In this article, we’re answering “can you deposit someone else’s check in your account?”
This article is part of our free series on how to send money, including answers to questions like what is a money order and navigating options for transferring funds abroad.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Can You Deposit Someone Else’s Check In Your Account?
- How Do You Deposit a Check Into a Bank Account?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore Your Options?
Can You Deposit Someone Else’s Check In Your Account?
Yes, you can deposit someone else’s check in your account if you have permission and the check has been properly endorsed. However, certain banks do have policies about depositing third-party checks, so it’s important to confirm with your bank before depositing. In either case, you will need to bring the endorsed check and your identification to the bank to proceed with the deposit.
Alternatively, you may be able to deposit the check via mobile app. However, many banks have restrictions on using mobile apps for third-party checks. Likewise, most banks have limits on mobile app deposits, so depending on the value of the check you are depositing you may want to confirm these restrictions before proceeding.
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How Do You Deposit a Check Into a Bank Account?
To deposit a check into a bank account you will need to follow a few simple steps, which include:
1. Endorse the Check for Deposit
Endorsing the check includes signing the back of the check and (depending on where you’re depositing) writing your identification number. If you plan on depositing via mobile app, you also need to write “For Mobile Deposit Only” under the signature.
2. Bring the Necessary Documents to the Bank
If you are depositing via a branch, you will need to bring the check and a government-issued form of identification to the bank for verification. Depending on the value of the check (and the bank), you can usually choose whether you would like to receive cash or have the funds deposited into your bank account.
3. Deposit the Check
At this point, you will present the check to the banker for deposit. Depending on the value of the check, their internal policies, and any relevant regulations, they may be required to ask you a few questions. Alternatively, if you are depositing via a mobile app, you will simply follow the instructions in the app to complete the deposit.
Options for Depositing Third-Party Checks
However, there are a few additional nuances you may want to consider, depending on how you want to deposit the check.
Deposit a Check Into a Checking Account With a Bank Teller
You can deposit a check into a checking account with a bank teller by visiting your bank branch. In fact, this is the most common way to deposit a third-party endorsed check.
When speaking with the bank teller, they may inform you that the bank does not accept third-party checks. If that happens, you may want to ask for clarification and the specific policy that says this is not possible.
In many instances, bank tellers may think an action is not permissible if they do not encounter it regularly, when really it is. Of course, there are banks that do not accept third party checks, and if your bank falls into this category you will not be able to proceed with the deposit.
Deposit a Check via a Mobile App
If you want to deposit a check via a mobile app, you should first confirm whether your bank allows third party checks to be deposited in this way.
If the bank does accept third-party checks via mobile app, they may place limits on the value of checks that account holders can deposit.
Depending on the bank, limits may be daily, weekly, monthly, or all three. In most cases, banks limit mobile check deposits to several thousand per week and up to a maximum monthly of between $5,000 and $20,000 depending on the bank.
Additionally, it’s important to note that if a check is going to be deposited via mobile app, it must include the words “For Mobile Deposit Only” under the endorsement signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people wondering if they can deposit someone else’s check in their account. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can I Deposit a Friend’s Check In My Bank Account?
Yes, you can deposit a friend’s check in your bank account. To do so, you will need permission from your friend and they will need to endorse the check correctly. Additionally, certain banks have policies against third party deposits, so it’s important to confirm that your bank or credit union allows this before making a deposit of this kind.
Can I Deposit a Check That Is Not in My Name?
Yes, you can deposit a check that is not in your name if you have permission to do so, the check is correctly endorsed by the intended recipient, and your bank allows third party checks to be deposited. With this in mind, you should confirm whether your bank allows this or if they have specific policies against third party checks before depositing.
Will I Get In Trouble for Depositing Someone Else’s Check?
No, you will not get in trouble for depositing someone else’s check in your account if you have permission to deposit the check and it has been correctly endorsed. That said, certain banks may have policies against depositing third party checks, so it’s important to confirm with your bank before moving forward.
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