Banks That Accept Third-Party Checks [Banking Basics]

In this article, we’re discussing banks that accept third-party checks.

This will include the available options for depositing a third-party check as well as answers to common questions we receive on the topic.

This article is part of our free series on how to send and receive money, including bank checks, bank transfers, and more, which you can access by clicking here.

Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.

Table of Contents

  1. Banks That Accept Third-Party Checks
  2. What Is a Third-Party Check?
  3. How to Deposit a Third-Party Check
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Ready to Explore Your Options?

Banks That Accept Third-Party Checks

Banks that accept third-party checks include most major commercial banks. In the United States, this includes mainstream banking options like Citibank, Chase, TD Bank, and more. However, the specific method that each bank allows customers to use when depositing third-party checks does vary. 

For this reason, it’s important that customers confirm the available methods before attempting to deposit a third-party check. Otherwise, it could result in long delays or funds being held for longer than necessary.

Of course, in most cases, banks that accept third-party checks will allow checks to be deposited or cashed in person. In certain instances, banks may even allow checks to be cashed by individuals that do not have a bank account. Lastly, banks with dedicated mobile check depositing apps may allow third-party checks to be deposited through their applications.

What Is a Third-Party Check?

A third-party check is payable to the intended recipient, but it has been endorsed by the recipient so it can be deposited by a third party. In other words, a third-party check is simply a standard check issued by a person or business to a recipient, and that has been signed so someone else can deposit it instead.

As mentioned, not all banks accept third-party checks but many mainstream commercial banks do allow account holders to deposit them. So, if you have a third-party check that you are looking to deposit, you should consider doing so at a large commercial bank.

In the following section, we will take a look at the specific methods by which a third-party check can be deposited and the process for doing so.

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How to Deposit a Third-Party Check

To deposit a third-party check, you will first need to confirm that this is possible at your bank. Next, you will need to confirm the available deposit methods. While certain banks only accept in-person deposits of third-party checks, others will allow for mobile deposits.

Can You Mobile Deposit a Third-Party Check?

Yes, you can mobile deposit a third-party check with certain banks. In most cases, this includes major commercial banks, though it is also possible to deposit third-party checks with certain credit unions as well.

Alternative Ways to Deposit a Third-Party Check

Certain people may choose to deposit third-party checks at banks where they do not have an account. In most cases, this will be at the bank that issued the check. They may choose to do this thinking it will be easier to cash the check, or because their bank does not allow third-party checks to be deposited or cashed.

Importantly, of the banks that do accept third-party checks, not all of them allow for a check to be deposited if you do not have an account. So, if this is your intention, you should contact the bank beforehand to confirm whether this is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are two of the most common questions that we receive from people looking into banks that accept third-party checks. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.

Will My Bank Accept a Third-Party Check?

Whether your bank will accept a third-party check ultimately depends on their specific check acceptance policy. If you bank with a large commercial bank, it is possible they will allow you to cash a third-party check in person. In fact, certain banks may even allow you to cash the check through online banking. This is generally done through a mobile check deposit via their mobile app.

Where Can I Cash a Third-Party Check Without an Account?

Where you can cash a third-party check without an account will depend on the size of the check and possibly the issuing bank. In fact, the issuing bank is important because you may have better luck cashing a third-party check there. This is because the issuing bank is in a better position to verify the information on the check and confirm that it is valid.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you would like assistance navigating your banking options at home or abroad, we can help.

You can access GlobalBanks IQ, our international banking intelligence platform, in just a few clicks. Unlock our bank database, individual bank profiles, account opening strategies and reports, banker scripts, and more.

But, if you want a 100% personalized account opening service that taps into our team’s expertise and provides direct banker introductions, you can get started with GlobalBanks Insider.

Of course, if you have any questions, please contact us directly.

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GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

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