What to Write on the Back of a Check for Deposit?

Endorsing a check correctly ensures funds are legally transferred from the writer to the recipient. This process involves adding a signature and sometimes additional instructions to the back of the check. A proper endorsement is important for successful deposit and helps maintain security against fraud. It authorizes a financial institution to process the check and credit funds to an account.

Basic Endorsement Essentials

To endorse a check, sign the payee’s name on the back, within the designated endorsement area. The signature must precisely match the payee’s name as it appears on the front of the check. If the name on the check is misspelled, first sign it with the incorrect spelling, then immediately below, sign with the correct spelling. Using permanent blue or black ink is advisable to ensure legibility and prevent issues during processing.

Restrictive Endorsements for Security

For enhanced security, use a restrictive endorsement, which limits how a check can be used. The most common form is writing “For Deposit Only” above your signature on the back of the check. This instruction ensures the check can only be deposited into the payee’s account and cannot be cashed by anyone, even if lost or stolen. To further restrict the check’s use, include the account number where the check will be deposited, usually placed below the “For Deposit Only” phrase and your signature. This practice reduces the risk of unauthorized use.

Endorsing for Specific Deposit Methods

Endorsement requirements can vary depending on the method used for depositing a check. For mobile deposits, many financial institutions require specific phrasing such as “For Mobile Deposit Only” in addition to your signature and account number. It is important to verify the exact wording required by your bank’s mobile banking application, as these phrases can differ. When depositing a check at an ATM, the standard “For Deposit Only” alongside your signature and account number is generally sufficient. For in-person deposits with a bank teller, the conventional “For Deposit Only” endorsement, accompanied by your signature and account number, is appropriate.

Special Endorsement Situations

Certain situations require specific endorsement approaches to ensure proper processing. When a check is made out to multiple payees, the conjunction used between their names dictates who must endorse it. If “and” connects the names (e.g., “John AND Jane Doe”), both individuals must sign the check. If “or” is used (e.g., “John OR Jane Doe”), either person can endorse the check for deposit. For checks made out to a business, an authorized representative must endorse it by signing the business name exactly as it appears on the payee line, followed by the signer’s name and title, and including “For Deposit Only.” When a check is received by a minor, a parent or legal guardian needs to endorse it on the minor’s behalf by signing “For Deposit Only to the account of [Minor’s Name]” and the guardian’s signature, or by endorsing “Pay to the order of [Parent/Guardian’s Name]” followed by their own signature and “For Deposit Only.”