You can deposit someone else's check into your account if they sign the back, but your bank may refuse and the check writer can dispute it
Depositing a check made out to someone else into your own account is called a third-party deposit. It is legal if the person whose name is on the check signs the back and writes your name or account number there. However, many banks no longer allow this at all, and those that do often limit it to immediate family members or require the original check writer to be present. Even if your bank accepts it, the person who wrote the check can later claim they did not authorize the deposit and dispute the transaction, leaving you responsible for repaying the amount.
The safest route is to ask the check writer to deposit it themselves, or to have them write a new check in your name. If that is not possible, call your bank first and ask whether they accept third-party checks and what their specific rules are. Do not assume a deposit will go through just because you sign the back of the check.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks have stopped accepting third-party checks entirely, so you must call your bank before attempting the deposit.
- If your bank does accept third-party checks, the person whose name is on the check must sign the back and write your name or account number there.
- The check writer can dispute the transaction later, and if they do, the bank will reverse the deposit and you will owe the money back.
- The safest alternatives are asking the check writer to deposit it themselves, having them write a new check in your name, or asking them to cash it and give you the cash.
Why banks stopped accepting third-party checks
Banks began restricting or banning third-party deposits in the 2000s because of fraud risk. When a check passes through multiple hands, it becomes harder to verify that everyone involved actually authorized the transaction. A common scam involves someone depositing a check they do not own, the bank initially crediting the account, and then the check bouncing days later—by which time the scammer has already withdrawn the money. The bank is left holding the loss.
Because of this history, major banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank now refuse third-party checks outright. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary in their policies. Some accept them only from immediate family. Others require the original check writer to be present at the branch. A few still allow them with no restrictions, but this is increasingly rare.
How to deposit a third-party check if your bank allows it
If you call your bank and they say they accept third-party checks, the process is straightforward but requires the other person's signature. The person whose name appears on the front of the check must sign the back, then write "Pay to the order of" followed by your name. Some banks also ask you to write your account number on the back. You then sign below their signature.
Bring the check and your ID to a branch in person. Do not attempt a mobile deposit or ATM deposit of a third-party check—these methods will almost certainly be rejected. At the branch, tell the teller it is a third-party deposit and show them the signatures on the back. The teller will verify the signatures match the name on the front and may ask questions about your relationship to the check writer and why they are not depositing it themselves.
Even if the teller accepts it, the deposit may be held for several business days while the bank verifies the check is legitimate. You will not have access to the funds immediately.
What happens if the check writer disputes the deposit
The person whose name is on the check can contact their bank and claim they did not authorize you to deposit it. This is called a stop payment or a dispute. When this happens, the check writer's bank will reverse the check, and your bank will remove the funds from your account—even if you have already spent the money.
If you have already withdrawn or transferred the money, you will now owe your bank the full amount. Your bank may charge you an overdraft fee on top of that. The check writer can also pursue legal action against you for depositing a check without permission, though this is rare in practice.
This risk exists even if the check writer signed the back. A signature does not prevent them from later claiming they were coerced, confused, or did not understand what they were signing. Your only protection is a written record that they knowingly authorized the deposit—a text message, email, or note saying "I am giving you permission to deposit this check" helps, but even that may not hold up if they dispute it later.
Safer alternatives to third-party deposits
The simplest option is to ask the check writer to deposit the check into their own account and then send you the money via a bank transfer, Venmo, PayPal, or another payment app. This takes a few minutes and eliminates all risk for you.
If the check writer does not have a bank account or does not want to do a transfer, ask them to write a new check with your name on it instead. This is free and takes only a few seconds. If they are not present, they can mail you a new check.
Another option is to ask the check writer to cash the check at their own bank and give you the cash. You then deposit the cash into your account. This is immediate and carries no dispute risk, though it does require you to handle physical cash.
If the check is from an employer or government agency and the check writer is not available, contact the issuer directly and ask them to issue a replacement check in your name. Most will do this for free if you provide proof that you are the intended recipient.
What to do if your bank rejects a third-party check
If you attempt to deposit a third-party check and the teller or mobile app rejects it, do not try again at a different branch or with a different method. The rejection means your bank's policy does not allow it, and a second attempt will also fail.
Instead, ask the check writer to take one of the alternatives listed above. If they are not available or unwilling, you can ask your bank whether they offer a check cashing service for non-customers. Some banks will cash a check for a fee even if the person depositing it does not have an account there. The fee is usually $5 to $15 depending on the check amount. The check writer would need to be present with ID, or you would need to contact the check issuer directly and request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my business if I own the business?
If the check is made out to your business name and you are the owner, it is not a third-party deposit—it is a business deposit. You can deposit it into a business account using your business tax ID. If you want to deposit it into a personal account, you will need to treat it as a third-party deposit and follow the same rules: the business owner must sign the back, and your bank must accept third-party checks.
What if the check is made out to two people, like "John and Jane"?
Both people must sign the back of the check for it to be deposited. If only one person signs, the bank will reject it. If you are neither John nor Jane, both of them must sign and write your name on the back for it to be a valid third-party deposit.
Can I take a picture of a signed third-party check and deposit it through my bank's app?
Almost certainly not. Mobile check deposit systems are designed to reject third-party checks automatically. You must go to a branch in person and speak to a teller. Even then, your bank may refuse.
If I deposit a third-party check and it bounces, am I responsible?
Yes. If the check bounces, your bank will reverse the deposit and charge you an overdraft fee if your account goes negative. You are responsible for repaying the amount, not the check writer. This is why third-party deposits are risky.
Can a check be made out to "Cash" and then deposited by someone else?
A check made out to "Cash" can be cashed by anyone who has it, but it cannot be deposited into a bank account—banks require a name on the check to match the account holder or a valid third-party signature. The check writer would need to cash it at their own bank or a check-cashing service and give you the cash.