Depositing Your Son's Check Into Your Account: What You Need to Know

You can deposit your son's check in your account, but the bank may ask questions and the check may be rejected if your name isn't on it

Banks have different rules about third-party checks—checks made out to someone other than the account holder. Some banks accept them without issue. Others refuse them outright. A few will accept them only if the person whose name is on the check signs the back and writes your account number there. The safest approach is to call your bank before you try, because the answer depends on which bank you use and what their current policy is.

If your bank does accept it, the check will likely be held longer than a check made out to you directly—sometimes 5 to 10 business days instead of 1 to 3. This is because the bank is taking on extra risk: they have to verify that your son authorized the deposit and that the check is legitimate. If something goes wrong, they may reverse the deposit and charge you a fee.

The check itself may also be rejected by the bank that issued it. If your son's employer or the check writer sees that the check is being deposited into an account with a different name, they may flag it as potential fraud and refuse to honor it.

Key Takeaways

Call your bank before depositing a check made out to your son to find out whether they accept third-party checks and what their process is.
If your bank accepts the check, your son will likely need to sign the back and write your account number there.
Third-party checks are held longer than regular checks, often 5 to 10 business days, because banks verify them more carefully.
The check may be rejected by the issuing bank if they suspect fraud, even if your bank is willing to accept it.
If your son is a minor, your bank may have additional rules about who can sign checks on his behalf.

What happens when you sign the back of the check

When you deposit a third-party check, the person whose name is on the front (your son) must sign the back first. This signature tells the bank that he authorized you to deposit it. You then sign below his signature. Some banks also ask you to write your account number on the back so they can match the check to the right account.

Your son's signature is the critical piece. Without it, the bank will reject the check. If your son is a minor and cannot sign his name clearly, or if he is not present when you want to deposit the check, you may not be able to use this method. Some banks will not accept a signature from a minor at all, even with a parent present.

Keep in mind that once your son signs the back of the check, he is authorizing you to deposit it into your account specifically. He cannot sign it and then have you deposit it into someone else's account later.

Better alternatives to third-party deposits

If your bank refuses third-party checks or if the process seems complicated, there are simpler options. The most straightforward is to have your son deposit the check into his own bank account first, then transfer the money to you. This takes an extra day or two, but it avoids the third-party check issue entirely.

If your son does not have a bank account, you can open one for him. Many banks offer accounts for minors that are linked to a parent's account. Once the account is open, he can deposit his check there, and you can transfer money from his account to yours whenever you need it.

Another option is to ask whoever wrote the check to write a new check made out to you instead. This is straightforward if it is a personal check from someone you know, though it may not be possible if the check is from an employer or government agency.

What banks typically require for third-party checks

If your bank does accept third-party checks, they will usually ask for the following:

Your son's signature on the back of the check.
Your signature on the back of the check, below his.
Your account number written on the back of the check.
A valid ID from you (the account holder) at the time of deposit.
Sometimes a valid ID from your son as well, to verify his identity.

Some banks require all of these. Others require only a few. The teller at your bank can tell you exactly what they need before you attempt the deposit. If you are depositing by mobile app or ATM, third-party checks may not be an option at all—you may have to go into a branch in person.

Timing and hold periods for third-party checks

When you deposit a third-party check, the bank places a longer hold on it than it would on a check made out to you. A regular check might be available within 1 to 3 business days. A third-party check is often held for 5 to 10 business days, sometimes longer.

During the hold period, the money is not in your account and you cannot withdraw it. The bank is using this time to verify that the check is real and that your son actually authorized the deposit. If the check bounces or is flagged as fraudulent, the bank will reverse the deposit and may charge you a fee—even if you have already spent the money.

Do not count on the money being available quickly. If you need the funds right away, a third-party check is not a reliable option.

When banks refuse third-party checks

Many banks have stopped accepting third-party checks altogether because of fraud risk. If your bank is one of them, you will not be able to deposit your son's check into your account no matter what you do. The teller will straightforward refuse it.

This policy is more common at larger national banks than at smaller regional banks or credit unions, but it varies. The only way to know is to ask. If your bank refuses, you have two choices: use one of the alternatives listed above, or open an account at a bank that does accept third-party checks and deposit it there.

Some banks will accept a third-party check only if the person whose name is on the check is also a customer of that bank. If your son banks somewhere else, this rule may explore to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my son is a minor and cannot sign his name?

Most banks will not accept a third-party check signed by a minor, even with a parent present. Your best option is to have your son deposit the check into his own account (if he has one) or to ask the check writer to issue a new check made out to you instead.

Can I deposit the check without my son's signature?

No. Banks require the signature of the person whose name is on the check as proof that they authorized the deposit. Without it, the check will be rejected. Forging his signature is illegal.

What happens if the check bounces after I deposit it?

The bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. If you have already spent it, you will owe the bank the amount of the check. You may also be charged a fee for the bounced check, typically $15 to $35.

Can I deposit a check made out to my son if I have power of attorney?

Power of attorney does not automatically allow you to deposit checks made out to your son. You would still need his signature on the back of the check. If your son is incapacitated and cannot sign, you may need to work with the bank's legal department and provide a copy of the power of attorney document, but this process varies by bank and is not may provide to work.

Is it faster to deposit the check at an ATM instead of going inside the bank?

Most ATMs do not accept third-party checks at all. You will almost certainly need to go inside the bank and speak to a teller. Bring your ID, your son's ID, and the check with both signatures on the back.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.