Must both my spouse and I endorse a check made out to both of us? (2024)

FAQs

Must both my spouse and I endorse a check made out to both of us? ›

I received a check payable to both my spouse and me. Do both of us have to endorse (sign the back of) the check? If a check is issued to two people, such as John and Jane Doe, the bank generally can require that the check be signed by both payees before it can be cashed or deposited.

Some banks require both parties to appear in person to deposit a two-party check. If yours doesn't, you should be able to deposit your properly endorsed check at an ATM or using mobile check deposit on your bank or credit union's banking app.

Decide who should endorse the check: Both people must endorse the check if its pay-to line lists two people such as a teen and a parent or spouses. Either person can endorse the check if its pay-to line lists either one person "or" the other. Both must sign if their names are linked by the word "and."1.

Bank accounts held jointly between two parties may be titled with an "and" or an "or" between the account holders' names. If the account is listed as an "and" account, then both/all parties must sign to access the funds. If it is an "or" account, only one party must sign.

If you have a joint account with your spouse or partner, the bank can require that both of you sign the check if it's made out to two people. If the check is written out to just one person, either person can cash or deposit the check into the account.

Based on legal convention, if the two payee names on a check are separated by the word "and" or any symbol or abbreviation of the word "and," then the bank can require joint endorsem*nt. In instances where the two payee names are separated by the word "or," then a signature from either one of the parties will do.

You can deposit a check with someone else's name on it if they've signed it and either made it payable to you or written “For deposit only” under their signature on the back.

Can I Deposit Someone Else's Check Into My Account? A check made out to someone else is considered a third-party check. There's no law requiring banks and credit unions to accept third-party checks; each bank can create its own policy. However, many banks do accept third-party checks.

You can deposit your spouse's check into your checking account with an endorsem*nt. If your spouse consents to you cashing their check, they must endorse it with their name, include “Pay to the order of,” and write your name. The bank's primary goal is to ensure that the payee authorizes the person making the deposit.

An endorsem*nt is said to be Partial endorsem*nt, if the endorser purports to transfer to the endorsee only a part of the amount payable. In simple terms, endorsem*nt which allows transferring to the endorsee a part of the amount payable is known as partial endorsem*nt.

Can a joint check go into a single account? ›

If you see the word OR on the payee line, the answer is yes. the check before depositing. The check is being made payable to the both of you JOINTLY. His endorsem*nt is consent that you, as the other payee, may do with the check as you please.

Pros of joint bank accounts

Couples can use cash in a joint account to cover shared expenses such as rent, utilities and food, as well as shared savings goals, such as setting aside money for a vacation. Joint accounts can be helpful for married couples who are combining assets as well.

When a married couple opens a joint account together, they both have equal access to funds without each other's consent. Regular bank accounts, on the other hand, are owned by one person who has complete control over the account. Only the account holder can authorize transactions to and from that account.

Some banks may require both parties to be present when depositing the check, while others may allow one party to deposit it on behalf of both. It is recommended to contact your bank directly to inquire about their specific requirements and procedures for depositing a check made out to two parties.

Yes, banks will usually allow a deposit into a bank account without an endorsem*nt if the check is made out to someone who's name is on that account.

Following are the Joint Bank Account Rules in India per the account mode. Joint: All transactions in the account must be approved and signed by all the account holders. If any one of the account holders dies, the account will be deemed inoperable, and the bank will pass on the balance in the account to the survivor.

In most cases, both parties named on the check will need to endorse it by signing the back. Some banks may require both parties to be present when depositing the check, while others may allow one party to deposit it on behalf of both.

Write the names of both payees on the “Payable To” line.

Separate the two names with either “and” or “or," depending on what you decided regarding how many payees should have to endorse the check. For example, if paying two individuals with different last names, write “John Doe and/or Jane Smith.”

If you're depositing a check in someone else's name into your account: That person needs to endorse the check to allow you to deposit it. Generally, the person should write “Pay to the order of [Your Name]” on the back of the check and then sign it.

Cash limits and the costs to you

Two-Party Personal Checks are limited to $200 and have a max fee of $6. Check with our customer service department to see how much the fee is for checks of more than $5,000 during the January to April time frame.