Can someone deposit a check for me without my signature?

Asked by: Norene Beer PhD  |  Last update: May 6, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (7 votes)

A check may be deposited into the account of a payee without a signature endorsing it if the person making the deposit makes a restrictive endorsement. Most banks allow anyone to deposit a check using these endorsements – usually qualified as “For Deposit Only” on the back of the check with the payee's name.

What happens if I deposit an unsigned check?

The bank will charge the depositor's account and the depositor will be in no worse or better position than if the check was returned to the maker for signature. The only expense incurred is the charge of the bank for returning the check.

Does for deposit only require signature?

If you write “for deposit only” on the back of a check made out to you and then sign your name, the check can only be deposited in your account. This is called a “restrictive indorsement,” and it should prevent you or any other person from cashing the check.

Can someone deposit a check for me?

You can have someone else deposit a check for you. It is a legal and acceptable practice, but it must be handled properly. Ideally, this means that the check should include the payee's signature as well as the words “For Deposit Only.”

Can I deposit a check endorsed by someone else?

Don't endorse a check with just your signature and no further instructions until you're ready to cash or deposit it. A check that's endorsed this way becomes negotiable, which means it can be cashed or deposited by anyone who presents it to the bank, even if that person isn't the payee.

How can I cash a check that's not in my name?

24 related questions found

Can I deposit my daughter's check into my account?

If you plan to deposit the check into your own bank account, you'll typically need to sign your child's name on the back of the check followed by the word “minor” — and then endorse it with your signature right below the minor's name. You may also need to include additional information like your account number.

What happens if I don't endorse a check?

If a bank employee catches it then typically they would call you and ask you to come in to sign the check. If they can't get a hold of you they would probably mail it back to you. There is a chance that they won't catch in which case it would just be deposited into your account like any other check.

Can someone cash a check not in their name?

Cashing a check for someone else at the bank

Ask the person who the check is from if their bank will allow you to sign a check over to someone else. Check with the person who is depositing the check if their bank will accept a check that has been signed over. If so, sign your name on the back of the check.

Can someone steal my check and cash it?

Check fraud occurs when someone steals your actual checks or reproduces them and is then able to cash those checks, pulling money right out of your bank account.

How do you deposit a two party check without the other person?

Quick answer: If a check with two names says “and,” on the "pay to the order of line" then everyone has to endorse the check. Otherwise, any party named on the check can deposit it into his or her individual bank account.

How do you endorse a check to someone else?

Write “Pay to the Order of” and the Third Party's Name Below Your Signature. It's important to write the name of the person that you are signing the check over to in the endorsement area under your signature. This signals to the bank that you are endorsing the transfer of ownership for the check.

Can I mobile deposit a check that is not in my name?

Deposit or cash the check

Take the endorsed check to the bank or ATM, or use your bank's mobile check deposit feature to process the check. It may be helpful to have the other person at the bank with you when you deposit the check to help verify their identity.

Can my husband deposit a check for me?

If the check is issued to two people, such as John and Jane Doe, the bank or credit union generally can require that the check be signed by both of them before it can be cashed or deposited. If the check is issued to John or Jane Doe, generally either person can cash or deposit the check.

Can someone deposit a check for me without my signature Wells Fargo?

According to Wells Fargo: “We'll only accept cash deposits into your Wells Fargo Consumer checking or savings accounts if it is coming from an account owner or authorized signer.” Customers will need to present valid identification to make cash deposits to their account.

Can my wife deposit her check into my account?

Even if your husband's name is on your bank account he must still endorse a check with his signature before you can deposit or cash the check. His signature acts as a form of approval giving you permission to use the check.

Can my wife cash a check in my name?

It's incredibly difficult to cash a check made out to another person even if that person is your husband. Generally, banks will only cash checks for the payee shown on the face of the check, upon producing proper ID. It's easier to cash the check when you have a joint bank account.

How do you endorse a check without endorsement?

Sometimes you may receive a check that has no endorsement line or box on the back. That doesn't invalidate the check. Simply sign in the usual spot you would on the back and deposit it as you normally would.

How do you endorse a check for deposit only?

The most secure way to endorse a check is to:
  1. Write: “For Deposit Only to Account Number XXXXXXXXXX”
  2. Sign your name below that, but still within the endorsement area of the check.

Can you mobile deposit a 2 party check?

Choose an account both you and the other person share, if possible. It's the simplest way to handle the check. Since both names are on the account, the bank accepts the check automatically. Many banks and credit unions also let you deposit joint checks through mobile apps or ATMs this way.

How do you cash a third party check without the other person?

What You'll Need. Gather two forms of photo identification. The most important part of cashing a third party check without a personal account is proving you are the person whose name is written on the check. To do this, the bank or check cashing place will usually ask for at least two forms of picture identification.

Can I mobile deposit a third party check?

Due to a new banking regulation, all checks deposited via a mobile service must include: “For Mobile Deposit Only” handwritten below your signature in the endorsement area on the back of the check or the deposit may be rejected.

Can someone else cash my check for me at Walmart?

Can Someone Else Cash my Check for me at Walmart? The short answer is no! The check requires your endorsement, and you will need to show your government-issued photo ID. That means you can't send someone else to cash a check for you.

Can you deposit a check on cash App?

To deposit a check using Cash App:

Open Cash App on your Android or iOS device. Tap on your balance in the bottom left corner of Cash App. Scroll down and tap on the option to deposit a check. Enter a dollar amount of the deposit that you'd like to make.

What happens if someone else deposit your check?

As long as the phrase 'for deposit only' is present on the check, or it is endorsed with the signature of the payee, you shouldn't be faced with any problems when depositing this check for someone else. This will be bank-dependent since individual banks will make their own policies.

Who is responsible if a check is stolen and cashed?

It is often the case that a stolen check will be taken to a bank to be cashed. There are no federal laws specific to a bank's responsibility to guarantee that the person presenting the check for payment is the legitimate recipient of the funds.