You usually cannot deposit someone else's check into your own account at an ATM, and attempting to do so can trigger fraud holds or account closure
Most ATMs reject checks made out to a different name than the account holder. If the machine does accept it, your bank will likely flag the deposit during processing and either reverse it or freeze your account pending investigation. Banks treat third-party checks as a fraud risk because they cannot verify that the original payee authorized the deposit.
The rules vary slightly by bank and by the type of check, but the safest assumption is that an ATM will not process a check with someone else's name on it. Even if you have permission from the check's owner, the ATM cannot confirm that permission, so it defaults to rejection.
Key Takeaways
- ATMs are programmed to reject checks made payable to anyone other than the account holder, or they accept the deposit but your bank reverses it during processing.
- If a check is made out to two people (you and someone else), most ATMs will still reject it unless both names are on your account.
- The legal way to deposit someone else's check is to have them sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature, then deposit it at a teller or through mobile check deposit.
- Mobile check deposit apps often have stricter rules than ATMs and may refuse third-party checks entirely, so confirm with your bank first.
- Depositing a check without the payee's permission or without proper endorsement is check fraud, regardless of whether the ATM accepts it.
Why ATMs reject checks made out to someone else
ATM check deposit technology reads the account number on your card and the payee name printed on the check. If those do not match, the machine stops the transaction. This is a built-in fraud prevention measure because the ATM has no way to verify that you have the check owner's permission.
Even if you tell the ATM operator (if one is present) that you have permission, the machine itself cannot record or verify that conversation. Banks therefore treat any mismatch as a potential fraud attempt and block the deposit at the source.
Some older ATMs may accept the deposit anyway, but your bank's back-end processing system will catch the mismatch during the overnight clearing cycle. The deposit will be reversed, and your account may be flagged for review. Repeated attempts can result in your account being closed.
What happens if an ATM accepts a third-party check
If an ATM does accept a check made out to someone else, the deposit receipt will show the transaction as complete. However, this does not mean the check has cleared or that the money is yours. The bank's processing system will review the check the next business day and almost certainly reverse the deposit.
When the reversal happens, the funds disappear from your account without warning. If you have already spent money based on that deposit, you will be overdrawn. Your bank may also place a temporary hold on your account while they investigate whether the deposit was fraudulent.
In some cases, the bank will contact you to ask how you came into possession of a check made out to someone else. If you cannot provide a clear explanation, your account may be closed and reported to ChexSystems, a banking history database that makes it difficult to open accounts at other banks.
The legal way to deposit someone else's check
If the check owner wants you to deposit their check into your account, they must endorse it. This means they sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party endorsement, and it gives you legal permission to deposit the check.
Even with a proper endorsement, many banks will not accept third-party checks at an ATM. Your best option is to go to a teller inside the bank branch and present both the check and your ID. The teller can verify the endorsement and process the deposit manually.
Some banks have stopped accepting third-party checks altogether, even with endorsement, because the fraud risk is high. Before you ask someone to endorse a check for you, call your bank and confirm they will accept it. If they will not, the check owner should deposit it into their own account and then send you the money through a transfer, ACH payment, or peer-to-peer app like Venmo or Zelle.
Mobile check deposit and third-party checks
Mobile check deposit apps are often stricter than ATMs about third-party checks. Many banks' mobile apps will refuse to process a check unless the payee name matches the account holder's name exactly. The app may not even let you take a photo of a third-party check, or it will reject the image during processing.
If you are considering mobile deposit for someone else's check, log into your bank's app and look for the terms of service or FAQ section on check deposit. Some banks explicitly state that third-party checks are not accepted. Others allow them only with a teller's approval.
The safest approach is to call your bank's customer service line and ask whether they accept third-party checks via mobile deposit. If they do, ask what endorsement format they require and whether there are any limits on the amount or frequency.
What counts as check fraud
Depositing a check without the payee's permission is check fraud, a federal crime. This includes depositing a check that was made out to someone else, even if you found it or received it by mistake. It also includes depositing a check that was made out to you but signing someone else's name on the back.
Check fraud charges can result in criminal prosecution, fines, and jail time. Even if the amount is small, banks report suspected fraud to law enforcement. If you are caught, you will also be liable for any money the bank paid out based on the fraudulent deposit.
If you receive a check made out to someone else by mistake, the correct action is to return it to the sender or give it to the person whose name is on it. Do not attempt to deposit it, even if you think you might need the money later.
Checks made out to two people
If a check is made out to two names (for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people must endorse it before it can be deposited. Some banks require both signatures on the back of the check. Others require that both people be present at the bank to verify the endorsement.
An ATM will almost certainly reject a two-name check if only one of those names matches your account. Even if you are one of the payees, the ATM will not process it. You will need to visit a teller and bring the other payee or their written authorization.
If the check says "John Smith or Jane Doe" (with "or" instead of "and"), either person can deposit it alone. However, an ATM may still reject it because the machine cannot interpret the "or" logic. A teller can process it without both signatures present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit my spouse's check into my account at an ATM?
Not without their endorsement, and even with it, most ATMs will reject it. Your spouse must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]." Then visit a teller inside the bank branch with both the check and your ID. Some banks will not accept spouse checks even with endorsement, so call ahead to confirm.
What if I deposit someone else's check and the bank finds out?
The bank will reverse the deposit and remove the funds from your account. If you have already spent the money, you will be overdrawn and owe overdraft fees. The bank may also close your account and report you to ChexSystems, making it hard to open accounts elsewhere. If the amount is large or you have done this repeatedly, the bank may report it to law enforcement.
Can I ask the check owner to sign it and then deposit it myself?
Yes, if they sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. However, many banks no longer accept third-party checks even with proper endorsement. Call your bank first to confirm they will accept it, then go to a teller rather than using an ATM.
What should I do if I receive a check made out to the wrong person?
Return it to whoever issued the check or give it to the person whose name is on it. Do not attempt to deposit it or alter the payee name. If you need the money, ask the check issuer to issue a new check made out to you.
Is there a time limit on how long a check is good for?
Most checks are valid for six months from the date written, though some banks may refuse checks older than that. This does not change the rules about third-party checks—a check made out to someone else is still not yours to deposit, regardless of how new it is.