Yes, but your bank needs to know who is depositing it
Someone else can deposit your check into your account, but the person doing the depositing must sign the back of the check and write their name there. This is called endorsing the check. Your bank may also ask that person to show a photo ID when they hand over the check, depending on the bank's rules and how the check is being deposited.
The person depositing the check does not need to be a signer on your account. They do not need permission from you in advance, though it is smart to tell them what to expect so they are not surprised when the teller asks for ID. The check itself is what matters — whoever's name is on the "pay to the order of" line is the person the money belongs to, and that person is the one who needs to endorse it.
How the check gets deposited changes what the other person needs to do. Mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check through your bank's app) works differently than walking into a branch, which works differently than using an ATM.
Key Takeaways
- The person depositing your check must sign the back and write their name, even though the money goes into your account.
- Most banks ask for a photo ID from whoever is depositing the check in person, so that person should bring one.
- Mobile deposit through your bank's app usually requires the account holder (you) to take the photos, not someone else.
- If the check is made out to multiple people, everyone named on the check may need to endorse it, depending on how it is written.
- Some banks limit how much can be deposited without a teller, so a large check may require a trip to the branch.
Depositing at a branch in person
This is the most straightforward route. The other person brings your check to the bank, hands it to a teller, and tells them which account it should go into. The teller will ask for the person's photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The person then signs the back of the check in front of the teller and writes their name underneath the signature.
The teller will verify that the account number or name matches your account, process the deposit, and give the person a receipt. The money usually shows up in your account the same day if the deposit is made before the bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. on weekdays), or the next business day if it is made after hours or on a weekend.
Bring the original check — banks do not accept copies for in-person deposits. If the check is damaged, torn, or the signature is hard to read, the teller may ask questions or refuse it, so handle it carefully.
Using an ATM to deposit someone else's check
Many ATMs accept check deposits, and this route does not require a teller. The other person inserts the check into the ATM's deposit slot, the machine reads it, and the money goes into your account. The person will need to endorse the check before putting it in the machine — sign the back and write their name.
ATM deposits usually take longer to clear than branch deposits. The bank may hold the funds for one to three business days while it processes the image and confirms the check is real. Some banks also limit how much can be deposited at an ATM without a teller's review, so a large check might be rejected or flagged for manual processing.
The other person does not need to show ID at an ATM, but the transaction is recorded, so the bank knows who deposited it. If there is ever a problem with the check, the bank can trace it back.
Mobile deposit through your bank's app
Mobile deposit is usually restricted to the account holder — that is, you. You take photos of the front and back of the check using your bank's app, and the bank processes it without anyone going to a branch or ATM. Most banks do not allow someone else to use your login to do this, because it is a security risk.
If someone else has your check and you want it deposited quickly, you have two options: ask them to bring it to a branch or ATM, or take the check from them, photograph it yourself, and deposit it through the app. The second option is faster because mobile deposits often clear within one business day.
Some banks offer a feature that lets you add another person as an authorized user on your account, which may give them access to mobile deposit. This is a bigger step than a one-time deposit, because it gives that person ongoing access to your account. Check with your bank about what permissions come with authorized user status.
Checks made out to two or more people
If the check says "pay to the order of John Smith and Jane Doe," both people usually need to endorse it. The bank wants to make sure both people agree to the deposit. One person signs and writes their name, then the other person does the same on the same line on the back of the check.
If the check says "pay to the order of John Smith or Jane Doe," either person can deposit it alone — the "or" means either signature is enough. Some checks use an ampersand (&) instead of "and," which usually means both signatures are needed, but if you are unsure, ask the teller before the other person signs.
If the check is made out to you and someone else, and you want that other person to deposit it for you, both of you still need to sign the back. You cannot skip your signature just because someone else is doing the depositing.
What happens if the check bounces
If the check turns out to be bad — the account it came from had no money, or the signature was forged — your bank will reverse the deposit and take the money back out of your account. This can happen days or even weeks after the deposit clears. You will owe the bank the amount of the check, and you may be charged a fee for the returned check.
The person who deposited the check does not owe the bank anything. The responsibility falls on you, because the check was made out to you and you are the account holder. This is why it is important to only accept checks from people you trust, and to keep an eye on your account balance in case a deposit is reversed.
If you suspect the check is fraudulent or stolen, tell your bank right away. Do not deposit it. The bank can report it to law enforcement and help protect you from liability.
Limits on how much someone else can deposit
Banks set their own rules about deposits made by someone other than the account holder. Some banks have no limit. Others cap how much can be deposited at an ATM without a teller's involvement — often $5,000 or $10,000, though this varies. A check above that limit may require a trip to the branch.
If the check is very large or if the account is new, the bank may hold the funds longer than usual while it verifies the check is real. This is called a hold, and it is a safety measure to protect the bank from fraud. You can ask the teller how long the hold will last.
There is no federal limit on how much someone else can deposit into your account. The limits come from individual banks, so if you are expecting a large check, call your bank ahead of time and ask what their policy is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be present when someone deposits my check?
No. The person depositing the check does not need your permission or your presence. They just need the original check, their photo ID (for branch deposits), and your account number or name so the teller knows where to put the money. It is still a good idea to tell them in advance so they know what to expect.
What if the check is made out to my business, not to me personally?
Business checks work the same way — the person whose name is on the "pay to the order of" line is the one who needs to endorse it. If the check is made out to your business name, you or someone authorized to sign on the business account needs to endorse it. Bring the check to your business bank account, not your personal account.
Can someone deposit a check into my account without signing the back?
No. The person depositing the check must endorse it — sign the back and write their name. This is a legal requirement, not just a bank rule. Without an endorsement, the bank will not process the deposit. If the person forgets to sign, the teller will ask them to do it before accepting the check.
What if I lost the check and someone found it — can they deposit it?
Technically, a found check is not theirs to deposit. The check is made out to you, so only you (or someone you authorize) should deposit it. If someone else deposits a check that is not made out to them, that is considered fraud. If you lost a check, contact the person or company that issued it and ask them to cancel it and issue a new one.
How long does it take for the money to show up after someone deposits my check?
Branch deposits usually show up the same day if made before the bank's cutoff time, or the next business day. ATM deposits typically take one to three business days. Mobile deposits often clear within one business day. The exact timing depends on your bank and when the check is deposited, so ask the teller or check your bank's website for their specific timeline.