Although checks are becoming relics of the past, they are still used occasionally today. You may need to pay your rent via check or receive payment via check. If you’re on the receiving end of a check, you’ll need a check endorsement to move forward. 

What is a Check Endorsement?

According to Dictionary.com, one of the definitions of endorsement is “the placing of one's signature, instructions, etc., on a document.” So when it comes to check endorsement, you’ll need to add your signature to the back of the check. 

If you receive a check as a form of payment, as the payee, you are required to ‘endorse’ the check in order to cash it into your account.

How to Endorse a Check

In order to endorse a check, turn it over to the back, where you will typically see “endorse here” with a “x” and a line where you can include your signature. The check endorsement happens on top of that line and there may also be a line with text stating words such as “do not endorse below this line”.

The space below that area is used to process information about your check, so when endorsing a check, always sign on or above the line. Before you get started on your check endorsement, have a run-through of our checklist:

• Only endorse when you’re ready to deposit the check 
• Have a black or blue pen available (no pencils, which can be erased)
• Sign your full name on the ‘X’ or “endorse here” line 
• Make sure your name matches your signature
• Write down anything else that is in the instructions (for example, my bank, Capital One, wants me to write “for Mobile Deposit Only”)
• Cash your check!
  

Taking these steps will help the bank legitimize that you’re the payee, so you can access your money and deposit your check. 

Can You Deposit a Check Without Endorsement?

You might wonder if all checks require endorsement. The answer is not exactly, but it depends. Each bank has its own requirements, so it can vary. Typically, it’s common practice to sign the back of a check as a way of endorsement. 

Types of Check Endorsement

Check endorsement isn’t just as simple as signing your name. In fact, there are several different types of check endorsements to be aware of. Let’s review. 

Endorsement in Full

One type of endorsement is referred to as a “special” endorsement or endorsement in full. This is where the person endorsing the check names a person the money will be paid to. Here, you would write “Pay to the order of” and include the full name of the recipient. 

Blank Endorsement

A blank endorsement is when only a signature is present and no other instructions. So don’t get tripped up by the name and into thinking the endorsement line is blank. Instead, this type is simply all about the signature. 

Restrictive Endorsement 

Another type of check endorsement is a ‘restrictive endorsement’ where there needs to be the phrase “for deposit only” alongside the signature. This sets up “restrictions”, where the check can then only be deposited and not cashed. 

As I noted earlier, my bank Capital One requires me to write “for mobile deposit only” when I deposit checks on my phone. This type of check endorsement can be safer than a blank endorsement as it may prevent fraud. In other words, if your check gets in the wrong hands, they may not be able to cash it.

No Endorsement 

While this isn’t necessarily the norm, not all banks require a check endorsement — so you may not have anything you need to sign. If you end up forgetting to sign and not endorsing the check, your bank may still allow you to deposit the check if it’s a small amount. 

Bottom Line 

If you’re still dealing with checks from time to time, you’ll need to understand check endorsement. The person who sends the check signs the front. The receiver, or the payee, endorses the back as a way to verify that they are ready to accept the payment.