While some banks will accept a check that has been changed as long as the person who wrote the check initials the change, many banks are suspicious of this. It’s better to have the person write you another check. A valid check has a line at the bottom with the routing number and account number. If that line isn’t present, the bank will not be able to process the check.
The default rule is that a check with 2 or more names can be cashed or deposited individually by any of the people listed on the check. If the check says “or,” or includes ambiguous language or symbols (such as a dash or a slash), either of the people named can cash or deposit the check. If the check is written to you “℅” (meaning “care of”) someone else, only your signature is needed. They generally cannot cash or deposit the check without your signature. However, if you have a joint bank account, they may be able to deposit the check in that account on your behalf without your signature.
The bank needs the remaining blank space under the endorsement area to document the processing of the check. Make sure your signature doesn’t extend into that space, or the bank may refuse the check.
If you’re signing a business check, include the business’s name on the line above your name. You may also want to add your job title to show you are authorized to cash or deposit the check in the name of the company.
If you go to a bank to cash the check and you don’t have an account with that bank, you typically must show a government-issued photo ID. You may also have to provide a thumbprint for identification services. Check cashing services will charge you a fee to cash the check. Banks typically charge a fee as well, unless you have an account with that bank. If you don’t have a bank account, you may want to take this opportunity to open one, using the check is your initial balance. Otherwise, you can get the check cashed at a check-cashing service available at discount or grocery stores. You can also go to the bank that issued the check. That bank will have its name and logo printed on the front of the check.
This endorsement is effective if you’re mailing your check to the bank for deposit, or if you’re giving it to someone else to deposit on your behalf.
For example, if you have a checking account and a savings account, you would typically want to include the account number for the account you want to use. While you’ll also include this information on the deposit slip, it helps to also put it on the check in case the two get separated. Additionally, checks deposited using an ATM or a mobile app may not have deposit slips. Because it’s a security risk, if you’re traveling to the bank to deposit the check in person, wait until you get there to write your account number on the check.
You can place your account number below your name. The account number just tells the bank where to deposit the funds from the check. Some banks prefer that you put your account number under your name.
If you give the check to someone else to deposit for you, put the check in a sealed envelope only to be opened by the teller. Make sure the person taking the check to the bank for you is someone you trust. When using a mobile banking app to deposit your check, some banks require this restrictive endorsement. Without it, someone could take the check to another bank and attempt to cash it. [7] X Research source
Talk to the person you’re going to sign the check over to and find out what bank or check cashing service they plan to use to cash or deposit the check. Generally, the person will have better luck getting a third-party check accepted if they go to a bank where they have an account and present the check for deposit. You may also have to go with them to validate your signature.
When you do this, you’re effectively turning your check into a brand new check for another person. They person you sign your check over to will have to sign it as well.
Make sure you’ve spelled their name correctly, and that it matches their name as it appears on their government-issued photo ID or on their bank account.
Make sure you leave enough room for the other person to sign the check after you. If possible, leave room for any restrictive endorsements or other information they may want to add.
Some banks may be willing to call you and get your confirmation that you intended to transfer the check to the other person. You may also have to go to the bank with the person, especially if the check is for a large amount.
