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Banks Have Tough Rules on Check Deposits Written to More Than One Person

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Make sure you understand the rules when you have a check written to you and another person.Make sure you understand the rules when you have a check written to you and another person.

Depositing a check is a seemingly straightforward task when it is written to just one person -- you.

It’s a different case when a check is written to multiple payees because many people encounter problems when they try to deposit these checks.

If you are faced with this dilemma, see what hurdles you have to jump through and what you can do to properly deposit your money.

In the rare instance that you ever receive check that is written out to you and another person, it can be a major headache to deposit the check if you don’t share an account with this other person.

Today, I clarify the rules for depositing these types of checks, how the top banks handle these check deposits and how you can deal with rejected check deposits.

How is the Check Written to Multiple Payees?

Believe it or not, the way a check is written will have a significant effect on how you deposit a check written to multiple payees. (Don’t question it, there are laws under the Uniform Commercial Code that govern the rules for check deposits.)

Let’s say that the payees are represented by “John” and “Jane” for these scenarios.

  • If a check was written as payable to John “and” Jane, both payees must endorse the check. The rule also applies to payees written to John “&” Jane (note the ampersand symbol)
  • If a check was written as payable to John “or” Jane, any one of the payees can endorse the check to have it deposited
  • If the wording is ambiguous as to whom the check is written, any one of the payees can deposit the check. Essentially, if it isn’t clear, it follows the same rule as if the check is written to John “or” Jane. A common example is when the check is just written as payable to “John Jane.”

Hassle to Deposit Checks Written to Two People

Now, when it comes to these checks, you’re going to encounter the least amount of problems when they’re written in the John “or” Jane form. You can just deposit these checks as if they were written only to you.

For the checks written in John “and” Jane form, it is much more of a troublesome process. You’ll have to get the other payees to come with you to a branch to verify their signatures on the back of the check.

Next, I’ll show you the policies for the top U.S. banks regarding these types of check deposits.

Get ready for a trip to the branch

I spoke with branch bankers at all of the biggest banks and asked about their policies for depositing a check with multiple people on it.

The rules are generally the same across most of the top U.S. banks with a few additional requirements by some banks.

Basically, when you deposit a check written to multiple payees, all payees must endorse the checks.

Furthermore, all payees must go with you to your bank and present a government-issued ID. This is required to authenticate each payee's signature.

The following banks require you and your payee(s) to present a government-issued ID when at the branch:

  • Bank of America (If it is a tax refund check, all payees must also be joint owners of the Bank of America account.)
  • Chase
  • Wells Fargo
  • Citibank
  • U.S. Bank
  • Capital One
  • PNC Bank
  • TD Bank (If it is a tax refund check, all payees must also be joint owners of the TD Bank account.)
  • BB&T  (All payees must also be joint account holders.)
  • SunTrust Bank

Banks seem to be more stringent when you’re depositing a tax refund check that's written to more than one payee -- Bank of America and TD Bank, for instance, will require that the payees of tax refund checks must also be joint account owners.

What a hassle it would be to drag someone with you to a branch to deposit a check... Photo: Shutterstock
What a hassle it would be to drag someone with you to a branch to deposit a check...

Of the big banks, BB&T has the most demanding policy where payees must also be joint accountholders. I think it would pose a major hassle for BB&T customers who come across checks with multiple payees.

“We’re worried that anyone can forge a signature, even on a joint account, so all payees will need to come in so that a teller can validate the signature,” said the BB&T banker on the phone.

This leads me to the next point of discussion: what to do when you have difficulty with checks that have multiple payees.

When the Bank Won’t Accept Your Check

The most problematic situation that I've heard about is when the other payee(s) is unable to visit a branch to verify the check endorsements. It sounds odd, but there are many instances when this can happen.

For example, a woman who filed a restraining order against her ex-husband receives a check payable to both herself and her ex.

Both payees cannot be present at the same branch together, so the bank cannot verify their signatures. A less extreme instance would be if the other payee was out of the country for an extended period of time.

Photo: Shutterstock
You might have to just as the payer to rewrite the check.

The only alternative would be to contact the payer (the person or entity that wrote the check) and request that another check be written with just one payee’s name or have it written in the John “or” Jane format.

If possible, you might even ask the payee to split the amount between two checks so that each payee can deposit the money on their own.

Unfortunately, this will prove to be a laborious chore, especially when it comes to getting government-agency check reissued. But, there is just no way around it.

It'll prove to be even more of a hassle when the bank requires a joint account because there's no other way to deal with this rule besides actually having a joint account.

Be careful: I strongly advise against attempting to deposit a check without having a teller verify the signatures of all payees. Don’t try to get tricky and deposit these checks via the ATM because it will get flagged and you could get hit with a returned deposit item fee (which costs an average of $12.85 at the top 10 banks) when the check is ultimately denied.

If you had experience depositing checks with multiple payees, we’d like to hear how you dealt with it in the comments below!

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Bio photo for Simon Zhen
About the author Simon Zhen
Simon Zhen is the chief research analyst for MyBankTracker. With more than 11 years following the retail banking industry, he has become an expert on consumer banking products, bank innovations, and financial technology. Simon has contributed and/or been quoted in major publications and outlets including Consumer Reports, American Banker, Yahoo Finance, U.S. News - World Report, The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Lifehacker, and AOL.com.
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Ask a Question

