You can mobile deposit a check made out to someone else, but only if that person signs the back and gives you permission
When you deposit a check using your phone, the bank processes it the same way it would at a teller window. That means the same rules apply: the check must be signed by the person whose name is on it. If a check is written to someone else, that person has to sign the back first—this is called endorsing the check. Without their signature, your bank will reject the deposit.
The person who owns the check can endorse it to you by writing "Pay to the order of [your name]" on the back, then signing below that. Some banks accept a simpler endorsement—just a signature—but the formal version is safer and clearer. Either way, you need their actual signature, not a text message saying it's okay.
After they endorse it, you can photograph both sides of the check with your phone and submit it through your bank's mobile app. The process works exactly like depositing a check in your own name, except the bank will see two names on the back instead of one.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name appears on the check must sign the back of it before you can deposit it, even through mobile deposit.
- A proper endorsement reads "Pay to the order of [your name]" followed by their signature, though some banks accept a signature alone.
- You cannot deposit a check made out to someone else without their knowledge or permission—the bank requires their actual signature.
- Once endorsed, you photograph both sides of the check and deposit it through your bank's app like any other check.
- Some banks have limits on third-party checks or may require the original person to be present, so check your bank's specific rules first.
Why banks require the original person's signature
The signature on the back of a check is a legal record that the person who received the check authorized you to deposit it. Without it, the bank has no proof the money was meant to reach your account. If something goes wrong—if the check bounces, if the original payer disputes it, or if the check turns out to be fraudulent—the bank needs to know that the person named on the front agreed to pass it along.
This rule exists to protect both you and the bank. It prevents someone from depositing a check that was never meant for them and then disappearing when the check fails to clear.
What happens if the bank rejects the deposit
If you submit a mobile deposit of a third-party check and the endorsement is missing or unclear, your bank will reject it. The rejection usually happens within one to three business days. You'll see a notification in your app saying the deposit failed, and the funds won't appear in your account.
At that point, you need to get the check back to the person who received it, have them sign it properly, and resubmit. Some banks let you resubmit the same check through the app. Others require you to start over. Check your bank's app or call customer service to find out the next step after a rejection.
Banks that limit or don't accept third-party checks
Some banks have stopped accepting third-party checks altogether, either in person or through mobile deposit. Others accept them but only under certain conditions—for example, only if the original person is present, or only if the check is from a government agency or employer.
Before you ask someone to endorse a check to you, contact your bank and ask whether they accept third-party mobile deposits. You can call the number on the back of your debit card, check your bank's website, or ask in the app's help section. If your bank doesn't accept them, you'll need to have the original person deposit the check into their own account and then transfer the money to you another way—through a transfer app, wire, or cash withdrawal.
Alternatives if your bank won't accept the check
If your bank rejects third-party checks or you want to avoid the hassle, there are other ways to get the money. The simplest is to have the person deposit the check into their own account and then send you the money through a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own transfer service. This usually takes one to two business days and costs nothing.
Another option is to go to the bank that issued the check—the bank name appears on the front of the check—and ask if they will cash it for you. Some banks will cash a third-party check at the teller window if you have ID and the person who received it is present. This is less common now, but it's worth asking.
If the check is from an employer or government agency, you could also ask the original person to request a replacement check in your name instead. This takes longer but avoids the endorsement issue entirely.
How to endorse a check correctly
If you're the one receiving a check and want to pass it to someone else, write on the back of the check in the endorsement area—usually a blank strip near the top of the back. Write "Pay to the order of [the other person's full name]" and then sign your name below it. Use pen, not pencil, so the signature doesn't smudge or fade.
Some people skip the "Pay to the order of" line and just sign the back. Many banks accept this, but it's less formal and can sometimes cause confusion. The full endorsement is clearer and more likely to be accepted without questions.
Do not write the other person's name for them or sign their name. They must sign it themselves. If they're not present, you can endorse it and give them the check to sign, or you can photograph it and send them the image so they can sign their copy before you deposit it.
What to do if you're unsure about your bank's rules
The safest move is to ask your bank directly before you try to deposit a third-party check. Most banks have a customer service line, a chat feature in the app, or a branch you can visit. Tell them: "I want to deposit a check made out to someone else. Can I do that through mobile deposit, and what do I need to do?"
They'll tell you whether your bank accepts third-party checks, what kind of endorsement they need, and whether there are any other requirements. This takes five minutes and saves you from submitting a deposit that will just be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my spouse or family member?
Yes, as long as they endorse it first. The rules are the same whether the check is from a family member or a stranger. They sign the back, you photograph it, and you deposit it through your app. Some banks may have additional rules for checks made out to multiple people, so check with your bank if the check says "and" or "or" between two names.
What if the check is made out to a business and I'm the owner?
If the check is made out to your business name and you're depositing it into a personal account, you'll need to endorse it just like any third-party check. If you have a business account, you can usually deposit it directly without endorsement. Ask your bank which account to use and whether you need to sign the back.
Can I mobile deposit a check if the person who received it is out of the country?
Yes. They can endorse the check and send you a photo of the signed back, or they can mail it to you already signed. As long as their signature is on the back when you photograph it for mobile deposit, your bank will process it the same way. Just make sure the signature is clear and legible in the photo.
What if the check bounces after I deposit it?
If the check bounces, your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the funds from your account. You'll owe the bank any overdraft fees if the reversal brings your balance negative. You'll need to contact the person who originally received the check and ask them to get the money from whoever wrote it, or work it out between yourselves.
Do I need the original person's ID to deposit their check?
No. Mobile deposit doesn't require ID from either person. The bank relies on the signature on the back of the check as proof of authorization. However, if your bank has specific rules about third-party checks, they might require the original person to visit a branch or provide additional information, so check first.