How to Deposit a Check That is Not Yours

It is possible to deposit a check that's not made out to you. The only requirement is that the check be signed over to you by the designated recipient. If the proper steps have not been followed in signing over the check, the bank will reject the deposit. To ensure this doesn't happen, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Locate the lines on the back side of the check labeled "Endorse Here."

2. Have the person to whom the check is payable print "Pay to the order of X" (where X is your name) in the endorsement area.

3. Have the person to whom the check is payable endorse the check by signing it directly below "Pay to the order of X."

4. Endorse the check with your own signature right below the original recipient's signature. The check is now ready for deposit into your own account.