Endorsing a check simply means signing the back so it can be deposited or cashed. There are three ways to do it, and the right one depends on how secure you want to be. Here’s how to endorse a check.
| Time | Under 1 minute |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| You’ll need | The check and a pen |
| Where | The back, in the “Endorse Here” area |
Where to endorse a check
Flip the check over. On one end you’ll see a short section of lines, often labeled “Endorse Here” with a note not to write below a certain line. All of your endorsement must stay in that small area.
The three ways to endorse a check
- Blank endorsement — just your signature. Sign your name exactly as it appears on the front. This is the quickest, but the least secure: once signed, almost anyone holding the check could deposit it, so only do this at the moment of deposit.
- Restrictive endorsement — the safest. Write “For Deposit Only,” add your account number, then sign. This limits the check to being deposited into your account, even if it’s lost.
- Special endorsement — sign it over to someone else. Write “Pay to the order of [their name],” then sign below. Now only that person can deposit or cash it (if their bank allows third-party checks).
FAQ
How do I endorse a check for mobile deposit?
Sign the back and, where your bank requires it, add “For mobile deposit only at [bank name].” Then photograph the front and back in the app.
What if my name is spelled wrong on the check?
Sign it once the way it’s misspelled on the front, then sign again with the correct spelling just below. Banks accept this.
What is the safest way to endorse a check?
A restrictive endorsement — writing “For Deposit Only” with your account number and your signature — because it can only be deposited into your account.
