You have a check payable to you, but you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to deposit the check, or you don’t want to cash it yourself. Now what? Follow these steps on the process.
One of your options is to sign the check over to someone else. Because the check is currently payable to you, you’ll need to ensure that the third party and their bank can accept a signed-over check, also known as a “third-party check,” and endorse the check by signing the back of it.
The following steps detail the process of signing over a check to a third party:
1. Plan before endorsing a check to someone else.
You’ll need to designate who you’d like to sign your check over to. This could be another person, group of people, or a company. The process of cashing or depositing a third-party check can be tricky, so it’s important to carefully plan the transaction ahead of time.
2. Confirm the person/entity will accept a signed-over check.
Make sure to touch base with your choice recipient of the signed-over check and confirm that they are willing to accept the check. It is very important that both involved parties agree when moving through the process.
3. Ensure the person's/entity's bank will accept the check.
The person or entity that you choose to sign the check over to will need to ensure that their bank will accept the check, as a bank is not obligated to do so. This should be confirmed before the check is endorsed to avoid causing confusion with multiple signatures.
4. Sign the back of the check in the top section of the endorsem*nt area.
Every check has an area on the back that reads “Endorse Check Here.” This is where you will sign your name as it appears on the front of the check. Understanding how to properly endorse a check will create a smoother and more positive experience when signing over a check to someone else.
5. 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 endorsem*nt area under your signature. This signals to the bank that you are endorsing the transfer of ownership for the check.
6. Give the check to the third party to be cashed.
The check is now ready to be deposited by your designated third party. It is a good idea to accompany the third party to the bank when the check is deposited to provide proof of identification.
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FAQs
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 endorsem*nt area under your signature. This signals to the bank that you are endorsing the transfer of ownership for the check.
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else? ›
If you're depositing a check in someone else's name into your account: That person needs to endorse the check to allow you to deposit it. Generally, the person should write “Pay to the order of [Your Name]” on the back of the check and then sign it.
What is an example of endorsem*nt on a check? ›
If someone pays you with a check and you want to hand that check over to a third person for a payment that you owe them, then you can do this with an endorsem*nt. Write: Pay to the order of [Person's Name] Then sign the check.
How to cash a check with two names? ›
If a check is issued to two people, such as John and Jane Doe, the bank generally can require that the check be signed by both payees before it can be cashed or deposited. If a check is issued to John or Jane Doe, generally only one payee needs to sign the check.
How can I cash a check that is not in my name? ›
You can improve the odds of your bank accepting the check by having your friend come with you to the bank to provide the teller with identification and consent. Your friend will have to endorse the back of the check and write “pay to the order of” and your name on the endorsem*nt area.
How do I sign for someone else? ›
The signature format usually includes “pp” before the agent's signature to indicate that the signature is made on behalf of another person. For example, if John Doe is signing on behalf of Jane Smith, the signature line might read: “pp John Doe for Jane Smith”.
Which end of a check do you endorse? ›
Before depositing or cashing a check, you'll typically need to endorse it. This is done by signing the back in the designated area called the endorsem*nt box. Your signature indicates that you are the intended recipient of the funds and authorizes the bank to process the check.
Can I deposit a check with my child's name on it? ›
To deposit a check that was written to your child (a minor), please follow these steps: On the back of the check, print your child's name. After the name, add a hyphen and the word "minor." Beneath your child's name, print your name.
Can you endorse a tax refund check to someone else? ›
Government-issued checks require all payees listed to endorse the check by signing each of their names on the back of the check. If you receive a check made out to you and a joint filer, be sure to endorse the check with both of your names and deposit it into an account you hold jointly.
What do you write in a check to endorse 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 endorsem*nt area under your signature.
Final answer: A restrictive endorsem*nt on a check is the safest endorsem*nt for businesses because it limits the use of the check and ensures it is deposited into a designated account.
What is a simple example of an endorsem*nt? ›
A signature is an endorsem*nt. For example, when an employer issues a payroll check, it authorizes or endorses the transfer of money from the business account to the employee. The act of signing the check is considered an endorsem*nt, which serves as proof of the payer's intent to transfer funds to the payee.
How do I deposit a check made out to someone else? ›
This usually includes: Signing the check: The original payee should flip the check over and sign in the section on the back that says "Endorse Check Here," just as they would if depositing the check to their own account. Make sure they sign using the exact payee name on the front of the check.
Can I cash a check named to someone else? ›
Once someone signs a check over to another person, it becomes a third-party check. Banks can accept third-party checks for deposit or cash them, but they're not required to. If your bank has a no third-party checks policy, then you won't be able to deposit a check for someone else to your account.
Will Walmart cash a check with 2 peoples name on it? ›
Two-party personal checks are limited to $200 & have a maximum fee of $6.
What do you write on a check for someone else? ›
If you want to pay someone else with a check you've received, you can sign the back. Then, write "Pay to the order of" and the recipient's name. By doing that, you're transferring ownership of the check.
How do I endorse a check made out to a deceased person? ›
(i) An executor or administrator indorsing any such check must include, as part of the indorsem*nt, an indication of the capacity in which the executor or administrator is indorsing. An example would be: “John Jones by Mary Jones, executor of the estate of John Jones.”
