To endorse a check, follow these steps:

1. Confirm the check details
   Make sure the check is made out to you, the date is correct, and the amount is accurate. The payee name on the front must match the name you use to endorse the check

2. Locate the endorsement area
   Flip the check over and find the designated endorsement area on the back. This is usually a box or line marked “Endorse Here” near the top of the back side, with a warning not to write below a certain line

3. Choose the type of endorsement
   • Blank endorsement: Simply sign your name as it appears on the front of the check. This is the simplest but least secure method because anyone holding the check can cash it

 * **Restrictive endorsement:** Write “For deposit only” and your bank account number under your signature. This restricts the check so it can only be deposited into your account, which is safer especially for mobile deposits

 * **Special endorsement:** If you want to transfer the check to someone else, write “Pay to the order of [person’s name]” and then sign below. This creates a third-party check, which some banks may not accept

4. Sign the check
   Use a dark ink pen (blue or black) to sign your name exactly as it appears on the front. If your name is misspelled on the check, endorse it first with the incorrect spelling, then sign your correct name underneath

5. Deposit or cash the check
   After endorsing, you can deposit the check via your bank’s app, at an ATM, or inside a branch. If using mobile deposit, follow any additional instructions your bank provides, such as writing “For mobile deposit only”

Important tips:

• Only endorse a check when you are ready to deposit or cash it to reduce the risk of theft or fraud

• If the check is made out to multiple people joined by “and,” all must endorse it; if joined by “or,” only one needs to endorse

This process ensures the bank can verify you are the rightful payee and process the funds accordingly.