You can deposit someone else's check into your account, but only if they sign the back first
A check made out to someone else can go into your bank account, but the person whose name is on the check must sign the back of it first. This signature is called an endorsement. Without it, your bank will refuse the deposit. The person endorsing the check is telling the bank they give you permission to deposit it on their behalf.
The process is straightforward: the check owner signs their name on the back, you sign your name below theirs, and you deposit it normally at an ATM or teller window. Some banks will ask you to write "for deposit only" above the signatures as an extra security step. Your bank may also ask to see the ID of the person who signed the check, especially if the amount is large.
This arrangement is called a third-party check because three parties are involved: the person who wrote the check, the person it was written to, and you (the person depositing it). It is legal and common, but not all banks accept them anymore.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name appears on the check must sign the back of it before you can deposit it into your account.
- You will need to sign below their signature, and some banks require you to write "for deposit only" on the check as well.
- Many banks have stopped accepting third-party checks because of fraud risk, so call your bank first to confirm they will take one.
- If your bank refuses the check, the original recipient can deposit it themselves and then transfer the money to you through a bank transfer or payment app.
Why banks are stricter about third-party checks now
Ten years ago, third-party checks were routine. Today, many banks refuse them entirely. The reason is fraud. A check can be forged, altered, or stolen, and a bank that accepts a third-party check has less ability to verify that the original recipient actually authorized the deposit. If something goes wrong, the bank's liability becomes unclear.
Large banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have largely stopped accepting third-party checks. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to take them, but policies vary widely. Some will accept them only from members of their own institution. Others will accept them only if the amount is under a certain threshold, like $500.
The safest assumption is that your bank will not accept a third-party check. Before you ask someone to endorse a check for you, contact your bank directly and ask whether they accept third-party deposits. If they do, ask what documentation they need — usually a photo ID from the person signing the check.
How to endorse a check correctly
The person whose name is on the check should sign the back in the white space at the bottom. They should sign their name exactly as it appears on the front of the check. If the name on the check is "Robert J. Martinez" but they usually go by "Bob," they should still sign "Robert J. Martinez."
Below their signature, you write your own name and account number. Some banks ask you to write "for deposit only" and your account number instead of your full signature. This limits what can be done with the check if it is lost or stolen — it can only be deposited into that specific account.
Do not write anything else on the check. Do not cross out or alter the front of the check. If you make a mistake on the back, ask your bank what to do before you try to deposit it. A check with corrections or unclear writing may be rejected.
What to do if your bank refuses the check
If your bank will not accept a third-party check, the person whose name is on the check can deposit it into their own account instead. Once the money clears (usually one to three business days), they can send it to you through a bank transfer, a payment app like Venmo or PayPal, or a check written from their account.
This is actually safer for both of you. The original recipient's bank will verify their identity and signature, which reduces the risk of fraud. The money will be in their account before they send it to you, so there is no risk of the check bouncing after they have already given you the funds.
If the person who received the check is not available or unwilling to deposit it themselves, you can ask your bank whether they will make an exception. Some banks will accept a third-party check if you bring in the original recipient's photo ID along with your own. But do not count on this — policies vary, and the answer is often no.
Third-party checks versus other ways to move money
If you regularly need to deposit checks that are not in your name, consider whether a different method might work better. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives you the authority to handle someone else's financial matters, including depositing their checks. This requires a lawyer and is usually only worth it if you are managing finances for a parent or relative long-term.
For one-time or occasional transfers, a bank transfer or payment app is usually faster and simpler than dealing with a third-party check. The person with the check deposits it into their own account, waits for it to clear, and then sends the money to you electronically. This takes a few days but avoids the risk of your bank refusing the check.
If you are receiving checks regularly from the same source — for example, a family member or a business partner — ask whether they can write the check in your name instead. This solves the problem entirely and is the simplest option for everyone.
What happens if you try to deposit a check without endorsement
If you try to deposit a check that is not in your name and has not been signed by the original recipient, your bank will reject it when ready. The teller or ATM will not process it. You will need to go back to the person whose name is on the check and ask them to sign the back.
If the check is deposited through an ATM and the bank later discovers it was not properly endorsed, the deposit may be reversed. The money will be taken back out of your account, and you may face overdraft fees if your balance goes negative as a result. This is why it is important to confirm with your bank that they accept third-party checks before you attempt the deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my business if I own the business?
Not into your personal account. A check made out to your business name must be deposited into a business account. If you do not have one, you will need to open one at your bank. Some banks allow sole proprietors to deposit business checks into a personal account if the business is not registered as a separate entity, but policies vary — ask your bank first.
What if the check is made out to two people?
Both people whose names appear on the check must sign the back. If the check says "John Smith and Jane Doe," both John and Jane need to endorse it. If it says "John Smith or Jane Doe," usually only one signature is needed, but confirm with your bank because policies differ.
Can I deposit a check if the person who signed it is not present?
Yes, as long as they have already signed the back. You do not need them to be there when you deposit it. However, your bank may ask to see their photo ID to confirm they are the person who signed the check, so it helps if they can provide that information beforehand.
Will depositing someone else's check affect my taxes?
Not by itself. Depositing a check is not a taxable event. However, if the money is a gift, it may have tax implications for the person who gave it to you depending on the amount and your relationship — they should consult a tax professional if the amount is very large. If it is payment for work or services, it may be taxable income for you.
What if the person who signed the check wants the money back?
Once the check clears and the money is in your account, it is yours. The person who endorsed the check cannot reverse the transaction through the bank. If there is a dispute about whether the money was a loan or a gift, that is a personal matter between you and them, not something the bank can resolve.