You can deposit someone else's check, but the account owner must sign the back
Yes, you can deposit a check made out to someone else into your bank account — but only if that person signs the back of the check first. This signature is called an endorsement, and it transfers their right to the money to you. Without it, the bank will reject the deposit.
The person whose name is on the check must write their signature on the back, usually in a designated area near the top. Some banks also ask them to write "Pay to the order of" followed by your name, though a signature alone is often enough. After they sign, you can deposit it using your bank's mobile app, at an ATM, or by visiting a branch in person.
This situation comes up often: a family member receives a check meant for a shared expense, a friend pays you back by check, or someone gives you a check as a gift. The endorsement requirement exists because the bank needs proof that the original payee authorized the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name appears on the check must sign the back before you can deposit it into your account.
- The signature should go on the back of the check, usually in a space marked for endorsement near the top.
- Some banks require the signer to write "Pay to the order of" and your name, while others accept a signature alone — ask your bank if you are unsure.
- Once endorsed, you can deposit the check through your bank's app, at an ATM, or at a branch.
- If the check is made out to multiple people, all of them may need to sign, depending on how their names appear on the check.
What happens if the check is made out to two people
If the check says "Pay to the order of John Smith and Jane Doe," both people usually need to sign the back. The word "and" means both names must endorse it before either one can deposit it anywhere. This protects the bank and ensures both people agreed to the transfer.
If the check says "Pay to the order of John Smith or Jane Doe," either person can sign alone and deposit it. The word "or" gives each person independent authority. If you are unsure which word appears on the check, look at the line where the payee names are printed.
When both signatures are required, you and the other person need to be in the same place at the same time, or one of you can sign and then pass it to the other. Once both have signed the back, either of you can take it to the bank to deposit.
Why banks require endorsements
An endorsement is a legal record that the original payee transferred the check to you. Without it, a bank cannot be sure the check was not stolen or forged. If a dispute arises later — for example, if the original payee claims they never authorized the transfer — the endorsement protects the bank by showing they followed proper procedure.
The endorsement also protects you. If you deposit a check without the payee's signature and the bank later discovers the problem, the deposit can be reversed and the money taken back from your account. Getting the signature upfront prevents this headache.
How to endorse a check safely
Ask the person to sign their name on the back of the check, in the blank area near the top. They should use the same name that appears on the front of the check — if it says "John Smith," they should sign "John Smith," not "J. Smith" or a nickname.
If your bank requires it, have them also write "Pay to the order of" followed by your name. For example: "Pay to the order of Maria Garcia." This makes the transfer explicit and leaves no room for confusion about who the check is intended for.
Once they have signed, do not let the check sit around unsigned. Deposit it within a few days. If the check is lost or stolen after the endorsement, someone else could potentially cash it, so treat an endorsed check like cash.
What to do if the payee is not available
If the person whose name is on the check lives far away or is hard to reach, you have a few options. You can ask them to sign the back and mail it to you, or you can visit them in person with the check and have them sign it there. Some people also use video calls to witness the signature, though this is less common and not all banks accept it.
If the person is unwilling to sign, you cannot deposit the check into your account. Your only option would be to ask them to deposit it into their own account and then transfer the money to you through a bank transfer, a payment app, or cash. This takes longer but avoids the endorsement issue entirely.
Checks made out to a business or organization
If the check is made out to a company, nonprofit, or other organization rather than a person, the rules are different. You cannot deposit it into your personal bank account. The check must be deposited into an account belonging to that organization, and usually only someone with authority to handle the organization's money — like a manager or treasurer — can endorse it.
If you received a check meant for a business you work for, bring it to the person who handles finances at your workplace. If it is a nonprofit check, contact the executive director or board treasurer. They will know the proper procedure for depositing organizational checks.
Mobile deposit and third-party checks
Most banks allow you to deposit a third-party check (a check made out to someone else) using their mobile app, as long as it is properly endorsed. The process is the same: the payee signs the back, and you photograph the front and back of the check using your phone.
Some banks have stricter rules and may not accept third-party checks through mobile deposit, even with an endorsement. If you are unsure whether your bank allows it, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or check your bank's website. If mobile deposit does not work, you can always visit a branch or ATM in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I deposit a check without the payee's signature?
The bank will reject the deposit and return the check to you. You will need to get the payee's signature on the back before you can try again. If you deposited it through a mobile app, the rejection may take a few days to process.
Can I write "Pay to the order of" myself if the payee forgets?
No. Only the person whose name is on the check can write that phrase. If they forget to include it, their signature alone is usually enough, but if your bank requires the full endorsement, you will need to ask them to sign again with the phrase included.
What if the payee's signature does not match the name on the check?
Some banks will still accept it, especially if the difference is minor (like "John" instead of "Jonathan"). Others may reject it. If you are worried about a mismatch, call your bank before depositing to ask whether they will accept it.
Can I deposit a check made out to my business into my personal account?
No. Business checks must go into a business bank account. Depositing business income into a personal account can create tax and legal problems. If you own the business, open a business account and deposit business checks there.
Is there a limit to how many times a check can be endorsed?
Legally, a check can be endorsed multiple times, but most banks will not accept a check that has been endorsed by more than one person beyond the original payee. If a check has multiple endorsements on the back, your bank may reject it or ask questions about where it came from.