You can deposit someone else's check into your account, but the check must be signed over to you first
A check made out to another person can go into your account only if that person signs the back of the check and writes your name on it — a process called endorsement. The person whose name is on the front of the check must do this in person or send you the signed check by mail. You cannot deposit a check that is made out to someone else without their signature on the back, even if you have permission to use their account.
Banks treat this as a security measure. The signature proves the original payee authorized the money to move to you. Without it, the bank has no way to know the check wasn't stolen or forged.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name appears on the front of the check must sign the back and write your name there before you can deposit it.
- Some banks will not accept third-party checks (checks signed over to you by someone else), so call your bank first to confirm they do.
- If the check is made out to both you and another person, you both need to sign the back, and you may both need to be present at the bank.
- A safer alternative is to have the original payee deposit the check into their own account and then transfer the money to you electronically.
How to endorse a check to someone else
The person whose name is printed on the front of the check should turn it over and sign their name on the back, just as they normally would to cash or deposit it. Below their signature, they write "Pay to the order of" followed by your name. You then sign below that line.
Some banks ask you to write your account number on the back as well. When you arrive at the bank to deposit it, bring your ID and the check. The teller will verify the signatures and process the deposit.
Banks that may refuse third-party checks
Many banks have stopped accepting third-party checks — checks that have been signed over to you by someone else. This is because third-party checks carry higher fraud risk and are more expensive for banks to process. Before you ask someone to sign a check over to you, call your bank and ask whether they accept third-party deposits.
If your bank does not accept them, you have other options. The original payee can deposit the check into their own account and then send you the money through a transfer, a wire, or a payment app like Venmo or PayPal. This is often faster and safer anyway.
What happens if a check is made out to two people
If the check says "Pay to the order of [Name 1] and [Name 2]," both people must sign the back. Some banks require both people to be present at the time of deposit. If the check says "Pay to the order of [Name 1] or [Name 2]," usually only one signature is needed, but confirm with your bank first.
If you are one of the two names and the other person is not available, ask your bank whether they will accept a notarized letter from the other person authorizing the deposit. Not all banks will, so do not count on this option.
Why electronic transfer is often the better choice
Rather than endorsing a check, the simpler path is usually to have the original payee deposit the check into their own account and then transfer the money to you. This takes a few minutes and avoids the complications of third-party checks altogether.
Most banks offer free transfers between accounts held by different people, either through their own system or through a service like Zelle, which is built into many banks' apps. The money usually arrives the same day or within one business day. This method also creates a clear record of the transaction, which can be useful if there are ever questions about where the money came from.
Checks made out to a business or organization
If a check is made out to a business name or a nonprofit organization, you cannot deposit it into a personal bank account under any circumstances. The check must go into an account registered under that business or organization's name. If you are the owner or authorized representative, you will need to open a business account or have the organization's account set up first.
If you received a check made out to a business that no longer exists or that you no longer run, contact the person or company that issued the check and ask them to issue a new one in your personal name instead.
What to do if the check is already deposited without endorsement
If you deposited a check made out to someone else without their signature on the back, the bank may reject it during processing. This can happen days after you deposit it, and the check will be returned to the person who issued it. If this happens, ask the original payee to sign the check and try again.
If the check has already been processed and the money is in your account, the bank may later discover the missing endorsement and reverse the deposit. This is rare but possible, so do not spend the money until you are certain the deposit has cleared — usually three to five business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else if I have power of attorney?
Power of attorney does not automatically allow you to deposit checks made out to someone else into your own account. You would need the person to endorse the check to you, or you would need a separate power of attorney document that specifically authorizes you to deposit checks on their behalf. Even then, many banks will only allow you to deposit into an account held jointly with that person or into an account you manage on their behalf.
What if someone signs a blank check and gives it to me?
A blank check signed by someone else is risky for both of you. If you fill in your name and deposit it, the bank may question whether you had permission to write in that amount. It is better to have the person write the check out to you specifically, sign it, and give it to you that way. This creates a clear record of their intent.
Can I take a picture of a check and deposit it if it is signed over to me?
Yes, most banks allow mobile check deposit through their app. You photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. The check must still be properly endorsed on the back with the original payee's signature and your name. After you submit it, do not spend or deposit the physical check again — that is considered check fraud.
What if the person who needs to sign the check lives far away?
They can sign the back of the check, write your name, and mail it to you. When it arrives, you sign below their signature and deposit it. Alternatively, they can deposit the check into their own account and transfer the money to you electronically, which is faster and does not depend on mail delivery.
Do I need to tell my bank if I am depositing checks on behalf of someone else regularly?
If you are depositing checks made out to someone else on a regular basis, it is a good idea to let your bank know. Banks monitor accounts for unusual activity, and repeated third-party deposits might trigger a review. Letting them know in advance prevents your account from being flagged or frozen while they investigate.