disqus_wZ6Hx1dqWW
Thursday, 24 Feb 2022 3:39 AM
<p>OK so I received a insurance check it's payable to myself and the financial company but the thing is written like this " pay to the order of bull dog and t-drive financial services <br>So can anyone sign a name as the company Auth agent</p>
pcigna
Tuesday, 25 Jan 2022 4:03 PM
<p>A Check is issued in the name of a Corporation and two individuals. Is there a regulation that requires the check be deposited in the Corporate account or the Individual joint account ...?</p>
arnoldrosenberg
Thursday, 28 Oct 2021 4:43 AM
<p>You missed an important example of joint checks: construction subcontractors. A general contractor frequently sends the subcontractor a check payable to the subcontractor "and" its materials supplier, such as a supplier of steel, lumber or concrete. Requiring both endorsements ensures that the supplier gets paid and doesn't lien the job. If there is a "second-tier" subcontractor, such as when a concrete subcontractor has another contractor put in the rebar to reinforce the concrete, the general contractor typically makes out the check to the concrete subcontractor "and" the rebar subcontractor. The solution is called a "signature guarantee," sometimes called a "medallion guarantee." The first-tier subcontractor (the concrete contractor in my example) goes to its bank, endorses the check, and has the bank put a stamp on the endorsement that guarantees the signature is authorized. Then the concrete subcontractor sends the check to the rebar subcontractor which endorses and deposits the check. This is done throughout the construction industry.</p>
mccr905
Sunday, 17 Oct 2021 12:39 AM
<p>What if one of the payee is my mortgage company from a Home Insurance check? Wells Fargo endorsed the check and sent it back to me. My wife and I went to the bank, and they verified my wife’s signature, but do they actually expect Wells Fargo to be there also? The accepted they deposit but I just got an email stating they are holding funds because “there is potential risk the deposit may return”. With no explanation why. I’m trying to figure out what could be wrong with my deposit. We got all endorsements, verified my wife’s signature with her being present. Man these banks playing with people’s needed insurance funds</p>
Friday, 24 Sep 2021 4:11 PM
<p>I have a scenario where me and my boyfriend rented an apartment together and we had to put a deposit on it. Well before the lease ended my boyfriend and I broke up and he moved out of state. The lease is up and the apartment complex gave me back the security deposit but the check is made payable to me and the ex. Obviously we can't go to a bank together because he no longer lives in the state and the payer of the check won't issue one in just my name and they aren't willing to change the check to have the word "and" to "or". They claim its against the law to do that, so what can I do to get my money??</p>
carlos_diamante
Thursday, 09 Sep 2021 2:25 PM
<p>So I get settlement checks and a few of my close friends &amp; relatives do but they dont have bank accts so for years I have been depositing them, my signature, theirs, in capital one and no problem. I recently did this and didnt touch the money but they said my acct was a risk and my checks were no good anymore but still my bank acct says 1800 and says i cant touch it. SO the checks are good and they are keeping my money? The lady I had spoke too said did I know the ppl on the checks, DUH, and that she would need everyone of their phone numbers which I didnt feel comfortable doing until I asked them, then she said the checks would have to be sent back, umm they were mobile checks. We dont have a capital one bank anywhere near me, not even sure theres one in this state. So last thing she says was my acct was a risk. What does that mean for the good checks that I deposited and that they say I have that money in my account? DO I need a lawyer? I have never been contacted again and I get a bank statement every month saying I have 1800. Help.</p>
Thursday, 02 Sep 2021 5:34 PM
<p>A check by Allstate written out to me and the place that sold my vehicle to me I went to aces check cashing place and endorsed the check and they cashed it now they're saying that the financial institution will not honor the payment because it was not endorsed by both parties who is responsible for that mistake me the institute that cashed it or The institute that wrote it</p>
mary_beth_gilbert
Friday, 20 Aug 2021 12:40 PM
<p>I just received a check from the federal government for the child tax credit and it is in mine and my husband's name. I have a checking account at PNC Bank but it is in just my name not his.. ( believe me most women don't want their significant other to be on their bank accounts because men have a way of not keeping track of what they spend if you know what I mean) anyway I tried deposit the check through the ATM, as I have done with all my checks in the past, and they accepted it the next day but then the following day took the funds back out and declined my check and gave it back. They said that they cannot accept that check with mine and my husband's name even though we both did endorse it because my husband had to physically come into the branch and show his identification. However my husband unfortunately does not own a driver's license due to having a revoked license so he's always use an identification card. However the identification card and he has is expired and due to covid it was hard for us to get back into the MVA to get a new license or identification card for her. However again the MVA now requires everybody that is getting a license or identification card even if they had one in the past two also have a Social Security card at the time they are requesting it. Well my husband and I are over 60 years old now and he has misplaced his social security card so I am now having to request it through Social Security Administration. Is there any way to not go through all this Hassle and any other bank or anything so I can get this check cashed I need the money so I can help my grandchildren get their school clothes and supplies for school starting on September 1st do to myself and my husband having guardianship over my grandchildren until my daughter gets her mental health under control. They sent the money for the child tax credit into my bank account automatically last month I don't understand why they sent a check this month however I did fix that issue already is there anything that's quicker because right now it could take up to six to eight weeks for Social Security ministration to send my husband a new card please help thanks</p>
Friday, 23 Jul 2021 1:32 AM
