How to endorse a check? – Endorsing a check is nothing but signing a check on the back. Banks need you to endorse a check before you deposit the check into your bank account so as to do a cash-in. However, there are different ways of endorsing a check, and it depends on the type of check you are using to cash in.
It also depends on how you deposit the check or how you want to use the money. It is important to endorse a check since it is necessary for the issuing bank or the financial institution to carry on the transfer of the funds associated with the check-in most cases.
In this day and age, endorsing a check has become one of the most done business activities. Hence, you must know how to endorse a check, or you are going to lag behind.
Since you are reading this article, chances are you want to learn how to endorse a check; if that is the case, then do not worry, as, through this article, I will be telling you the complete process in which you can successfully endorse a check.
What Does “Endorse A Check” Mean?
When you receive a check, you usually need to sign the back and cash or deposit it to the bank or mail it or ATM. Endorsing a check means signing it on the back. However, some people don’t know how to endorse a check because there are some other processes of endorsing a check.
It depends on what you want to do with the check and how the check is written. Before you understand how to endorse a check, it’s important to learn the basics of check endorsement and its types.
Types Of Check Endorsement
Here are different types of endorsements you should understand properly. After that, you will learn how to endorse a check for each type.
- Blank Endorsement: According to Huntington.com, “This is the least secure way to endorse a check, but it’s the most common. You do a blank endorsement by simply signing your name on the back of the check. Then, when you’re at the bank, you tell the teller if you want to cash it or deposit it.”
- Restrictive Endorsement: This is the most secure way to endorse a check. All you have to do here is write “For Deposit Only to Account Number xxxxxxxxxx.” Once you write that, you will need to sign your name below it. However, make sure that you write and sign within the endorsement area of the check.
- Third-Party Endorsement: This type of endorsement is useful when someone pays you with a check, and you are handing over the check to a third person for a payment that you owe to the latter. Although banks do not recommend this practice, you can still do it if it is really necessary. This type of endorsement check is usually suitable for paying contractors or service providers. Here you need to mention “Pay to the Order of,” followed by the name of the person or business in the endorsement area.
- Mobile Deposit Endorsement: Here, you are making a deposit by using your phone. Hence some banks will ask you to include the phrase “Mobile Deposit” on the check. However, there are some banks that allow other endorsement styles on mobile deposits as well. You will need to check with your bank and find out whether they have special rules for mobile endorsements. In this type of endorsement, you can remotely deposit your check. You need to write “For mobile deposit only” above your signature in the endorsement area.
Read Also: How To Write A Check- Step By Step Guide (2021)
Simple Steps On How To Endorse A Check
Since there are different types of endorsement, the steps may vary a little. For blank endorsement, only your signature is necessary. On the other hand, you may have to provide other details for other types of endorsement.
Step 1: Verify The Information Of The Check
First and foremost, you have to verify all the information provided in the check and ensure that they are correct. If the person who wrote the check made any mistake in spelling your name, you should return them and ask for another one with correct spelling. Again verify that the check includes all other essential information such as date, amount, signature, etc.
Step 2: Determine Who Should Endorse The Check
If there is only your name on the check, only your signature is required. However, if another name is mentioned with your name, the person may also need to sign on the back. If there is “and,” or symbol “&” between the two names, both of the persons need to sign on the back. If there is “or,” or symbol dash or slash, either of the persons can sign and cash the check.
Step 3: Find The Endorsement Area On The Back And Endorse It
After you verify the details and determine who should endorse the check, find the endorsement area on the backside of the check. Usually, you will get three or five grey lines where you have to endorse the check or provide other details if required. Don’t write anything below the solid line, which will be used for official use for processing the check.
Step 4: Only Sign Your Name If It’s A Blank Endorsement Check
Put your signature on the endorsement area and ensure that it is the same as the name on your ID or bank account. If it’s different, the bank official may reject the check. Ensure that the spelling is correct. If it’s a business check, mention the name of your business and sign your name below it.
Step 5: Provide Other Details If It’s Not A Blank Endorsement
For restricted endorsement, you need to mention: “For Deposit Only” on the top. Then you need to provide the account number where you want to deposit the check. Next, you need to sign as usual. If you are signing your check for a third party, you need to ensure it is from the bank first.
Since many banks refuse third-party checks, it’s crucial to ask the bank before you sign over it to someone else. For third-party endorsement, you need to mention “Pay to the Order of” at the top of the endorsement lines, followed by the name of the person below it, and finally, put your signature.
Step 6: Cash Or Deposit Your Check ASAP
Once you endorse the check, you should cash or deposit it as soon as possible. Otherwise, anyone who finds it can cash the check. So, it’s important to cash or deposit as soon as you endorse it. You have learned how to endorse a check step by step; take a look at some common questions related to the endorsement of a check.
Frequently Asked Questions!! (FAQs):
First of all, you need to sign the back of the check within the given area for endorsement. If you are endorsing it for someone else, you need to sign in the back and write: “Pay to the order of (name of the person).” Ensure that you write within the space provided for endorsement, don’t write anything below the line.
Unfortunately, someone else can cash your stimulus check if they get hold of it. However, there are exceptions, but you need to be careful about checks and ensure that they won’t reach the wrong address.
The answer is yes if your bank offers you a mobile app or the facilities for remote deposit. However, it’s better to deposit your check at your bank. If the situation is such that you don’t have any option except remote deposit, then go with it.
As mentioned above, the four main types of endorsements are as follows:
Blank Endorsement
Mobile Deposit Endorsement
Restrictive Endorsement
Special Endorsement
Apart from these, there are other types of endorsements, such as; qualified and conditional endorsement.
Wrapping Up
Have you learned how to endorse a check? – I hope the above information has helped you to learn how to endorse a check. Now use this guide to determine the right endorsement and review its purpose. Next time when you endorse a check, do it with confidence. Lastly, please share your thoughts on this post in the comments section.
Read Also:
I’ll immediately seize your rss as I can’t in finding your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me recognize so that I could subscribe. Thanks.