You can deposit a check written to someone else, but the account owner must sign it first
A check written to another person cannot go into your account without their signature on the back. Banks call this endorsement. The person whose name is on the check must sign the back, usually on the left side of the endorsement line. After they sign, you can deposit it into your own account, or they can deposit it into theirs.
Some banks allow a second signature—yours—below theirs. This is called a third-party endorsement, and it means you are vouching that you know the check owner and have their permission. Not all banks accept third-party endorsements, so call yours first to ask. If your bank does not accept them, the check owner will need to deposit it themselves or add you as an authorized user on their account.
The check owner can also sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This restricts the check to you and makes it harder for someone else to cash it if the check is lost.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name appears on the check must sign the back before anyone else can deposit it.
- Your bank may or may not accept third-party endorsements, so confirm their policy before you try to deposit a check signed by someone else.
- If your bank refuses third-party deposits, the check owner can deposit it into their own account and then transfer the money to you electronically.
- A check signed and restricted to your name ("Pay to the order of [your name]") is safer than a blank endorsement if the check is lost or stolen.
What happens if you deposit a check without the owner's signature
If you deposit a check without the payee's endorsement, the bank will reject it. The check will be returned to the person or business that wrote it, and your deposit will be reversed. You will not face criminal charges for attempting to deposit an unsigned check—it is a routine rejection, not fraud.
Fraud occurs only if you forge the check owner's signature or alter the check itself. Forging a signature is a felony in most states and can result in criminal prosecution, fines, and jail time. If you need access to someone else's money, ask them to endorse the check or transfer the funds to you through their bank.
When the check owner is not available to sign
If the check owner is out of state, hospitalized, or otherwise unreachable, you have several options. The fastest is to ask them to endorse the check remotely: they can photograph the signed back and text or email it to you, then mail the original check to your address. You deposit the original; the photo is just confirmation.
If the check owner is incapacitated or deceased, the process depends on the amount and your relationship to them. For a small check, some banks will accept a notarized statement from you explaining the situation. For larger amounts or if the check owner has died, you may need to work through their estate or power of attorney. Contact your bank's customer service line to ask what documents they need.
A third option is to ask the check writer (the person or business that issued the check) to issue a new check in your name instead. This takes longer but avoids the endorsement problem entirely.
Depositing checks written to a business or organization
If the check is written to a business, nonprofit, or other organization, the rules are different. An authorized representative of that entity—usually a manager, treasurer, or owner—must endorse it on behalf of the organization. They sign their own name and write their title below it, like "Sarah Chen, Treasurer."
You cannot deposit a business check into your personal account, even if you work there. The check must go into the business's bank account. If you are the owner or authorized signer, you can endorse it and deposit it. If you are not, ask the person who is authorized to handle it.
Mobile deposit and remote check capture
Many banks now allow you to deposit checks by photographing them through a mobile app. The rules about endorsement still apply: the check must be signed by the payee before you photograph it. Your bank's app will ask you to photograph both the front and back, so the endorsement must be visible.
Some employers and payroll services use remote check capture, where they photograph your paycheck before sending it to you. In this case, the check is endorsed by the employer's authorized signer before the photo is taken, so you do not need to sign anything—you just receive the funds. Ask your employer or payroll provider how their system works.
Using a power of attorney or joint account instead
If you regularly need to deposit checks for someone else, a joint bank account is simpler than repeated endorsements. Both of you can deposit checks and withdraw money. You will both need to visit the bank together to set it up, and you will both have access to the full account balance.
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives you authority to act on someone else's behalf—including depositing checks into their account. This is useful if the check owner is elderly, disabled, or traveling. You will need to bring the power of attorney document to the bank and have it notarized. The check owner does not need to sign the check; you sign it on their behalf as their attorney-in-fact.
A power of attorney is more formal than a joint account and requires legal paperwork, but it keeps the money in the check owner's account rather than mixing it with yours. Talk to a lawyer or your bank about which option makes sense for your situation.
What to do if a check is lost or stolen after endorsement
If someone endorses a check to you and it is lost or stolen before you deposit it, contact the check writer immediately. Ask them to issue a stop payment on the original check and write a replacement. Stop payment usually costs $25 to $35 and takes one to two business days to process. After that window, the original check cannot be cashed.
If the check has already been cashed by someone else, the check writer can dispute it with their bank as an unauthorized transaction. The bank will investigate and may reverse the payment, returning the money to the check writer's account. This process takes 10 to 30 days. In the meantime, you and the check owner should file a police report if the amount is large enough to warrant it.
To avoid this risk, ask the check owner to restrict the endorsement: they sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This makes it much harder for a thief to cash the check if it is stolen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an ATM if it is signed by someone else?
Yes, if the check is properly endorsed by the payee and your bank accepts third-party endorsements. The ATM will scan the front and back, so the endorsement must be legible. If the ATM rejects it, take the check to a teller inside the branch and ask them to process it manually.
What if the check is signed but has no name written on the front?
A check with no payee name is called a blank check. Whoever has it can fill in their own name and deposit it. If someone gives you a blank check, they are trusting you not to write in a larger amount than they intended. Write your name in the payee line and deposit it normally—no additional signature is needed.
Can I deposit a check written to "Cash"?
Yes. A check written to "Cash" does not require endorsement and can be deposited by anyone who has it. You can also cash it at the bank that issued it or at many retail locations. No signature is needed, but bring a photo ID.
What if my bank says they do not accept third-party checks?
Ask the check owner to deposit it into their own account and then send you the money via ACH transfer, wire transfer, or a peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal. This takes one to three business days but avoids the endorsement issue entirely.
Do I need to tell my bank I am depositing someone else's check?
No, but if you deposit many checks from the same person, your bank may flag it as unusual activity. If they ask, explain the relationship and the reason. Banks are required to watch for money laundering, so they may ask questions if the pattern looks suspicious.