You can deposit a check written to someone else, but the person whose name is on it must sign the back first
A check made out to another person is not yours to deposit, even if you have permission. The bank will not accept it without the payee's signature on the back — that signature, called an endorsement, is what transfers ownership of the check to you. Without it, you are depositing a check you have no legal right to cash.
The person whose name appears on the front of the check must endorse it. They sign the back, usually above a line marked "Endorse here" or similar. Once they sign, they can hand it to you, and you can deposit it into your own account. Some banks will also accept a photo of the endorsed check if you use mobile deposit.
The rules are the same whether you are depositing into a personal checking account, a savings account, or any other account type. The bank does not care whose account receives the money — only that the original payee authorized the transfer by signing.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name is printed on the check must sign the back before you can deposit it into your account.
- A signature on the back of the check (an endorsement) is the legal proof that the payee gave you permission to cash it.
- Banks will reject a check without the payee's endorsement, even if you explain that the person gave you verbal permission.
- Once endorsed, you can deposit the check through a mobile app, at an ATM, or at a teller window.
- Some banks may ask you to sign below the payee's signature or write "For deposit only" to add a second layer of security.
What happens if you try to deposit an unendorsed check
The bank's teller or mobile deposit system will flag the check as incomplete. If you deposit it at a branch, the teller will hand it back and ask you to have the payee sign it. If you use a mobile app or ATM, the deposit will be rejected, and you will receive a notification explaining why.
Some banks are stricter than others. A few will accept a check with only the payee's name and no endorsement if you are depositing it into a joint account with that person, or if you have a power of attorney. But most banks require the endorsement regardless of your relationship to the payee. Do not assume your bank will make an exception — ask first.
How to endorse a check for someone else to deposit
The payee should sign their name on the back of the check, in the blank space above the line marked "Endorse here." The signature should match the name printed on the front as closely as possible. If the name on the check is slightly different from how the person usually signs (for example, a middle initial is missing), they should sign it the way it appears on the check, not the way they normally sign.
After the payee signs, you can add your own signature below theirs if the bank asks for it, or write "For deposit only" followed by your name. This second step is optional but adds security — it means the check can only be deposited, not cashed at a store or another bank.
The payee can endorse the check in person and hand it to you, or they can sign it and send it to you by mail or photo. If they mail it, make sure it arrives in a secure envelope. If they photograph it, have them send the image through a secure messaging app rather than email when possible.
When a check is made out to two people
If a check says "Pay to the order of John Smith and Jane Doe," both people must endorse it before either one can deposit it. The word "and" means both signatures are required. If it says "Pay to the order of John Smith or Jane Doe," either person can endorse it and deposit it alone.
Checks made out to two people are common with insurance payouts, joint refunds, or payments to a couple. If you are one of the payees and the other person is unavailable or unwilling to sign, you cannot deposit the check without them. Your only option is to contact whoever issued the check and ask them to reissue it in a single name, or to work out an agreement with the other payee.
Risks of depositing checks for other people
Once you deposit an endorsed check into your account, the money is yours from the bank's perspective. If the check bounces — meaning the account it was drawn on has insufficient funds — the bank will deduct the amount from your account, not the payee's. You are responsible for the loss, even though you did not write the check.
There is also a small fraud risk. If you deposit a check that was stolen or forged, and the original owner reports it, the bank can reverse the deposit and hold you liable. This is rare when you are depositing a check the payee gave you permission to cash, but it is a reason to make sure you trust the person and that the check looks legitimate.
For large checks or checks from unfamiliar sources, ask the payee to deposit it themselves or to go with you to the bank. This protects both of you and avoids any confusion later about who was responsible for the transaction.
Alternatives if the payee cannot endorse the check
If the person whose name is on the check is unable to sign — because they are out of the country, hospitalized, or deceased — you have limited options. A power of attorney document may allow you to endorse checks on their behalf, but you will need to present this to the bank, and not all banks accept it for third-party checks.
If the payee is deceased, the check should go through their estate. Contact the executor or administrator of the estate, or speak with the bank about the proper procedure. Attempting to deposit a check made out to a deceased person without going through the estate can create legal problems.
For other situations — a minor, someone with a conservator, or someone who is incapacitated — contact the bank directly and explain the circumstances. They can tell you what documents you need and whether a deposit is possible.
How mobile deposit and ATM deposit work with third-party checks
Mobile deposit and ATM deposit follow the same endorsement rules as in-person deposits. The payee must sign the back of the check before you photograph it or insert it into the machine. The bank's system will read the endorsement and process the deposit the same way a teller would.
If you use mobile deposit, take clear photos of both the front and back of the check. Make sure the endorsement is legible and fully visible in the photo. If the bank cannot read the signature, the deposit will be rejected, and you will have to resubmit or go to a branch.
ATM deposits work the same way — the machine scans the check and verifies that it has been endorsed. If the endorsement is missing or unclear, the ATM will reject it and return the check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my spouse?
Yes, if your spouse endorses it first. They sign the back, and then you can deposit it into your account, a joint account, or any account you have access to. Some banks may ask you to sign below their signature as well, but the payee's endorsement is the only required step.
What if the check is made out to a business and I am the owner?
You will need to endorse it in the business's name, then sign your name below. Write something like "ABC Plumbing, by [your name]" on the back. The bank may ask for additional documentation showing you are authorized to sign on behalf of the business, especially for large checks.
Can I deposit a check if the payee's signature does not match their ID?
The bank may question it, but minor differences are usually accepted. If the signature is very different from the name on the check, the payee should sign it the way it appears on the check front, not the way they normally sign. If there is still a mismatch, the bank may ask the payee to come in person to verify their identity.
What does "For deposit only" mean?
"For deposit only" is a restrictive endorsement that limits what can be done with the check. Once you write this phrase on the back along with your name, the check can only be deposited into an account in your name — it cannot be cashed at a store or another bank. This adds security if the check is lost or stolen.
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else if we have a joint account?
The payee still needs to endorse it, even if you share an account. The endorsement is what transfers ownership of the check to you. Once they sign the back, you can deposit it into the joint account or any other account you own.