3 Ways to Endorse a Check

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When you receive a check from someone, you must endorse it before cashing it or depositing it. This is done by signing your name on the back of the left end of the check. You can also limit who can cash it by specifying in your endorsement that it is only to be deposited into your specified account at Provident. It is usually a good idea to do so, as some other institutions may otherwise allow third parties to cash the endorsed check and collect the money.

Drag your mouse over the red boxes above the sample check below for examples of what these 3 types of endorsements look like.

Basic Endorsement Anyone can cash the check when endorsed this way, not just the signer. However, Provident Credit Union and many others will not accept a check endorsed by someone other than the Provident member depositing it. Restrictive Endorsement Write "For Deposit Only" and your account number, and this check can only be used as a deposit into that account. Special (or Full) Endorsement For transferring the check to another party, write "Pay to the Order of" and their name before you sign. Note: Provident Credit Union and many others will not accept a check endorsed this way (also called a 'third party check').