<p>My wife signs her check over to me we decided to deposit it in my account it Wells Fargo upon depositing the check that we both signed she wrote paid to the order of and my name the lady says she has to have two sorts of ID but if she has two sets ID she could open an account all right but I said the check should be deposited in my account because it was half my money but she went and had a deposit in her own account but she just made but they deny her a checking account a week later to get a letter in the mail and what happens to the 5,500 check that was deposited in both our names she's currently in Mississippi and I'm in Texas but we deposited the check in Mississippi together but where's my half I can't access it I can't do nothing I don't understand what are they going to do with the check if they're not going to cash it and they do cash it they're not going to give me no money it was half mine</p>
Tuesday, 15 Jun 2021 12:36 AM
<p>I made my last payment right before I refinance my car so I could get my ex girlfriend off the car. They sent the refund check k to her house and she deposited it without my signature and refuses to give me the money even though the payment was made through my bank account without her name what can ido</p>
Thursday, 10 Jun 2021 8:32 PM
<p>I had a stimulus check I wasn't able to cash because of the last name being different so my friend took a picture of the check we waited 5 days an her bank didn't approve it so she cancelled it an I took the check to a easy check cash place well I didn't no my friends bank had held the money because a red flag came up now her bank won't let go of the funds an I owe that check place 1400 what can I do????</p>
alicedegregorimorales
Friday, 30 Apr 2021 5:31 AM
<p>.Do you have some sort of law to back this up? Does this include direct deposit tax checks (which I assume ARE actually checks sent by the IRS to the bank by direct deposit? In any event, there are payees listed somewhere so that the bank knows the check is going in the right account (the one belonging to the payee or payees). <br>"Amber Kel • 3 years ago - Of course it only applies to paper checks. What type of check did you think the article was talking about?" Direct deposit checks of course. Duh.</p>
Saturday, 24 Apr 2021 6:02 PM
<p>So in 2019 me and my ex did our tax return and the check went to her account and when the 1st stimulus came we were still together but the 2nd and 3rd checks went out we were apart and the money was deposited into her account and me and our son that I have custody of didn't receive our part of the stimulus. Me and my son's part was in the amount of 4,000$. And now I have proof from IRS and the bank that they were deposited. 2nd round check of 2400$ was deposited on Feb 3rd and 3rd round was deposited on March 17th. She says it wasn't but I have the proof and she and the bank will not work with me to get this crap correct. Maybe yall have some advise, I have already went to the police but they are delaying of course? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead of time.</p>
Saturday, 17 Apr 2021 2:39 AM
<p>What do I do about a 3rd party signing the check to be deposited or cashed and not needing them</p>
disqus_51kRB9nHED
Wednesday, 14 Apr 2021 5:48 PM
<p>stimulus check to my wife and I. we do not ave a joint account. she is in lockdown due to covid. she endorsed the check and at the window I signed the check and we deposited it into her account. chase no problem. The teller did warn me that she should have been the bottom signature on the endorsement .... that sounded to stupid..... she said the bank could kick the check back for 3 years.</p>
Tuesday, 09 Mar 2021 7:27 AM
<p>my ex husband received multiple check with his name and mine but it said “and or” he had the corresponding address changed to his received all 4 checks cashed them and kept the money. what legal resources are there for me if any?</p>
Tuesday, 09 Mar 2021 7:24 AM
<p>what happens if the check says and or and one person cashes the check and the other payer has no idea the check existed and finds out later? what can that person whose name was also on the check do?</p>
Sunday, 28 Feb 2021 4:36 AM
<p>Ok so apparently a Walmart employee at the Walmart were I purchased my money gram money order deposited the money order that was sold to me to there bank act mobile blank to Wells Fargo so wen I wrote the money order out to myself n tried to cash the money order it bounced in my act and I had to jump thru months of runaround from moneygram to get proff the money order wasn't cashed by me n the directed me bk to wells fargo I fussed with them because I thoygh they told me they didn't collect the funds and wen I went to wells fargo about it the banker told me it was cashed blank as a mobile deposit the day I purchased it n they told me to report it with Walmart now I feel the bank is responsible for this fraud because there was no signature no person name or address it was blank as a mobile deposit that is a big issue about them letting ppl get away with committing fraud with they bank because no other institution would cash a blank money order am I correct</p><blockquote></blockquote>
Saturday, 09 Jan 2021 8:24 PM
<p>My husband is in jail and has been since may of 2020 our stimulus check was deposited in his account but it also has my name on the check as well as his the bank is refusing to return the check to the irs and won't give me access to the money even though it has my name on it as will is this legal it isn't a joint account are they allowed to keep the check</p>
Thursday, 12 Nov 2020 2:36 PM
<p>Hello my wifes economic stimulus check was sent to our home address but shes incarcerated in another state and we dont have any accounts with her name on it .I guess the check is worthless and I cannot do anything with it.I have contacted everywhere I could to get a place to cash or deposit it and my own bank I have had for over 20 years will not touch it unless shes with me to deposite it or open an account iam at a loss of what to do .I even tried to get her name on my account and again she has to be physically there to do so.and they told me even if we had a joint account she still needs to be physically there .They told me it's a crime for me to sign a stimulus check because Gov checks cannot be signed over to anyone .I cant do online because I dont have any of her ids here with me If anyone can be of help please let me know my email address trish591238@gmail.com</p>
Wednesday, 07 Oct 2020 1:28 PM
<p>On a three payout check what happen if one payee refuse to sign unless he is pay his portion by other means?</p>
Tuesday, 06 Oct 2020 1:56 AM
<p>Just went to bank of America to deposit a check into my wife's checking account. Since the check was made out to us both, I went along to endorse the check. The check was actually drawn from a bofa account. We were both there and had proper documentation. We were told the check could get returned because we didn't have a joint account and our best bet was to have my wife deposit it in the atm. We were told the check was issued in both of our names because the intent was that it was to benefit us both?! We were both there!!!</p>
