Bank of America's Policy on Third-Party Checks

Bank of America does not accept third-party checks

Bank of America stopped accepting third-party checks in 2009. A third-party check is one made out to someone else that you then try to deposit into your own account — for example, a check written to your spouse that you deposit, or a check made out to your business that a partner tries to cash.

This policy applies to all Bank of America deposit methods: in-branch, ATM, and mobile check deposit. If you try to deposit a third-party check, the bank will reject it, and it will be returned to whoever deposited it.

The reason banks enforce this rule is fraud prevention. Third-party checks create a chain of endorsements that makes it harder to trace who actually cashed the check if something goes wrong. Banks also cannot easily verify that the original payee authorized the transfer to you.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America will not deposit any check made out to someone other than the account holder, regardless of how it is endorsed.
This policy has been in place since 2009 and applies to all deposit methods including mobile deposit.
The original payee must deposit the check into their own account first, then transfer the money to you through a separate transaction.
Some checks that appear to be third-party — like those made out to "John Smith or Jane Smith" — may be accepted, but checks made out to one person only cannot be transferred.

What counts as a third-party check

A third-party check is any check where the name on the "Pay to the Order of" line does not match the person depositing it. This includes checks made out to a spouse, business partner, family member, or friend.

The way the check is signed on the back does not change this. Even if the original payee writes "Pay to the order of [your name]" and signs it, Bank of America will still reject it. The bank's system flags checks based on the front of the check, not the endorsement on the back.

Checks made out to "John Smith or Jane Smith" (with the word "or") are different. These are considered acceptable because either person named is authorized to deposit them. Checks that say "John Smith and Jane Smith" (with "and") typically require both people to sign and deposit together, which most banks do not allow.

What to do if you receive a check made out to someone else

The person whose name is on the check must deposit it into their own Bank of America account first. Once the check clears — usually one to two business days — they can transfer the money to you through a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or Zelle if both of you have accounts set up for it.

If the original payee does not have a Bank of America account, they can deposit the check at their own bank, and then send you the money once it clears. This adds a few extra days but is the only way to move the funds legally.

If you need the money urgently and the original payee is unavailable, you have no option through Bank of America. You would need to contact the check writer and ask them to issue a new check made out to you instead.

Why Bank of America enforces this rule

Third-party checks create legal and practical problems for banks. When a check passes through multiple hands, it becomes harder to prove who had the right to deposit it and who is responsible if the check bounces or turns out to be fraudulent.

If a third-party check is forged or stolen, the bank cannot easily determine which person in the chain committed the fraud. The original payee might claim they never authorized the transfer to you, or you might claim the original payee forged the signature. These disputes are expensive and time-consuming for banks to investigate.

Most major banks — including Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — have similar policies. Some regional banks and credit unions still accept third-party checks under certain conditions, but the trend across the banking industry is to stop accepting them.

Mobile deposit and third-party checks

Bank of America's mobile check deposit tool will reject third-party checks just as the ATM and teller window do. The app scans the front of the check and flags it if the payee name does not match the account holder.

You may be able to photograph and submit a third-party check through the app, but it will fail during processing, and the bank will return it. You will receive a notification that the deposit was rejected, and the check will not be credited to your account.

Alternatives if you need to move money from someone else's check

The simplest solution is to have the original payee deposit the check and then send you the money. If they have a Bank of America account, they can use Zelle (which is free and instant if both accounts are set up), or they can initiate an ACH transfer (which takes one to three business days and is also free).

If the original payee does not have a Bank of America account, they can deposit the check at their own bank and use their bank's transfer service to send you money. Wire transfers are faster but usually cost $15 to $30. ACH transfers are free but take longer.

If the check is made out to a business rather than a person, the business owner or authorized representative must deposit it into the business account. Personal accounts cannot receive business checks, even if you own the business.

What happens if you try to deposit a third-party check anyway

If you attempt to deposit a third-party check at a Bank of America ATM, the machine will reject it and return it to you immediately. If you try at a branch, the teller will explain the policy and return the check. If you try through mobile deposit, the app will process it initially, but the check will fail during the bank's review and be returned within one to two business days.

The check itself is not damaged or marked in any way that prevents the original payee from depositing it later. You can simply give it back to them, and they can deposit it into their own account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check made out to my business if I'm the owner?

No. Business checks must be deposited into a business account, not a personal account, even if you own the business. You will need to open a Bank of America business checking account and deposit the check there. Personal and business accounts are separate in the bank's system.

What if the check says "Pay to the order of John Smith or Mary Smith"?

Checks with "or" between two names can usually be deposited by either person alone. Checks with "and" between two names typically require both people to sign and deposit together, which most banks do not allow. If you are unsure which applies to your check, ask the teller.

Can I endorse a check to someone else to deposit?

No. Writing "Pay to the order of [someone else's name]" on the back of a check and signing it does not make it acceptable to Bank of America. The bank's policy is based on the original payee name on the front of the check, not the endorsement on the back.

How long does it take for the original payee to send me the money after they deposit the check?

If they use Zelle, the transfer is instant (within minutes). If they use an ACH transfer, it takes one to three business days. If they use a wire transfer, it takes one business day but usually costs $15 to $30. The original payee's bank determines the speed and cost.

What if the original payee refuses to deposit the check and send me the money?

You have no recourse through Bank of America. You would need to contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to issue a new check made out to you instead, or work out a separate payment arrangement with the original payee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.