Yes, but the check must be signed over to you or made payable to both of you
You can deposit your boyfriend's check into your account if his name is on it and he signs it over to you, or if the check is written to both of you. A check made out only to him cannot go into your account without his signature on the back authorizing the deposit — that signature is called an endorsement. Banks will reject an unsigned check or one endorsed to someone else.
The simplest route is to have him deposit it into his own account first, then transfer money to you. But if he wants you to handle the deposit, the check itself must show either his name alone (with his endorsement on the back) or both names on the front.
Key Takeaways
- A check made payable only to your boyfriend requires his signature on the back before any bank will accept it into your account.
- If the check is written to "your boyfriend and you" or "your boyfriend or you," either of you can deposit it without the other's signature.
- Your bank may ask for ID when you deposit a check in someone else's name, even with an endorsement.
- Some banks have limits on how many third-party checks you can deposit per month, so check your account terms.
- If the check bounces after you deposit it, your account is responsible for the overdraft, not his.
How endorsement works
An endorsement is your boyfriend's signature on the back of the check, usually in the space marked "Endorse here." When he signs there, he is authorizing the bank to accept the check as a deposit to your account instead of his own. Without that signature, the check is not valid for deposit anywhere but his own account.
He should sign his name exactly as it appears on the front of the check. If the check says "Robert Smith" but he usually signs "Bob Smith," use "Robert Smith" on the back. Some banks are strict about this match.
After he signs, you can take the check to your bank and deposit it normally — through an ATM, mobile app, or teller. The bank will process it as a third-party deposit.
Checks written to both names
If the check says "Pay to the order of [Your Boyfriend] and [You]" or uses "or" instead of "and," either of you can deposit it without the other's permission or signature. The bank will accept it into whichever account you choose to use.
Checks with "and" technically require both people to endorse them, though many banks do not enforce this strictly. Checks with "or" are clearer — only one signature is needed. If you are unsure which word is on the check, ask your bank before you try to deposit it.
What your bank may ask for
When you deposit a check made out to someone else, even with an endorsement, the teller or mobile app may ask for the account holder's ID. Some banks require the person whose name is on the check to be present. Others will accept a photo of his ID or a copy of his driver's license.
Call your bank before you go in or try a mobile deposit. Ask whether they accept third-party checks and what ID they need. Some banks have stopped accepting them altogether, so it is worth confirming your bank's policy.
Deposit limits and frequency
Many banks limit how many third-party checks you can deposit per month or per year. The limit varies by bank and account type — some allow one per month, others allow several. If you deposit too many, the bank may freeze the account or reject future third-party deposits.
Check your account agreement or call customer service to find out your limit. If you and your boyfriend move money between accounts regularly, it may be easier for him to deposit checks into his own account and then transfer money to you electronically.
What happens if the check bounces
If your boyfriend's check bounces — meaning there is not enough money in his account to cover it — your bank will reverse the deposit and charge your account an overdraft fee. You are responsible for that fee, not him, even though the check came from his account. The fee is typically $25 to $35 depending on your bank.
If the check bounces, your bank will notify you, and the money will come back out of your account. You will need to contact your boyfriend to get the money another way or ask him to cover the overdraft fee. Some banks will waive one overdraft fee per year if you ask, but do not count on it.
Alternatives if your bank will not accept it
If your bank refuses third-party checks, your boyfriend can deposit the check into his own account and then send you money through a transfer, Venmo, PayPal, or another payment app. This takes one or two business days but avoids the endorsement step entirely.
He can also cash the check at the bank that issued it (usually printed on the check) or at a check-cashing service, though check-cashing services charge a fee. Once he has cash or money in his account, moving it to you is straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need his permission to deposit his check?
Yes. You need either his signature on the back of the check or his name on the front alongside yours. Depositing a check without authorization is considered fraud. Always get his endorsement or make sure the check is written to both of you before you deposit it.
What if the check is made out to just his name and he is not here to sign it?
You cannot deposit it without his signature. Ask him to sign the back before you go to the bank, or have him deposit it himself and transfer the money to you. There is no legal way around the endorsement requirement.
Can I deposit a check if I only have a photo of his ID?
It depends on your bank. Some accept a photo or copy; others require the person to be present or require the original ID. Call your bank first and ask what they need before you attempt the deposit.
Will my bank report this to the IRS?
No. Depositing a check from someone else is not a taxable event and does not trigger any reporting. The person who earned the money (your boyfriend) is responsible for reporting it as income on his taxes, not you.
What if the check is post-dated?
A post-dated check (one with a future date) should not be deposited before that date. Banks may reject it or accept it and hold it until the date passes. Ask your bank whether they will accept a post-dated check, and do not deposit it early without your boyfriend's approval.