Yes, but the bank needs to know it's not your check
You can deposit your son's check into your own bank account, but you cannot simply sign his name on the back. The bank will ask you to endorse it on his behalf, which means signing his name followed by "for deposit only" and then your signature. Some banks call this a third-party deposit or third-party check. The check must be made payable to your son, and you must be present with him or have his written permission to deposit it.
Not all banks accept third-party checks anymore. Many large banks stopped taking them years ago because of fraud risk. Before you go to the bank, call ahead and ask whether they accept third-party checks and what documents they need. If your bank does not accept them, you have other options that work just as well.
Key Takeaways
- Third-party checks require your son's endorsement plus yours, but many banks no longer accept them at all.
- If your bank refuses the check, your son can deposit it into his own account and then transfer the money to you via ACH, wire, or Venmo.
- Your son can also sign the check over to you by writing "Pay to the order of [your name]" on the back before you sign it, though this is less common and still subject to bank policy.
- Mobile check deposit through your bank's app may work if your son's name and your name both appear on the check, but call the bank first to confirm.
What the bank needs to see on a third-party check
The check must be made payable to your son. On the back, your son writes his name and signs it. Below that, you write "for deposit only" and your own signature. Some banks also require your account number written on the back. The bank teller will verify that the signature on the front of the check matches your son's signature on the back.
Bring your ID and your son's ID if possible. Some banks require both of you to be present when you deposit it. Others will accept the check if you have a signed note from your son authorizing you to deposit it on his behalf. Ask your bank what they need before you arrive.
When your bank will not accept third-party checks
Most major banks—including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—stopped accepting third-party checks years ago. If your bank is one of them, you have a few paths forward.
The simplest is to have your son deposit the check into his own account first. Once the money clears (usually one to two business days), he can send it to you through his bank's app using a service like Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. He can also transfer it to you via ACH (Automated Clearing House), which is free and takes one to three business days, or via wire transfer, which is faster but costs money.
If your son does not have a bank account, he can cash the check at the bank that issued it (the bank name is printed on the check), at a check-cashing service, or at some retail stores like Walmart or Target. Then he can give you the cash or use a peer-to-peer payment app to send you the money.
Mobile check deposit and what it requires
Some banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back. This works only if the check is made payable to you or to you and your son together. If the check is made payable to your son alone, mobile deposit will not work, even if you are an authorized user on his account.
If the check is payable to both of you—for example, "Pay to the order of [Your Name] and [Your Son's Name]"—you may be able to deposit it through your app. But policies vary by bank. Call your bank's customer service line or check the app itself before you try, because a failed deposit attempt can delay the money and create a record of the attempt.
Signing a check over to you (less common, more complicated)
Your son can write "Pay to the order of [your name]" on the back of the check above his signature. This is called a check-over or third-party assignment. You then sign below that. However, most banks will not accept this either, for the same fraud reasons they stopped accepting standard third-party checks. It is worth asking your bank, but do not count on it working.
Even if your bank accepts it, the check must still be made payable to your son originally. If it is made payable to someone else, no endorsement will make it valid for you to deposit.
What happens if the check bounces after you deposit it
If the check is returned unpaid (bounces), your bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a returned-check fee, usually between $10 and $35. Your son is responsible for the fee because the check came from his account. You should ask him to cover it or arrange to have the check reissued.
If you have already spent the money, you will owe your bank the full amount of the check plus the fee. This can trigger an overdraft if your account balance goes negative. Contact your bank as soon as you learn the check bounced, because some banks will waive the fee if you ask quickly and your account is in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my son's permission to deposit his check?
Yes. Depositing someone else's check without their knowledge or consent is fraud. Your son must sign the check or give you written permission to deposit it on his behalf. If you are a parent and your son is a minor, you may have authority to handle his financial matters, but you should still ask the bank what they require.
What if the check is made payable to my son and me together?
If the check says "Pay to the order of [Your Name] and [Your Son's Name]," you can usually deposit it into your account without his signature. Both names on the check mean either of you can deposit it. However, some banks require both signers to be present or to sign the back. Call your bank first.
Can I deposit the check if my son is under 18?
If your son is a minor and you are his parent or legal guardian, you may be able to deposit his check into your account or into a custodial account in his name. Banks have different policies for minors. Call your bank and explain the situation—they will tell you what documents you need, such as proof of guardianship or a birth certificate.
What if my bank says no to third-party checks?
Ask your son to deposit it into his own account and then send you the money via ACH transfer, Venmo, or another payment app. If he does not have a bank account, he can cash the check at the issuing bank or a check-cashing service and give you the cash or use a payment app to send it.
How long does it take for a third-party check to clear?
A third-party check clears on the same timeline as any other check—usually one to two business days for the funds to become available in your account. However, the bank may place a longer hold on it because of the third-party risk. Ask the teller how long the hold will be when you deposit it.