Saturday, 22 Aug 2020 1:09 AM
<p>hi,<br>I've received a check from my home insurance holder for a claim due to water damage on my home, the check was written to me, the adjuster and my mortgage company. The adjuster and myself have signed the check but we are having a hard time getting the mortgage company to sign and return the check to me, over the phone they tell me to just deposit the check and that they signature is not required.. Would my bank accept the check if I deposit it? I read their policy online and it states that all signatories must be present at the branch to deposit the check.. Any advice on what is the best approach here? I doubt I can get anyone from my mortgage company to show up at my local bank's branch..</p><p>Thanks,<br>Jon</p>
Sunday, 14 Jun 2020 1:31 AM
<p>I have that problem I have a stimulus check under my name and my wife and my wife is out of country I can not cash the check</p>
kianhantee
Tuesday, 04 Feb 2020 7:33 AM
<p>A check issued as : Mr. X / Mr. Y.. can either Mr. X or. Mr. Y can encash the check. The issuer even countersign the check over the "/" portion.</p>
leondanielpeck
Friday, 29 Nov 2019 3:44 AM
<p>I got a check from a settlement and Thor is 4 other names on check from hospital and chiropractor and doctors office its my name then thirs made out with and not or no one will cash it and thoues on check can't be with me to cash it What do I do</p>
MyBankTracker
Monday, 18 Nov 2019 4:00 PM
<p>The bank shouldn't be liable. Rather, legal action would be required to get back the money that belongs to you.</p>
maureenstoneburner
Tuesday, 12 Nov 2019 8:11 PM
<p>My sisters and brother received a insurance damage check for a jointly owned property. It was for $18,000. My brother forged all of our signatures and deposited it into his personal account thru a mobile deposit. The bank accepted it with no verification from any of the payees. Are they liable for the funds? My brother that forged the check was charged and convicted of the forgery</p>
jackflash11
Sunday, 04 Aug 2019 8:00 PM
<p>How can Jeff watch his mouth? His nose may be in the way!</p>
jackflash11
Sunday, 04 Aug 2019 7:52 PM
<p>If the bank has both parties signature on file in separate accounts and the instrument is fully endorsed by both parties then the bank should be able to verify and accept the check for deposit or physically send it for collection to the paying bank.</p>
Sunday, 14 Oct 2018 1:25 AM
<p>A check is a legal document akin to a contract that gives very specific instructions about how funds are to be used and transferred. Of course there will be strict adherence to the negotiable item when it comes to situations where multiple payees are to be paid the funds. What if you and your ex spouse both receive a check and your ex spouse presents it for deposit in an account only that person has control over? Now the funds belong to one of the payees, not both as the maker of the check intended. Banks don't want to be involved in your personal drama, nor do they want to be sued by one of the payees on an item, so of course they'll reduce risk by making absolutely certain the funds are being used as intended.</p>
lyleknudsen
Wednesday, 29 Aug 2018 5:23 PM
<p>I had an insurance check come for me I was waiting on a check from insurance so i deposited it. I used money to pay bills, then I got a call from the body shop that said insurance sent me a 2 party check by accident, this wss the check I didn't notice it had another player and the bank let it go thru. Now body shop wants their money, what can i do, I only endorsed my name</p>
Monday, 16 Jul 2018 8:24 PM
<p>Because you probably either have a joint account or the refund is automatically deposited into the account. Watch your mouth.</p>
Monday, 16 Jul 2018 8:20 PM
<p>Of course it only applies to paper checks. What type of check did you think the article was talking about?</p>
Tuesday, 10 Jul 2018 3:43 PM
<p>Does anyone wonder why this has to be so hard? The banks would not do this to a large depositor. Even with an endorsement of the "and" party, Wells <br>Fargo where I have been a customer for 25 years will not deposit unless we both go to the bank together, a two hour ordeal at best. Vote for anyone who is anti-regulation.</p>
disqus_TPkJpabCMe
Monday, 04 Jun 2018 11:20 PM
<p>My bank had a clever idea..Open up a mutual account..Can you sense the sarcasm here? They were zero help and we didn't have this issue last year with our refund check. What a total PITA.</p>
Tuesday, 29 May 2018 9:52 PM
<p>About bb&amp;t rules of joint tax return policy. Only applies to paper checks. As my husband had our joint federal and state tax return direct deposited to his bb&amp;t account in his name only without my knowledge. Instead of our joint checking account with Union Bank and Trust. As agreed and had since jointly filing.</p>
Tuesday, 29 May 2018 12:06 AM
<p>having the same issuse so the auto body endorsed it and u signed it and just deposisted it?</p>
Friday, 25 May 2018 8:11 PM
<p>I was issued a 2 party check from my insurance company. Made out to me and auto body shop. Body shop endorsed back of it due to the fact that they don't want to be held liable or be responsible in any event my car is driveable and minor damage r&amp;i front bumper and lower grill assy im not leaving my car until parts arrive and they are ready to begin the work to it which would take maybe 2-3 days but require deposit for the parts which where the decision to endorse it and my returning with the deposit. I had no clue as to what a mess and headache it has turned out to be when I not knowing decided to deposit by ATM because it was just past the close of my bank. Next day I had problems logging into my account online come to find out they froze my account. Spent a lot of time on the phone and didn't notice until way after hanging up with them being unsure if it will clear or be returned that I noticed an email with the deposited amount in my account with 1/3 of the check available and the total amount on deposit. They will unfreeze my account once it's bn cleared according to them. I am so embarrassed by the whole ordeal and feel like they have wrongfully treated me with the run around and inconsistencies that are being said to me from different people in their department or different departments.</p>
Saturday, 28 Apr 2018 2:18 PM
<p>Ok i just received a tax income for 2016 for state with my ex husbands name on it with mine. They were supposed to keep the money for court costs my ex owed but i guess they ammended it. The thing is he is in jail and can't sign it. We also dont have a joint account obviously. Im not sure what to do. The check is only good for 6 months and he doesnt get out till dec. I wpuld hate to lose money. Tia</p>
Thursday, 05 Apr 2018 8:49 PM
