deposit slip to a physical branch. Make sure you ask for a receipt to verify the deposit. 

What Should You Know Before Depositing Someone Else’s Check?

Generally speaking, most banks and credit unions will not give you a hard time when you want to deposit a check made out to someone else. However, since each bank has different guidelines, you must follow them closely to avoid mishaps or a voided check. Here are some things to keep in mind.

First, you should always start by checking with the bank. Contact your bank’s customer service line to speak to a representative. Inform them of your intent to deposit a check in another person’s name first to see if this is possible. If it is, they will likely give you information on what details you must include on the back of the check.

Second, make sure you’re prepared before you head to the bank. The bank may require the presence of the other person and yours to complete the transaction. If so, you must present both IDs so the teller can verify your identity before making the deposit.  

Can You Deposit Your Spouse or Minor Child’s Check Into Your Account?

You can deposit your spouse’s check into your checking account with an endorsement. The same process applies regardless of whether or not you are married to the person. They will still need to sign the check and write “Pay to the order of (your name)” on the back.

If you have a minor child with no bank account who has a check written in their name — such as a birthday gift — you can deposit it in your account. Each bank will have different requirements for this process.

Generally, you can ask the child to sign their name on the back of the check and write “minor” next to their signature. Then, you must sign your name directly below your child’s endorsement and include your account number. When you go to the bank to deposit the check, be sure to bring your ID and your child’s ID (if they have one) as proof that you are their parent.

What if Your Child Is Too Young to Endorse Their Check? 

Speak to a bank representative about the endorsement procedure if your child is too young to sign their name. You may be able to write their name and include your signature below it.

Your bank might require documentation, like a birth certificate, as proof that you are the parent and your child is too young to sign the check themselves. Before you take any action, call your bank to learn about their guidelines.

Can You Deposit a Deceased Person’s Check into Your Account?

You can deposit a deceased person’s check into your account if you have the legal right to do so. In other words, you must be the executor of the person’s estate. 

If there is no executor of an estate, you can’t deposit the check. Contact the issuing party and alert them of the payee’s death. Depending on your relationship, the issuer may write another for a different payee.

Depositing and Endorsing Someone Else’s Check Key Takeaways

In most cases, you can deposit someone else’s check into your account with their endorsement. You can also endorse a check for a minor who can’t sign their own name, or a deceased person if you are the executor of their will. 

Every bank and credit union has its own guidelines for depositing a check in someone else’s name. Get in touch with your bank to make sure you follow the right steps and avoid any obstacles. Also, remember that you can also look to savings accounts or a CD accounts for other ways to save and keep your money beyond your checking account.

Hiba Boutary contributed to the reporting for this article.

Share This Article: