How to Endorse a Check: Blank, Restrictive & Special
Endorsing a check means signing the back of it before you deposit or cash it. It's a quick step, but the type of endorsement you use changes who can cash the check and how protected you are if it's lost or stolen.
Where to Endorse
Flip the check over. You'll see a short section at the top labeled "Endorse Here" with a few horizontal lines. Stay inside that area — anything you write outside of it can cause processing delays.
1. Blank Endorsement (The Risky One)
Sign your name exactly as it appears on the front. That's it. A blank endorsement makes the check payable to anyone holding it — convenient at the teller window, but dangerous if you lose the check on the way to the bank.
2. Restrictive Endorsement (The Safe One)
Write "For Deposit Only" followed by your account number, then sign below. This restricts the check so it can only be deposited into your specified account — even if it's stolen.
This is the recommended endorsement for mobile check deposits. Most banks now require you to add "For mobile deposit only at [Bank Name]" too.
3. Special Endorsement (Sign It Over)
Want to give the check to someone else? Write "Pay to the order of [their name]" and sign below. The new payee can then deposit or cash it — though many banks no longer accept third-party checks, so call ahead.
Common Endorsement Mistakes
- Signing too early — endorse only when you're ready to deposit
- Signing with a different name than what's on the front
- Writing outside the endorsement area
- Forgetting the "mobile deposit only" line for app deposits
Track What You Deposit
Once a check is deposited, log it in your register so you know exactly when funds will clear. Download QuickCheck for free on iOS and Android to write, print, and track every check from your phone — with a built-in checkbook register that balances itself.