<p>I had min and my wife's income check come in I signed her name like I always have because she works late and can't usually get buy the bank before they close well the bank cashed the check I gave her ,her half and we have been split for a couple of months now but now she comes back saying if I don't give her another 2000 cash she's going to say I forged her signature what should I do??</p>
colleenmajram
Tuesday, 27 Mar 2018 10:13 PM
<p>My ex is telling me to endorse the check and send it back to him and he will deposit it (he already signed) I told him you can't, I have tried twice at different branches and now I understand. Is there anything I could do if I do mail it back and he keeps it all? Who would get into trouble? The bank? Him? For now I'm keeping custody!</p>
Tuesday, 27 Mar 2018 4:53 PM
<p>One of the reasons tax refund checks are held to a more stringent standard, is that one of the payees of the check can claim they never endorsed the check, ask for their half of the proceeds, and the government can come back to the depository institution for up to seven years after the date of issuance and demand the money back. Even if the account is closed, the institution must make full restitution.</p>
Saturday, 17 Mar 2018 6:43 AM
<p>that's all bullshit I never see my tax filings or tax returns. My wife does all of that. I never sighn or see anything</p>
disqus_4HlsGfcOMB
Monday, 05 Mar 2018 3:15 PM
<p>No just go to the teller named Mike Hunt.</p>
disqus_4HlsGfcOMB
Monday, 05 Mar 2018 3:14 PM
<p>She can but the bank will point her to who received the money, YOU. Be careful because in some states they'll pick up any reports especially when it concerns a Husband and Wife. They view it as possible fraud and forcing a spouce against their will. It's crazy but I've seen it in court and it happens everyday. Better to not play games. You guys did well in your investment. Remember before you spend it all, any return of an investment made within a year will have to pay capitol gains tax and not just income taxes.</p>
Friday, 09 Feb 2018 2:10 AM
<p>Wife cashed a check solo that is written to both of us. and says both payees must endorse. me and the company are unable to track how or where the check was cashed. any method to tracking would be good. also remaining balance. of payout account, she refuses to sign with me. a sizeable sum expires in a couple days. ( we had two years to use it) she has negotiated the only check cashed against the account. is there a way to claim damages, to me by her refusal to allow me to use any money by refusing to sign?</p>
enilsen42
Thursday, 01 Feb 2018 5:56 PM
<p>I have a check with my name on it then a : then my ex roommates name. we do not speak at all. It does not have and/or on it. Am I able to deposit it? So I can send her, her half of the check?</p>
Saturday, 20 Jan 2018 4:09 AM
<p>Hi about 4 months ago I took out of my mind and wife's investment account 100,000 dollars when the check came it had my name then below was hers. I signed it and took it into my bank and had no problems. The next day the money was available for me to do with what I want. Fast forward today my wife and I decided to take out most of what we made on are investment account and leave the rest in. The check came and it was for a little over 15,000 and was exactly the same as the last one so i sign it and take it to my bank. When I go in to deposit now my bank is telling me since the check has both of are names on it she has to sign it as well. I said I did not understand why cause last time I'm the only one that signed. They say it's because of the amount. And I laugh and say well I know that's not the reason cause last time the check was for 85,000 more then now. So I went and got her and got her signature and deposited the check. My question since the first check was only signed by me and they let me deposit with out her knowledge. Can she go after the bank now and say she since her signature was never on the 100,000 dollar check and claim she had no clue about it. Will she be entitled to get half that money back from the bank? Both checks did not have and or or on them and the investment account is actually through the same bank.</p>
Thursday, 11 Jan 2018 7:15 PM
<p>The information given is in correct. Bank of America requires both parties share an account before they will deposit the check. That means you also need 2 forms of ID with you when depositing, i.e drivers license and birth certificate. I ran into this in July of 2017. It was a nightmare and we spent 2 hours at the bank.</p>
greggorcutt
Friday, 05 Jan 2018 6:25 AM
<p>Are two signatures required to cash or deposit a check that reads: JOHN DOE CUST<br> MIKE DOE.</p>
MyBankTracker
Friday, 05 Jan 2018 3:17 AM
<p>Yes, you can as long as you follow the rules of the bank for deposit.</p>
disqus_fMWtDeUjXw
Saturday, 23 Dec 2017 5:55 PM
<p>We receive a check from my husband's brother with just our first names.Can we get it cashed?</p>
disqus_fUNRDgAzBp
Wednesday, 29 Nov 2017 4:25 PM
<p>I received an insurance check for my son. It has both mine and my ex-wife name on it but she is refusing on signing it. What can I do to cash it..</p>
MyBankTracker
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2017 6:03 PM
<p>SunTrust's policy is to require both signatures and that your ex-fiance also be there to verify the signature.</p>
MyBankTracker
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2017 5:30 PM
<p>If the check stated "and" and it was deposited without the signatures of the other two parties, they can consider legal action to collect the portion that belongs to them.</p>
MyBankTracker
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2017 5:29 PM
<p>There was no wrongdoing on the bank's part here. Sounds like this is something to take up with the property management office.</p>
MyBankTracker
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2017 5:27 PM
<p>Party B can take legal action to retrieve the portion of the check that belongs to him or her.</p>
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2017 5:48 AM
<p>My finance and I decided to go our separate ways. I left the homeowners insurance policy as is until the next payment comes out of escrow and he can change it. Unfortunately, my car was broken into and I had to file a claim for the items stolen. They informed me that because he is on the policy but I am not on the deed, the check has to be in both our names. We don't have a joint account and he works overseas. They have to mail a paper check with both names and there is no "and, or" just both names separated by a comma. Because everything that was stolen was mine and I paid for it all ( with documentation to prove it) will I be able to deposit that check into my SunTrust account with no issues?....Boy this is a headache.</p>
tanya_kabat
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2017 10:15 PM
<p>The house insurance check was made to me and my mom,written as and,she wants all of it,but needs my sig,i wont sign,iis both of us entitted half of it?</p>
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2017 5:00 PM
