You can deposit someone else's check in your account, but the check must be endorsed to you
The person who received the check (the payee) must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party endorsement. Once they do that, you can deposit it into your account at most banks and credit unions. The check must be made payable to them first — you cannot deposit a check made out to someone else unless they endorse it to you.
Some banks have stopped accepting third-party checks altogether because of fraud risk. Call your bank before you try to deposit one. If they do accept them, you may need to go to a branch in person rather than use mobile deposit or an ATM. The person who endorsed the check to you may also need to be present with a valid ID.
If the check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both must endorse it. If it says "or," usually only one needs to sign.
Key Takeaways
- The original payee must endorse the check to you by signing the back and writing "Pay to the order of [your name]" before you can deposit it.
- Many banks no longer accept third-party checks, so contact your bank first to confirm they will take one.
- If your bank does accept third-party checks, you may have to deposit it in person at a branch rather than through an ATM or app.
- The person who endorsed the check to you may need to show ID at the time of deposit.
- Checks made out to two people with "and" require both signatures; checks with "or" usually need only one.
Why banks are stricter about third-party checks
Third-party checks create a chain of responsibility that makes fraud harder to trace. If the check bounces or turns out to be counterfeit, the bank has to figure out who is liable — the original payer, the first payee, or you. That uncertainty is why many large banks stopped accepting them entirely around 2009 and have not brought the practice back.
Smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to accept third-party checks, but they often require the endorser to be present with ID. Some will accept them only if the endorser is also a customer of that bank. A few will not accept them under any circumstance.
If your bank refuses, the person who received the check can deposit it into their own account and then send you the money through a transfer, ACH payment, or check written in your name.
How to endorse a check to someone else
Turn the check over to the back. On the line that says "Endorse here," sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the check. Below your signature, write "Pay to the order of [the other person's full name]." The person receiving the check will then sign below that line.
Do not write anything else on the back of the check. Do not add conditions, dates, or instructions. Banks will reject checks with unclear or multiple endorsements.
If you make a mistake, do not cross it out. Ask the bank for a new check or have the original payee request one from whoever issued it.
What happens if you deposit a check without proper endorsement
If you deposit a check made out to someone else without their endorsement, the bank will reject it. The deposit will not go through, and the check will be returned to you or to the person who gave it to you.
If you forge someone else's signature on the back of a check, that is check fraud — a criminal offense. Do not do this. The bank will catch it during processing, and the person whose name was forged can report it to police.
Mobile deposit and third-party checks
Most banks do not allow third-party checks through their mobile app or ATM. If you try to photograph and deposit a third-party check using your phone, the app will either reject it or the bank will catch it during processing and reverse the deposit.
If your bank does accept third-party checks, you will have to go to a branch in person. Bring the endorsed check and your ID. The person who endorsed it to you should bring their ID as well, though some banks will not require it if they are not present.
Alternatives if your bank will not accept the check
If your bank refuses third-party checks, you have several options. The person who received the check can deposit it into their own account and then send you the money through their bank's online transfer system, which usually takes one to three business days. They can also write you a new check from their account, though that takes longer to clear.
If the check is from an employer or government agency, the original payee can contact them and ask for a replacement check issued in your name instead. This is often faster and simpler than trying to work around a third-party endorsement.
Some check-cashing services and payday lenders will cash third-party checks, but they charge a fee — usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. Use this only if you need the money immediately and have no other option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my business if I own it?
No, not without the business's endorsement. Even if you are the sole owner, the check is made out to the business entity, not to you personally. You need the business to endorse it to you, or you can deposit it into the business account and then transfer money to your personal account.
What if the check is made out to "cash"?
A check made out to "cash" can be deposited or cashed by anyone who has it. No endorsement is needed. However, if you lose it or someone steals it, they can cash it too. For that reason, most people ask the issuer to write a new check made out to their name instead.
Do I need the person who endorsed the check to be present when I deposit it?
It depends on your bank. Some require the endorser to show ID in person; others do not. Call your bank before you go to the branch. If they require the endorser to be present and they are not, the bank will reject the check.
Can I deposit a third-party check at an ATM?
Most banks do not allow third-party checks through ATMs. You will have to go to a branch and speak to a teller. Some banks may refuse entirely, so confirm with your bank first.
What if the check is postdated?
A postdated check (one dated in the future) can still be endorsed to you, but banks are not required to hold it until that date. Many will deposit it immediately. If you need to wait until the date on the check, tell the bank before you deposit it.