How to endorse a check

Check processing and security

Without check endorsements a check does not have a documented processing trail or designated use. Check endorsements are recognized and required by U.S. statutory and state law. With an endorsed check, a payee or financial institution can protect themself against liability if the use of the check is challenged.

Endorsing a check is fairly simple and is often required regardless of whether or not the check is to be deposited, cashed or otherwise. Checks can be endorsed with a signature, account number and instruction, but must be done correctly to be valid.

Instructions

Step 1

Turn the check over

In order to endorse a check it must be turned over. Checks can only be endorsed on the back of the check.

Step 2

Locate endorsement box

Th endorsement area is on the back of the left side of the check. An endorsement area indicator such as an X, with the words 'endorse here' next to it may be visible. The area below the top 1/4 of the back of the check is for banking use only.

Step 3

Specify check use

If the check is to be deposited, the words 'For deposit only' can be written in the endorsement area. To sign over the check to a third party, the words 'Pay to the order of' are used. For cash checking or identification only a signature is all that is required.

Step 4

Sign the endorsement

By signing below the endorsement, the endorser confirms the validity of the endorsement. If only a signature is used an account number may be written below the signature to clarify the identity of the payee.

Step 5

Release the check

After the check is endorsed it can either be released to a financial institution or to the designated payee in the endorsement. A deposit slip may also be required along with the endorsed check.

Money Management : Endorsing a Check for a Minor

Legally, minors cannot present a check to a bank, so they need someone to endorse the check. Discover why a bank looks to a parent to guarantee the funds for a minor's check withhelp from a registered financial consultant in this free video on money management and personal finance. Expert: Patrick Munro Contact: www.northstarnavigator.com Bio: Patrick Munro is a registered financial consultant (RFC) with outstanding sales volume of progressive financial products and solutions to the senior ...

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by Leigh Goessl

Restrictive endorsement of a check is a way to put a higher degree of security of a check you endorse. By adding a restriction on how the check can be further used, this is another layer of protection...More>
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You will Need

A dark ink pen

Check payable to you

Signature

Identification if required

Tips & Warnings

Don't use purple ink

Ask a teller when in doubt

Only endorse in the specified area

Use the correct endorsement

The proper way to endorse a check to a third party

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How to endorse a check for a minor child

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A.W. Berry
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How to endorse a check to someone else

by Elizabeth Curtis

Learning how to properly endorse checks in certain situations is very important. A person endorses a check by signing his or her name on the back of the check. This signature allows the check to be tr...More>
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photo by Dan Paluska

Check endorsement video link below

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The correct way to endorse a check

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When a check is in your hands, what will be your next move? This would be the burning question posed by many newcomers dealing with checks for the first time in their life and the answer would be, you should endorse. This means that you will h... More>

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