<p>I'm having a problem where a check that was written to three people was stamped by one and deposited without the two other's consent or knowledge.</p>
gameacct
Tuesday, 26 Sep 2017 12:11 AM
<p>I am out of state early from the lease, no way to get to roomy's bank to confirm my signature, we specifically asked the check be in her name from apartment office, office refuses to cooperate or re-issue even with return of old uncashed check. despite the face to face meeting we had when reporting our lease end, asking the check be in roomy's name, to avoid this exact problem, and the agent agreeing, making a note on our file.</p><p>who do we sue, the bank or the office? what if one of us had died? been hospitalized? i don't have 600 for a plane ticket back to state. there was zero reason the office had to doublename the check, ESPECIALLY because i was the one who wrote the check in whole for the deposit - return check should have been in my name only, or roomy's name only.</p><p>i'm willing to fax or scan my ID to roomy's bank, but if the office isn't going to reissue i still have the checking receipt for that deposit to get it all in my name - but if they aren't willing to cooperate anybody know any good attorneys?</p><p>(this office has been shady af from the start, the apartment we got was trashed, carpet mouldering with animal piss, cupboards sticky with spraypaint over grease and dirt instead of cleaned, months to get carpet replaced / livable, cabinets never remedied, and now this)</p>
annimherre
Sunday, 27 Aug 2017 7:38 PM
<p>A check from a joint brokerage account was deposited via mobile app. Check was made out to "A", "B; no "and" or "or". "A" forged "B's" name on check then mobile deposited the check into "A's" LLC business account. Does "B" have any recourse?</p>
MyBankTracker
Wednesday, 23 Aug 2017 8:15 PM
<p>Debbi, the bank "should" end up rejecting the check deposit because the check is missing a signature. In the event that the check goes through successfully, the second party can take legal action to retrieve the portion of the funds that belong to them.</p><p>This may include small claims court or speaking with a legal professional to see what steps may be taken.</p>
debbilgeorge
Monday, 21 Aug 2017 3:07 PM
<p>A check was mobile bank deposited, this check required two signatures, only one signature was provided. The money was not divided with second party. What recourse does second party have. And should the Bank be responsible for return of money?</p>
MyBankTracker
Wednesday, 09 Aug 2017 3:50 PM
<p>If "and" or "or" is not printed on the payable line of the checks, according to the rules, any one of you should be able to deposit into your account as long as everyone endorses the check. Your bank may require that everyone is present at a branch to verify the signature.</p><p>The hold on the deposit is likely to be a routine procedure for checks that the bank feel are risky.</p>
disqus_wkOYkHKd0T
Monday, 31 Jul 2017 6:22 PM
<p>I had an apartment with my sister and fiance about a year ago. My sister ended up getting pregnant and couldn't afford to pay her part of the rent so we paid it for her as a loan. Needless to say, she never paid us back and she packed up and moved out before her lease ended. Well, we just got the security deposit check back that addressed all of our names, no "and/or" on the check, just commas. I've had the hardest time trying to cash it since my sister isn't talking to me and my fiance since she thinks we owe her money from the check when she never paid us back for handling her part of the rent and utility bills (she's a very selfish girl). I went to the bank for the last time and they decided to deposit it into my account and hold it for four days. The teller said it was so it can be cleared. Is this right? Is that what they're really doing? I've never had this problem before with cashing a check.</p>
MyBankTracker
Thursday, 22 Jun 2017 3:53 PM
<p>It is possible for a bank to refuse to cash a check, especially for non-customers. The most commons reasons for doing so are fraud and potential insufficient funds.</p><p>Tellers may be told to accept checks "no questions asked" under a certain limit. Checks above a certain threshold (may vary from bank to bank) may require verification of sufficient funds in the account against which the check is drawn.</p><p>If the bank suspects that the check cannot be honored in full, the bank could reject it.</p>
dianerberpriest
Friday, 28 Apr 2017 12:18 PM
<p>So if the check did not say "and", you are screwed. My son's fiancé walked out. My son continued to make the mortgage payments until he could no longer afford to. He had to sell the house. The house was in both names. There was an overpayment of escrow of almost $2000. The check was sent to her with both names and no "and/or", just both names listed. She deposited the check in her single names account st BB&amp;T. According to your article, she can. According to BB&amp;T, the branch can make its own decision. So if you have this situation, just keep going into different BB&amp;T branches. Eventually somebody will negotiate the check for you. So good for the person who receives the check. She is $2000 richer while he is the one who paid the mortgage for a year. </p>
disqus_FM0wkHC3tx
Monday, 10 Apr 2017 1:57 PM
<p>My wife and I received a check of $4,000 from our adjuster with both our names on it. The check it written on PNC and we're not customers, so we thought we could both go there and cash the check since it was one of theirs. They refused to cash the check. Is that legal and do you know what their policy is?</p>
distraughtlady
Tuesday, 04 Apr 2017 5:31 PM
<p>The county I live in has a "Victims Assistance" program. I emailed them my situation and actually got a reply that they are going to get a status from the Officer I filed my report with. I haven't ruled out going after the bank since they are in violation of their own protocol. Stay tuned...............</p>
MyBankTracker
Monday, 03 Apr 2017 9:53 PM
<p>Thanks for the update. Keep us tuned in if you can -- any resolution to your situation could help others in the same predicament.</p>
distraughtlady
Sunday, 02 Apr 2017 5:45 PM
<p>The problem with attorney's is most will DEFEND the "crook", I need a Prosecuting attorney. I am looking into the commonwealth's attorney at this time. I hope to make some headway since multiple crimes have been committed.</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:55 PM
<p>Thanks for sharing your experience with Santander Bank. Your case would certainly help folks in a similar situation (or those considering an account with the bank).</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:53 PM
<p>There must be a claim administrator for the class action lawsuit. The administrator would be the one to handle the reissue of the check.</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:32 PM
