You can deposit a check written to someone else, but the person whose name is on it must sign the back first

A check written to another person is their property until they hand it over. Before you can deposit it into your own account, that person must endorse the check by signing the back. Without their signature, the bank will reject it. If the check is written to multiple people (like "John and Jane Smith"), both must sign it. If it says "John or Jane Smith," typically only one signature is needed, but policies vary by bank.

The person endorsing the check can sign it in front of you, or they can sign it and mail it to you. Either way, their signature on the back is the legal requirement that transfers ownership to you. Some banks will also ask you to write your account number on the back after their signature, or to sign your own name below theirs — this creates a paper trail showing who deposited it.

The simplest approach is to ask the check's owner to endorse it in your presence, then deposit it immediately at your bank or through a mobile app. This avoids any confusion about timing or intent.

Key Takeaways

  • The person whose name appears on the check must sign the back (endorse it) before you can deposit it into your account.
  • If a check is written to two people joined by "and," both must sign; if joined by "or," policies vary by bank.
  • Some banks require you to sign below the original endorsement or write your account number on the back as well.
  • Mobile deposit (photographing the check through a banking app) follows the same endorsement rules as in-person deposit.
  • A check written to a business or organization cannot be deposited into a personal account, even with endorsement.

When a bank will refuse an endorsed check

Banks have limits on third-party checks — checks endorsed to you by someone else. Many large banks no longer accept them at all, especially for mobile deposit. Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America have all restricted or eliminated third-party check deposits in recent years. If you try to deposit an endorsed check and the bank refuses, it is not because the endorsement is invalid; it is because that bank's policy does not allow it.

Smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to accept third-party checks, though they may require both the original payee and you to be present, or they may limit the amount. Call your bank before you attempt the deposit. If your bank will not take it, the person who received the check can deposit it into their own account and then transfer the money to you electronically, or they can cash it and give you the cash.

Banks also refuse checks if the endorsement looks forged, if the signature does not match the ID presented, or if the check is stale (more than six months old). A check written to a business or organization cannot be deposited into a personal account under any circumstances — that requires a business account in the organization's name.

Mobile deposit and third-party checks

Most banks that allow third-party checks in person will not accept them through mobile deposit (the app where you photograph the front and back). The photo creates a permanent record, and banks are more cautious about fraud with remote deposits. If you want to deposit an endorsed check through your phone, contact your bank first to confirm they allow it.

If they do allow it, photograph both sides of the check clearly. The back must show the original payee's signature and your signature or account number. Take the photo in good light and make sure all text is readable. After you submit it, do not deposit the physical check anywhere else — that is check fraud. Keep the original check for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it.

What happens if you deposit a check without the owner's signature

If you deposit a check without the person's endorsement, the bank will reject it at the teller window or during processing. If you try mobile deposit, the app will flag it as unsigned. The check will be returned to the sender's bank, and the sender will see it bounce. No money will reach your account.

If you forge someone else's signature on a check, that is a crime — specifically, forgery and fraud. Banks photograph all checks and compare signatures to accounts on file. Forged endorsements are caught regularly, and the consequences include criminal charges, restitution, and a permanent record. It is not worth the risk, even for small amounts.

Alternatives if the bank will not accept the endorsed check

If your bank refuses third-party checks, you have several options. The simplest is to ask the person who received the check to deposit it into their own account, then send you the money via Venmo, PayPal, a wire transfer, or an ACH transfer (electronic bank-to-bank transfer). This takes one to three business days and costs nothing.

The person can also cash the check at the bank that issued it (the bank name is printed on the check) or at a check-cashing service, though check-cashing services charge a fee. If they cash it, they can give you the cash or transfer the money electronically.

In rare cases — such as an insurance settlement or legal judgment — the check may be written to two parties jointly for a reason, and the bank may require both parties to be present to deposit it. If that is the case, you and the other person will need to go to the bank together with ID.

Checks written to you and someone else

If a check is written to both you and another person, the rules depend on how their names are joined. A check that says "John Smith and Jane Doe" requires both signatures. A check that says "John Smith or Jane Doe" typically allows either one to deposit it alone, though some banks require both signatures anyway — call ahead to be sure.

If you and the other person disagree about depositing the check, neither of you can deposit it without the other's signature (if it says "and"). If one person refuses to sign, the check cannot be cashed or deposited. In that case, you may need to contact the person or organization that issued the check and ask them to reissue it in a different way, or you may need legal advice if there is a dispute over who owns the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check if the person who signed it is not present?

Yes. The person can sign the back of the check and mail it to you, or sign it in front of you and leave. Their signature is what matters, not their presence at the bank. You can deposit it alone. However, some banks may ask to see ID from both the original payee and you, so confirm your bank's policy first.

What if the check is signed but the signature looks different from the person's normal handwriting?

Banks compare endorsement signatures to the account holder's signature on file. If the signature looks forged or does not match, the bank will reject the check. If the person's handwriting has changed due to age, injury, or medication, they can bring ID to the bank and explain. For third-party checks, bring both people's IDs to reduce the chance of rejection.

Can I deposit a check made out to a business if I own the business?

Only if you have a business account in the business's name. A check written to your business cannot go into your personal account, even if you are the sole owner. You will need to open a business checking account and deposit it there. Your bank can walk you through the process.

What if the check is postdated (dated in the future)?

Banks are not required to honor postdated checks, but many will process them anyway. The safest approach is to wait until the date on the check arrives, then deposit it. If you deposit it early and the bank processes it before the date, it may bounce if there are not enough funds. Ask your bank whether they process postdated checks immediately or wait.

Can I deposit a check if it is torn or damaged?

If the check is still readable and the routing number, account number, and amount are clear, most banks will accept it. If large sections are missing or illegible, the bank will reject it. Tape the check together neatly and try depositing it. If the bank refuses, ask the person who received the check to contact the issuer and request a replacement check.