You can deposit someone else's check, but only if they sign the back first
A check made out to another person can go into your account, but the person whose name is on the check must endorse it — that means signing the back. Without their signature, the bank will reject it. If they sign it and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature, you can deposit it. Some banks also accept a simple signature with no additional language, though the formal wording is safer.
The person endorsing the check is responsible for it. If the check bounces or turns out to be fraudulent, the bank can hold the endorser liable, not you. This matters because it means they need to trust you with their money in the time between when they sign and when you deposit it.
Third-party checks — checks made out to someone else that you then deposit — are treated differently by different banks. Some accept them routinely. Others have stopped accepting them altogether because of fraud risk. Call your bank before you ask the check writer to endorse it, because you need to know whether your specific bank will take it.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name appears on the check must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" or similar language.
- Your bank may refuse third-party checks even with proper endorsement, so confirm your bank's policy before the check is signed.
- The person who endorses the check is liable if it bounces or is fraudulent, so they should only endorse checks they trust you with.
- Mobile deposit and ATM deposit often reject third-party checks automatically, so you may need to go inside a branch.
- If the check is made out to two people (you and someone else), both must endorse it unless the check says "or" instead of "and".
How endorsement works and what the bank sees
When someone endorses a check to you, they are transferring their right to cash it. The standard way to do this is for them to sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Some banks accept just a signature with no additional wording, but the full language is clearer and less likely to be rejected.
The bank's teller will see two names on the check: the original payee (the person it was written to) and you (the new payee). They will verify that the person whose name is on the front has signed the back. If the signature on the back does not match the name on the front, the bank will reject it. If the back is blank or signed by someone other than the payee, the bank will reject it.
Some banks photograph the back of the check during deposit, so the endorsement becomes part of the record. If there is ever a dispute about who deposited the check or whether it was authorized, that photograph is evidence.
Why banks are increasingly refusing third-party checks
Many banks have stopped accepting third-party checks because they are a common vehicle for fraud. A scammer can steal a check, forge the original payee's signature on the back, and deposit it into an account they control. By the time the real payee notices the check is missing, the money is gone and the account holder who deposited it is held responsible.
Because the risk falls on the bank and the depositing customer, many large banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase — now refuse third-party checks outright. Smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to accept them, but policies vary. Some accept them only from customers they have known for a long time. Others accept them only if both the original payee and the depositor are present at the branch.
If your bank refuses the check, your options are limited. The person who received the check can deposit it into their own account and then transfer the money to you via ACH, wire, or peer transfer. This takes longer but is more secure and avoids the endorsement question entirely.
What happens if the check bounces or is fraudulent
If a third-party check you deposited bounces, your bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee — usually $25 to $35. The person who endorsed the check is also liable to the original check writer, but that is a separate matter between them. You are responsible to your bank for the deposit.
If the check turns out to be fraudulent — forged, stolen, or written on a closed account — the bank will reverse the deposit and may freeze your account while they investigate. You could face criminal charges if the bank believes you knowingly deposited a bad check. Even if you did not know it was fraudulent, you still lose the money and may face fees.
This is why banks ask you to verify the identity of the person endorsing the check and why you should only accept third-party checks from people you know and trust. If someone you do not know well asks you to deposit a check for them, decline. The risk is yours, not theirs.
Mobile and ATM deposit usually will not work
Most banks' mobile deposit apps and ATM deposit machines automatically reject third-party checks. The machine scans the front of the check, reads the name of the payee, and compares it to the account holder making the deposit. If the names do not match, the deposit is refused.
This is a built-in fraud prevention measure. It means you cannot deposit a third-party check remotely — you have to go inside a branch and speak to a teller. The teller can manually review the endorsement and make a judgment call about whether to accept it. Some will, some will not, depending on the bank's policy and the teller's comfort level.
If you need to deposit a third-party check, call your bank's customer service line first and ask whether they accept them and what branch location is most likely to process it. This saves you a trip if the answer is no.
Checks made out to two people or more
If a check is made out to "John Smith and Jane Doe," both people must endorse it before you can deposit it into either of their accounts. The word "and" means both names are required. If the check says "John Smith or Jane Doe," either one can endorse it alone.
If you are trying to deposit a check made out to two people and only one of them endorses it, the bank will reject it. You will need to ask the second person to sign as well. This applies even if the two people are married or in a business partnership together.
When you should ask for a different payment method
If someone wants to pay you with a check made out to someone else, ask them to use a different method instead. An ACH transfer, wire transfer, or peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal is faster, safer, and does not require endorsement. It also leaves a clear record of who sent the money and when.
If the person insists on using a check, ask them to deposit it into their own account first and then transfer the money to you. This takes an extra day or two, but it eliminates the fraud risk and the endorsement question. You get the money directly from the person who received the check, not from a third party.
If the check is a refund or a payment from a business, ask the business to reissue it in your name. Most will do this without complaint if you explain that your bank does not accept third-party checks. This is the cleanest solution and the one that causes the least friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I deposit a third-party check and the bank finds out it is fake?
The bank will reverse the deposit from your account, charge you a fee, and may freeze your account while they investigate. You are responsible for the money, not the person who endorsed the check. If the bank believes you knowingly deposited a fraudulent check, you could face criminal charges.
Can I deposit a check made out to my business if I own the business?
Yes, if the check is made out to your business name and you are a signer on the business account, you can deposit it without endorsement. If the check is made out to the business but you are not a signer, the person who is a signer must endorse it or deposit it themselves.
Do I need the person to write "Pay to the order of" or is just a signature enough?
A signature alone is technically sufficient, but "Pay to the order of [your name]" is clearer and less likely to be rejected. Banks vary in what they accept, so the formal language is the safer choice. Ask the person to use both the language and their signature.
What if the person who endorsed the check wants it back?
Once you deposit the check, it belongs to your bank and the clearing system. The person who endorsed it cannot recall it or reverse it. They would have to ask you to return the money, which is a separate transaction. Do not accept a third-party check unless you are certain the person is not going to change their mind.
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else if I have power of attorney?
Power of attorney does not automatically allow you to deposit checks made out to someone else. You would need a specific power of attorney document that grants you authority over that person's financial accounts and checks. Even then, the check should ideally be endorsed by the person it was written to, or deposited into their account first. Ask your bank what documentation they need.