<p>Legal action appears to be the way to go here, so it is odd to hear that you're having trouble finding a lawyer to tackle the matter. Another option you could look into would be small claims court.</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:28 PM
<p>Under the ambiguity rule, she could have deposited the check into her personal account.</p><p>Your case is a legal matter where you should speak with a lawyer to claim part of the funds that were paid to your ex-wife.</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:26 PM
<p>Under the ambiguity rule, you should be able to deposit the check under your own account.</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:24 PM
<p>At this point, the best course of action may be to seek legal advice on how you can reclaim the portion of the funds that belonged to you.</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:23 PM
<p>Have you tried having the contractor go with you to your bank branch to deposit the check through a teller? That may be worth a try before looking for other options.</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:14 PM
<p>That surely removes part of the hassle of depositing these checks. Good to see that U.S. Bank used to verification protocol.</p>
MyBankTracker
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017 9:13 PM
<p>That would appear to be an ambiguous payee line, which would mean any party could deposit it. Definitely confirm with a teller before depositing.</p>
ricklongino
Saturday, 25 Mar 2017 8:49 PM
<p>Santander just refused to have my wife deposit joint payee check despite:<br>1. Both of us signed<br>2. We each have longstanding accounts, we each have signature cards on file, money was going into one of two accounts<br>3. The sum was small<br>4. We both then physically appeared, and showed valid photo IDs</p><p>We were told we had to open joint account (is this the Wells Fargo scam, lets create as many accounts as possible so we can trick shareholders into thinking we are growing?)</p><p>We refused. First they lied and said new UCC (legal) requirement. Then they backed down from joint account requirement. But they forced filing of notarized form "to their fraud department" (oh for gods sake) then we had to sign some formal doc subjecting us to some or another liability. (I almost called their bluff and refused. After all, banks have duties to me as well, when I present a duly authorized and endorsed check).</p><p>Once again, Santander has to be the WORST. Yes they have to take reasonable steps to check signatures, but these were not reasonable steps, especcially given the circumstances.</p>
greentravelgal
Thursday, 23 Mar 2017 6:49 PM
<p>I am doing a financed home construction project, with periodic draws. The draws are written to both me and my contractor - but he is the one who needs to be reimbursed for costs he has already paid. Wells Fargo refused to deposit the check into his long-standing account with my signature, and then only did it reluctantly when I came in person to present my ID. They told me that they would do it this time but not going forward. So they are *not* following the policy that you outline above. I am in discussion with my loan company to see how we can change the process moving forward, but they have not demonstrated a willingness to change their protocols in the past.</p>
Wednesday, 22 Mar 2017 6:27 AM
<p>I received a check from a class action lawsuit and it's made out to me AND my ex husband..we split in 2009 &amp; haven't had any contact since then, how can I cash it? I don't have a # of the issuer to call...HELP!</p>
Friday, 17 Mar 2017 2:48 PM
<p>Simon, I bank with BB&amp;T and no longer have a joint account with my now ex spouse. However, before our divorce (and settlement agreement was in place) he deposited/cashed a two party check (made out to he and myself) from an insurance company, which I was not present when he did this and he endorsed my name (forgery) in order to cash. I went to BB&amp;T after seeing this article. The first thing I did was ask them if I had a signature card on file. She looked up my account and sure enough I did. I looked at the card/signature and said "now we have a problem" then proceeded to show her the check, in which my signature was forged. After the banking person made several phone calls she told me they were going to have to pull some information and do an investigation. I received an email from the person I spoke with several about a week later and was informed that they could not discuss this matter with me and I would have to contact the issuer of the check (insurance company, who also claims they can't do anything about this matter, even though their website pursues fraud). I have filed a police report with my local police department nearly a year to date, and still have not received any investigation. Is forgery considered a joke in this country? No one appears to take this seriously, oh BTW the check was nearly $9,000.00. This was for a jointly owned motorcycle that somehow was "totaled" and I suspect that my name was also forged on the title.</p><p>Any suggestions on how I can handle this since BB&amp;T and the insurance company seem to want to wipe their hands of it and I can't seem to get any cooperation from the police? I've looked into attorneys to pursue, however I can only find criminal defense attorney's and I need a prosecuting attorney BUT since the local police haven't responded to my report I do not know where to go? So I'm open for suggestions - from anyone out there reading this.</p>
anamariacarrasco
Friday, 17 Mar 2017 9:15 AM
<p>I just found out that my ex got a check for over 12,000 for a claim he filed on a burglary of our house. I had moved out but a lot of the items were mine. He never told me he got the money. He is now in prison(because he's an idiot) While cleaning out the house that had been vandalized for like the 3rd time, I found the check and a bank statement from his bank that had the amount of the check in his personal account. I called the insurance company and got copies of the check. He didn't sign my name but did e-deposit it and the bank took it....Do I go to the police and file a report? Is the Insurance company liable or is it the bank or both?...</p>
Tuesday, 31 Jan 2017 11:58 PM
<p>I recently found out my ex wife of 15 years deposited multiple checks form the New York Tax and Finace Dept for Hurricane Sandy Fund through New York Rising. The check payee line was her name and my name and are both different. There was no "and " and no "or " on the payee line. <br>She deposited the checks into her personal account at Chase Bank. I do not have any accounts at chase bank. I never endorsed the checks and was not aware of this. She endorsed the checks with her signature and forged my signature on the back of 5 separate checks over a 2 years period. <br>I am trying to find out what Chase Bank branch procedure is for this. Will Chase allow the deposit with out me being present? Would the bank ask her to have me present with ID. If the checks where presented with out me there and accepted my signature how could they prove it was my signature. <br>I am not there customer and have no signature on file. <br>A police report has been made. Is Chase Bank going to be responsible for the money? Do I have a lawsuit against Chase Bank? The amount was a total of $ 125.000.00</p>
