What is a joint endorsement?
A joint endorsement is a signature (or signatures) placed on the back of a check that’s payable to two or more people. Its purpose is to show that all named payees authorize the check’s deposit or cashing. Whether one or all payees must sign depends on how the check is written, the issuing institution (for example, government checks), and the bank’s policy. (Sources: Investopedia; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
Key points at a glance
– If a check is payable to two names joined by the word “and” (or an equivalent symbol), many banks will require both people to endorse it.
– If names are separated by “or” or by a comma, typically only one payee can endorse and deposit the check, but banks may have different rules.
– Government-issued checks (e.g., tax refunds, stimulus payments) often require joint endorsements even into joint accounts.
– Bank policies and state rules vary, so always confirm with the bank before assuming what’s required. (Sources: Investopedia; Greenville Federal Credit Union; CFPB)
Understanding how the payee line matters
– “John Smith and Jane Smith” — usually requires both to sign (joint endorsement).
– “John Smith or Jane Smith” — usually allows either payee to sign alone.
– “John Smith, Jane Smith” (comma) — often treated like “or,” allowing either to sign, but banks can still require both.
These are legal conventions many banks use, but they are not universal. Always check the bank’s requirements. (Source: Investopedia)
Practical steps when you receive a check payable to two or more people
1. Read the payee line exactly
– Note whether names are joined by “and,” “or,” a comma, ampersand (&), or other punctuation. This often determines whether one or both signatures are needed.
2. Check the type of check
– Government-issued checks (IRS, Treasury) frequently have stricter rules and may require joint endorsement regardless of punctuation. (Source: Greenville Federal Credit Union)
3. Call the bank before you go
– Ask whether they require both payees to endorse and what ID or documentation each person must provide. Ask about mobile deposit rules, too—some banks will not accept jointly payable checks through mobile deposit unless both parties sign.
4. If both endorsers can meet, endorse in person
– Both parties should sign the back of the check in the signature area and present valid IDs if requested.
5. If both cannot be present, ask the bank for alternatives
– Options banks may offer:
– Endorse separately at different times with ID shown to bank staff.
– Request the issuer reissue the check as separate checks (one to each person).
– Use a power of attorney, if applicable and accepted by the bank, with supporting documentation.
– Have the endorsing party endorse “Pay to the order of [other person’s name]” (a third-party endorsement) — many banks no longer accept third-party endorsements due to fraud risk, so confirm first.
– In contentious situations (divorce, restraining orders), banks may demand a reissue or other strict measures to avoid liability. (Source: Investopedia)
How to endorse a check correctly
– Standard endorsement for deposit to a joint account:
– Each payee signs their name on the back. If depositing into a joint account, many banks accept one signature but policies vary—confirm first.
– Endorsing to a third party (if allowed):
– Write “Pay to the order of [Name of third party]” and then sign your name below that instruction.
– Note: Banks increasingly refuse third-party endorsements because of fraud concerns—check bank policy first.
– Restrictive endorsement to reduce risk:
– Write “For deposit only to account #XXXX” above the signature(s). This limits the check to deposit only and can reduce unauthorized cashing.
Joint endorsements in landlord-tenant situations
– Landlords often issue security deposit refunds to all tenants named on the lease, sometimes marking the payees as “joint tenants” (JT).
– If the landlord writes one check payable to multiple roommates with “and,” the bank may require all roommates to endorse before depositing the check into one roommate’s account.
– Common solutions:
– Both tenants endorse and deposit the check into one account, then the receiving tenant writes a separate check to the other roommate.
– Ask the landlord to issue separate checks to each tenant to avoid the issue. (Source: Investopedia)
Do both spouses have to endorse?
– It depends on how the check is written and bank policy:
– “John and Mary” typically requires both to sign.
– “John or Mary” typically allows either spouse to sign.
– If the check is payable to only one spouse but intended for a joint account, many banks will allow deposit into the joint account—but confirm with the bank. (Source: CFPB)
Can I deposit a check for my joint account holder?
– If the check is made out to both of you and your names are on the joint account, banks commonly accept the deposit when one of you endorses—but rules vary by bank and by check type. If it’s made out to only one person, the bank may still accept deposit to a joint account, but confirm upfront. (Source: CFPB)
What to do if a payee refuses to endorse
– Contact the payer and ask for separate checks or a reissued check in each person’s name.
– If that’s not possible, ask your bank what documentation they will accept (power of attorney, notarized consent, etc.).
– If the refusal stems from custody or legal disputes, banks may require a court order or reissue of funds. (Source: Investopedia)
Risks and bank liability
– Banks may refuse to accept a check without the correct endorsement. If a bank accepts a check without the required joint endorsement and later a problem arises (for example, a payee disputes the deposit), the bank can face liability. That is why banks often enforce conservative rules for joint checks and government checks. (Sources: Investopedia; Greenville Federal Credit Union)
Sample checklist to take to the bank
– Bring the check and a clear view of the payee line.
– Each endorser brings a government-issued photo ID.
– If endorsing remotely or via mobile deposit, confirm bank policy and whether both signatures are needed.
– If endorsing to a third party or using a power of attorney, bring documentation and call ahead to confirm acceptability.
– If you need a reissued check, bring written confirmation from the payer if possible.
Bottom line
Joint endorsements protect co-payees by requiring shared authorization for cashing or depositing checks made out to more than one person. Whether all named payees must endorse depends primarily on how the payee line is written (“and” vs. “or” vs. comma), the issuing source (government checks are often stricter), and the bank’s policies. When in doubt, read the payee line carefully, call the bank ahead of time, and ask the issuer to reissue separate checks if that will simplify matters.
Sources and further reading
– Investopedia, “Joint Endorsement” (source provided)
– Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), “Do Both My Spouse and I Have to Sign the Back of a Check Made Out to Us?”
– Greenville Federal Credit Union, “Tips for Depositing Your Government-Issued Stimulus or Tax Refund Check”
If you want, I can:
– Draft sample language you can send to the check issuer to request separate checks or reissue, or
– Provide sample endorsement lines and an annotated diagram of where to sign on the back of a check.