It may seem super simple (and technically it is), but learning how to endorse a check the right way can maximize how quickly your bank can process your check. Plus, you may be surprised how many people forget to endorse their check, leaving them to have to go through a long process to gain access to their funds.
Now that people can deposit a check online using mobile banking, it’s crucial to always sign the back of the check to ensure a successful deposit.
At Cornerstone Bank, our team of bankers want all of our clients to have the best banking experience possible, and with that comes educating them about best practices. Keep reading to learn how to endorse a check so you can get the most out of your bank.
When should I endorse a check?
We highly recommend that you wait as long as possible before endorsing a check, especially if you’re not depositing it right away. The last thing you want is for someone to steal your check and alter the endorsement somehow.
If you want to avoid all of that, you can simply endorse the check right away, then upload the images in your mobile app to deposit the check.
How to endorse a check: Deposit-only transactions
On the back of the check, there’s usually a line that says “endorse here” and another space that says “don’t sign below this line.” If you want to take extra precautions when endorsing your check for mobile deposit, you can write something like: “deposit only for account number XXX,” but don’t go beyond the line. That way your check goes to the right account, and if someone happens to take the check, they’re less likely to be able to alter the endorsement.
How to endorse a check: Endorsing for businesses
The only people who should endorse a check are those who are authorized on your business’s account. Therefore, make sure you have a clear idea of who in the company has access to the bank accounts. Even if those people aren’t the ones to go to the bank, they have to sign it before someone else deposits the check.
Quick tips for endorsing a check
Whenever you’re preparing to endorse your check, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind.
- Make sure your signature matches the name on the account
- Make sure your signature is always the same
- Before depositing a check, examine the front and back to make sure everything is clear and filled out properly
- Always endorse your checks to stay in the habit (even if the bank doesn’t require it)
Note: For Cornerstone Bank customers, we allow for mobile check deposits. When depositing a check via the app, you must follow our restrictive endorsement for mobile deposits guidelines. The endorsement should include:
- “For mobile deposit, Cornerstone Bank”
- Your signature
- The last four digits of your account number
- The date
Get more banking tips with Cornerstone Bank
For more information about how to endorse a check or banking tips in general, visit our Overland Park bank or give us a call at 913-239-8100 to let us know how we can help.