Thursday, 12 Jan 2017 9:34 PM
<p>I am having a very hard time figuring out how to deposit a 2 party check into my account. I had hail and wind damage and received a check from my insurance company made out to me and my mortgage company (over $20K). I spoke with the mortgage company and was told to sign it and send it to them and then they would send out a check to me once everything cleared. They did send me a check, but it was also made out to our general contractor. He says that in his experience, banks do not accept these 2 party checks very easily (we have 2 different banks). I get different answers when I called the banks to get advice, My mortgage company says this is always how they do it for checks over $20K and its a Freddie Mac rule, although I can not anything about that online. It looks like different mortgage companies deal with this in different ways. Any guidance would be appreciated!</p>
disqus_nGBeStAHiX
Sunday, 08 Jan 2017 8:37 PM
<p>My husband and I have separate accounts at US Bank (I don't use mine any more, my husband comes in regularly to make cash deposits or withdrawals to his). The last two times we've had tax refund checks, I had my husband endorse, then I went to US Bank and deposited it into his account and did my endorsement in front of the teller. Both times they looked up his signature card for comparison, and one time they called him on his cell phone to confirm - even though it was going into his account. Later we transferred funds to my account, which we use for household expenses</p>
tracyhutermiller
Sunday, 01 Jan 2017 2:58 AM
<p>Get a lawyer, you can sue. You can even call the cops since forgery is felony offense</p>
tracyhutermiller
Sunday, 01 Jan 2017 2:40 AM
<p>If the check has 1st person with a "%" 2nd name. Do both need to sign since it doesn't say or or &amp;?</p>
christinachornomud
Wednesday, 16 Nov 2016 12:01 AM
<p>I work for an insurance company and I have seen many times banks missing that the check was made out to two parties. I had one check issued Mercury A/S/O the person's name and they missed it. I think it's luck of the draw</p>
Tuesday, 15 Nov 2016 3:59 PM
<p>There is no "&amp;" or "or" on my check just one name and the other name listed underneath it. I have a pfa and no contact. I sent in all requested legal documents to the bank and they still wont reissue a check. I was told to take it to another bank. Any advice? </p>
SimonMBT
Friday, 28 Oct 2016 3:02 PM
<p>Yes, that is the best way to do it. If you are worried that your branch might ask for something else, it is best to call that particular BofA branch.</p>
disqus_HFvN17byDt
Thursday, 27 Oct 2016 9:01 AM
<p>I just wanted to be sure, that if depositing a check into a checking account with two payees using "and" for BoA, The only requirement would be that both parties are present to endorse the check?</p>
SimonMBT
Thursday, 20 Oct 2016 9:17 PM
<p>That's unfortunate. Keep us posted on how that works out.</p>
kirbywright
Thursday, 20 Oct 2016 6:26 AM
<p>I tried depositing a 2-party check with the other party's signature (law firm) and mine as well and Wells Fargo rejected it. Apparently I need to get a signature verification at the bank, then send the check back to the law firm for them to deposit, then have them issue me a new check made out to just me. What a drag.</p>
Saturday, 24 Sep 2016 3:26 PM
<p>No, your relative would have to open his/her own account. Depending on your bank they may not allow a check payable to someone else to be deposited into your checking account. Unless the check is payable to you then they will be able to deposit that check. By giving that information out especially out of the country it opens more windows for potential fraud. Something to keep in mind.</p>
Thursday, 08 Sep 2016 4:44 AM
<p>If i was going to open a checking account for me and i was to give my banking information to my relatives work place from another country could they deposit a check into my account</p>
SimonMBT
Tuesday, 31 May 2016 6:55 PM
<p>It is best to get the person's name and print it on the check. Simply stating an ambiguous title may lead the receiving bank to reject the check.</p>
Friday, 20 May 2016 5:40 AM
<p>What is the legal effect of writing a cheque paying the manager of the bank e.g. Pay the manager Citibank ?</p>
disqus_2povQYuiIN
Saturday, 14 May 2016 2:08 PM
<p>I just received a very small State refund check. It has my wife's name + (literally ) my name written on the check. How would this one fall under the and/or category? Do we both need to endorse the check or can just one of us do it? We no longer have a joint account together.<br></p>
slopestylzinc
Tuesday, 03 May 2016 4:27 PM
<p>I recently had this experience. In college I worked as a BOA teller and I'm now an Attorney with some knowledge of commercial papers and presentment warranties.</p><p>What put me in a difficult position was that the teller could not clearly explain why it was their policy. Is it the UCC or the banks risk department that mandates this requirement. They should arm the tellers with a policy statement that does a better job explaining besides say "just because."</p><p>I couldn't get a straight answer as to why she wouldn't take the deposit and simply put a hold on it.</p>
SimonMBT
Saturday, 26 Dec 2015 6:28 AM
<p>If that worked, great! I'd wait a week or two, however, to make sure that the check actually cleared before touching that money. It is certainly possible the BofA will come back to you to say that the check couldn't be processed.</p>
Wednesday, 23 Dec 2015 11:08 PM
<p>I went to BOA to deposit a check more than $20k that was for 4 people (family) including myself. It was endorsed by everyone but the aggravating teller told me everyone had to be present with their IDs. I just went to an ATM and deposited there and it was available the next day :D</p>
SimonMBT
Tuesday, 20 Oct 2015 2:27 PM
<p>Those two seem to be the most common incidents for multiple payees. Others I've seen include wedding gifts where the check was written to the couple and rent refunds written to two roommates. Other times would be just personal checks to two payees, but I would think that those situations are much more easily addressed with a rewritten check.</p>
disqus_KccH8ajrsO
Tuesday, 20 Oct 2015 1:36 PM
<p>Great article. I also read your previous article regarding the same topic 2 years ago. Based on your research, what are the other scenarios where a check is made out to multiple payees aside from insurance and taxes ? Thanks.</p>

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