I need someone to deposit a check in my name, but I can’t go into the bank. Can someone deposit a check for me? The answer is YES! But there are some things that you need to know before you go about this. Read on to find out the entire process.
Article Overview
How Can someone else deposit a check for me?
Many banks will allow someone else to deposit your check in your account. Make sure you know the exact details about your bank policies before asking someone to do this for you.
A personal check is usually deposited in the same manner as a cash transaction. This means that either you or someone else should be able to deposit it into your account without any problems following a simple option: the deposit slip method.
Recheck The Credentials
Usually, the check must be signed on the back by you. After which, you have to visit your bank and deposit it into your account.
But to deposit a check on behalf of you, Your friend should not copy your signature and should not pretend to be you.
Instead, ask your friend to recheck your name on the check if it’s spelled correctly. The payee name should match exactly your bank account name. If any mistake is there, your check will not be honored.
The deposit slip should include the date, dollar amount, and account number. At the bottom of the slip, there should also be a line that says “for deposit only.”
Endorse The Check
Now here comes the most critical part, your friend has to endorse the check, in the endorsement area, simply by writing “for deposit only.” This is called the restrictive endorsement method (FDO). It will prevent any other person from cashing the check and protect you from any fake check scam.
If you receive a check that was made out to you and that person writes “for deposit only” in the endorsement area, it means that you will be the only authorized person to cash out that check through your bank accounts.
Your friend should also write your name along with your account number below, to which the teller will deposit the check amount. With that being your friend should not put your signature; instead, he/she will only write your name.
Collect The Receipt
After that, the teller verifies the account number and routing number with the bank’s internal system. If all information is correct, the teller will provide the check deposit receipt. It is requested to keep this transaction receipt for future reference.
Can someone deposit a check for me using the ATM Method?
Yes, anyone can deposit a check for you using the ATM. But you need to give your friend your debit card, PIN, and paper check. The endorsement process will remain the same.
You should keep in mind that your friend can also withdraw your money using your ATM card without your concern. So make sure first he/she is trustworthy enough to deposit a check for you using ATM.
Can you deposit someone else’s check in your account using ATM?
Well, under the rules of the Check 21 Act, you cannot deposit any check made out to someone else on your ATM card. Only checks that are drawn on your account can be deposited on your ATM card at an ATM machine.
But you may be able to deposit a check when the payee of the check endorses it to you. In that case, it will be considered a third party check.
In this situation, the payee, in other words, the second party, should write, “Pay to the order of” and then “Your name,” and the check writer should put his valid signature underneath. Make sure your friend writes your name beneath the payee’s signature.
Be aware; some financial institutions may reject specially endorsed checks because this type of payment method is sensitive in nature. If your check doesn’t meet certain requirements, it will be dishonored and which may hamper your credit score.
Connexus Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, TD America, and some other banks accept third-party checks. Policy for third party checks varies from bank to bank, so check with the bank or any other financial institution before submitting them.
Can you deposit a government check for someone else?
No! Whether it’s welfare, Social Security, or other types of government checks, you can not deposit it for someone else, even if they permit you to endorse the back of the check over to them.
If you are ever presented with a government or agency check that was not originally issued under your name, do not cash it.
You will have to deposit your government checks by yourself with proper endorsement. In this case, you have to follow the signature-only method to deposit. You should sign on the back in the endorsement area of that check.
To deposit your government check, you can use your bank’s online banking service. But, first, endorse the check correctly with your signature, take both side photos of your check, and upload it through your mobile banking app.
Whether it’s your savings account or checking bank account, your check will be deposited within one business day or two. The bank will confirm your deposit with an email to your email address.
Can someone deposit a check for me without my signature?
Someone else can deposit your check for you without your signature. But like I said earlier, it depends on the bank. It is an individual bank’s decision whether they will allow a check written out in your name to be deposited without your signature.
However, to do so, the person depositing your check should write “For deposit only,” and below that, he should also put your name and your bank account number in the endorsement area. If it’s a government check, then you must have to put your signature on it.
Make sure you have enough money for the bank charge in your checking account before submitting a check. If you do not have that balance, your check may be rejected, and the transaction declined. It’s important to remember that a bad check can affect your credit score.
If I deposit a check on Friday when will it be available?
Federal laws establish the maximum waiting period for banks and credit unions before they’ll give you access to deposited funds.
According to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), usually, if your check amount is below $200 and you have deposited it on Friday, then you can withdraw the full amount the next business day, that is Monday.
However, if your check or checks are over $200, you can withdraw only $200 on Monday, and the rest of the money will be accessible the second business day – Tuesday.
If the check is from the government, you can access the total amount on Monday day, if you make the deposit on Friday. But if you have deposited a check using an ATM, you will have to wait until Tuesday, which is the second business day.
Conclusion
Most people have been asked to deposit a check for someone else at some point in their lives. Whether it’s your father who is out of town on business or your friend, you may find yourself being tasked with this responsibility at some time.
The question then becomes – can I just deposit the check into someone else’s account without that person’s signature? Well, that depends on what type of payment instrument the cheque owner is using. If he wants to deposit a personal cheque drawn on his bank account, no one will need any signatures; but if they’re paying by money order or certified cheque, both parties will need to sign it.
