Depositing a check is an essential skill for managing your money. While the basics of depositing a check are easy to master, certain situations can be a bit more complicated. One of those is depositing a check for someone else.
Here’s what you need to know about how to deposit a check for someone else into that person’s account or your own.
Can you deposit a check for someone else?
Many financial institutions will allow you to deposit a check made payable to someone else into your bank account or someone else’s account. Maybe a family member can’t make the deposit or a friend doesn’t have a bank account, for example.
However, check with the bank if it’s your first time trying to deposit someone else. Ask about the process to make sure you follow any specific rules.
Explain that you intend to deposit a check for someone else, and find out whether you both need to be present. Ask whether the other person needs to note anything on the back of the check and whether the bank requires ID from that person to verify who is signing over the check.
Steps to deposit a check for someone else
If your bank allows you to make deposits for someone else, you’ll follow these procedures:
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.
But check with the bank to make sure you are handling the check properly. Processes for endorsing a check so that you can deposit it into your account can vary by financial institution.
If you’re depositing a check for someone into that person’s account: If possible, get a deposit slip from the person who wants you to deposit the check. The person can fill out the deposit slip and sign the check, and everything should go smoothly at the bank. If you can’t get a deposit slip, you can have the person write “for deposit only” and the account number on the back of the check, and then sign it.
Potential complications in depositing a check for another person
The biggest issue when it comes to depositing a third-party check — a check signed over to someone else — is fraud. After all, a criminal can easily take a check and write “Pay to the order of [themselves]” on the back while forging a signature.
This is why banks may take a closer look at these types of deposits and in some cases reject them according to their policies. Sometimes, a bank may require the endorser of the check to be present during the deposit to verify the signature.
Other complications could arise if the payer isn’t trustworthy. Depositing a check from someone you don’t know can be risky because the check can bounce. To be safe, wait five days for the check to clear before using the funds.
Types of checks you can deposit for others
The type of check that will usually cause you the fewest problems to deposit for someone else is a cashier’s check. As this check is backed by the issuing bank, it is considered as good as cash and should be readily accepted by your bank.
Personal checks are also usually not a problem, especially if they are in the same name as the account holder. Many banks accept third-party checks as well but set special requirements to meet.
Alternatives to depositing a check for someone else
There are a few alternatives when it comes to depositing a check for someone else. The most obvious is to have the payer write you a new check in your name, eliminating any extra steps on your part and ensuring no difficulty in depositing the check.
If you are depositing a check for someone else in that person’s name, you may be able to mail the check to the bank. You may also be able to use a mobile app for deposit, although you’ll need the recipient’s bank information.
Another option may be for the other person to handle the deposit and then send money to you using a payment app such as Zelle or Venmo or setting up an ACH bank transfer. Someone without a bank account could try taking the check to a branch of the bank that issued it, use a check-cashing store, or visit a retailer with check-cashing services.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If a bank refuses this type of deposit, there’s not much you can do other than ask why the check was refused and what you can do to make the deposit successfully. If the bank’s policy is not to accept third-party checks, you might not have any options. But if the check’s endorsem*nt uses the wrong language or if the check is missing a signature, for example, these types of problems can be fixed with a new check.
Many banks and credit unions accept third-party checks these days, but some may not, as each bank sets its own rules. You’ll have to ask an individual institution about its specific policies.
You can deposit a check for someone else using a mobile bank app, but you’ll need the person’s account information. Typically, when making a mobile deposit, you have to log in to the bank account, take pictures of the front and back of the check, and indicate the amount being deposited. If you don’t know the recipient’s login information, you can’t proceed.
If you follow bank policies, you won’t face penalties for depositing someone else’s check. Generally, the worst-case scenario would be that the check is refused. However, you could be liable for criminal fraud if you forge the signature on a check or otherwise try to deposit a check that wasn’t meant for you.
