You can deposit your brother's check into your account, but the bank will likely require his endorsement on the back
A check made out to your brother is legally his property. To deposit it into your account, your brother needs to sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above his signature. This is called a third-party endorsement. Once he does this, most banks will accept the deposit into your account.
The process is straightforward when both of you are present at the bank or when you can get the check signed before depositing it. However, many banks have become stricter about third-party checks in recent years due to fraud concerns. Some banks refuse them entirely, and others accept them only under specific conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Your brother must endorse the check by signing the back and writing "Pay to the order of [your name]" for you to deposit it legally into your account.
- Many banks now refuse third-party checks or accept them only if both the original payee and the depositor are present with ID.
- If your bank declines the check, your brother can deposit it into his own account and then transfer the money to you electronically.
- Some banks have no third-party check policy at all, so calling ahead to confirm your bank's rules saves time and frustration.
- A mobile check deposit (if your bank offers it) typically cannot process third-party checks, even if they are properly endorsed.
What your bank's policy actually is
Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch and ask directly: "Do you accept third-party checks?" The answer varies widely. Some banks accept them with proper endorsement. Others accept them only if both you and your brother show up together with government-issued ID. Still others refuse them completely, no exceptions.
If your bank does accept third-party checks, ask whether you can deposit by mobile app or whether you must go to a branch in person. Many banks that allow third-party checks require a teller to process them rather than accepting them through mobile deposit or ATM.
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks have moved toward stricter policies in the last five years. Credit unions vary—some accept third-party checks freely, others do not. The only way to know is to ask your specific institution.
How to endorse the check correctly
If your bank accepts third-party checks, the endorsement must be done right. Your brother should sign the back of the check in the designated endorsement area (usually a white box at the top of the back). Below his signature, he writes "Pay to the order of [your full name]." Then you sign below that line.
Do not write anything else on the back of the check. Do not have your brother write "For deposit only" or add account numbers—these can cause the bank to reject the check or delay processing. Keep the endorsement clean and straightforward.
Your brother should endorse the check as close to the deposit date as possible. A check endorsed weeks in advance can raise fraud flags. If the check sits around for more than a few days after endorsement, your brother may need to re-endorse it.
When your bank refuses the check
If your bank declines to accept the third-party check, the simplest solution is for your brother to deposit it into his own account first. Once the check clears (usually one to two business days), he can transfer the money to you via electronic transfer, Venmo, PayPal, or another payment app. This takes slightly longer but avoids the endorsement issue entirely.
Your brother can also ask the check issuer (the person or company who wrote the check) to issue a new check made out to you instead. This works if the check is recent and the issuer is willing. If the check is a refund or payment from a business, they usually have no problem reissuing it.
If your brother is out of state or unavailable to sign the check, neither of these options works. In that case, you cannot deposit the check into your account. Your brother must handle the deposit himself, either in person or by mailing the endorsed check to his bank if they offer remote deposit.
Red flags that may cause the bank to reject the check
Even with proper endorsement, a third-party check can be rejected if the bank suspects fraud. Common reasons include: the check is very old (more than six months), the amount is unusually large, the check appears altered or damaged, or the endorsement looks forged or inconsistent with the signature on the front.
If the check is from an unfamiliar source or if your account has had fraud issues in the past, the bank may hold the check for longer than usual or decline it outright. Banks are required to report suspicious activity, and third-party checks are inherently higher-risk in their eyes.
If the bank rejects the check, ask the teller for the specific reason. If it is a policy issue, you know the check cannot be deposited into your account. If it is a fraud concern, your brother may be able to resolve it by calling the check issuer or providing additional documentation.
Mobile deposit and third-party checks
If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, third-party checks almost always cannot be deposited this way. The app's system is designed to match the name on the check to the account holder's name. A check made out to your brother will be rejected by the mobile system, even if it is properly endorsed.
You must go to a branch in person or use an ATM deposit slot if your bank accepts third-party checks at all. The teller or ATM can verify the endorsement and confirm that the check is legitimate before accepting it. This is another reason to call ahead and confirm your bank's policy—you may need to plan a branch visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my brother signs the check but doesn't write "Pay to the order of [my name]"?
The check may still be accepted, but it is riskier. The bank may view it as incomplete or suspicious. To be safe, have your brother write both his signature and the "Pay to the order of" line. This makes the intent clear and reduces the chance of rejection.
Can I deposit a check made out to my brother if he is deceased?
No. A check made out to a deceased person cannot be deposited by anyone else, even with endorsement. The check issuer must be notified, and a new check may be issued to the estate or to whoever is authorized to handle the deceased person's finances. Contact the check issuer directly to explain the situation.
What if the check is made out to "my brother and me"?
If both names are on the check, your brother does not need to endorse it for you to deposit it into your account. You can deposit it as a joint payee. However, some banks require both payees to be present or to sign the check. Call your bank to confirm their policy on joint-payee checks.
Will depositing my brother's check affect my taxes or his?
Depositing a check into your account does not create a tax event for either of you. The money belongs to your brother, and he is responsible for reporting any income it represents. If the check is a gift or a loan repayment, there are no tax consequences. If it is income your brother earned, he reports it on his own tax return, not yours.
How long does a third-party check take to clear?
Third-party checks typically take the same time as regular checks—one to two business days for the funds to become available. However, some banks hold third-party checks longer (up to five business days) due to fraud concerns. Ask your bank what hold period applies to third-party checks in your account.