# Joint Endorsement on Checks: Definition and How It Works

![Picture of a man filling out a check](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/EGV9qNoY5Dq7Xx3iA3-BzI3QxS4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/venmo-scams-315823-E-v1-5bfd65b3c9e77c00517c5ed7.jpg)

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> **Definition**
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> A joint endorsement requires that all parties must agree to the deposit or cashing of checks that are made out to two or more individuals.

## What Is Joint Endorsement?

A joint endorsement is required for [checks](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/check.asp) made out to two or more people to prevent unauthorized cashing or deposits by one or other payee. A check that includes "and" between the parties' names usually require a joint endorsement. If "or" is used, either party may endorse the check. Different financial institutions may have different rules for joint endorsements. Rules can also vary based on the type of check. Joint endorsement requirements can be difficult to manage in certain situations, such as divorce or landlord-tenant scenarios.  

### Key Takeaways

*   A joint endorsement is needed for checks made out to two or more individuals to prevent unauthorized cashing.
*   When a check lists payee names with "and," a joint endorsement is usually required; "or" allows either party to endorse.
*   Rules for joint endorsements can vary based on the financial institution and type of check, such as tax refund checks.
*   Joint endorsements can pose challenges in situations like divorce or landlord-tenant scenarios, requiring careful handling.

## Key Factors in Joint Endorsements

Rules for joint endorsements vary by state, bank, and the type of check. For example, when checks are made out to a married couple and deposited into their [joint account](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/j/jointaccount.asp), many banks won't require both spouses to endorse the check because they both have access to the account.

On the other hand, most banks require U.S. government-issued checks, like tax refunds, to be jointly endorsed, even when deposited into a joint account.

## How Specific Check Wording Affects Endorsements

The need for a joint endorsement can be determined by the way the check is written. According to the legal convention, if payee names on a check are separated by "and" or a symbol or abbreviation of "and," banks may require a joint endorsement.

Checks made out to "Jane Doe and John Doe," "Jane Doe & John Doe," or "Jane Doe + John Doe" require joint endorsements.

On the other hand, if the payee names on the check are separated by a simple comma, such as "Jane Doe, John Doe," then either party could endorse the check. Be aware that not all banks follow these conventions and might require a joint endorsement regardless.

Sometimes, both parties can't be present together to endorse a check. For example, a recently [divorced](https://www.investopedia.com/how-the-divorce-process-works-5205594) couple in which one of the partners has obtained a restraining order against the other might present a problem for the bank because it is difficult to verify or ask for signatures for a check. In such cases, the bank may work with both parties independently or request a reissued check for each person.

## Navigating Joint Endorsements for Security Deposits

The issue of joint endorsements often comes up in landlord-tenant relations because many living situations involve roommates who share bills and responsibilities but who are not married or otherwise related.

When a [landlord](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/landlord.asp) returns a security deposit to tenants, the check may be written out to both, or all, the tenants listed on the lease, using some version of "and" between the names. Often the letters JT are appended to the names, meaning "joint tenants." Problems arise when unrelated roommates have separate bank accounts because the check can only be deposited into one account.

In this situation, both [tenants](https://www.investopedia.com/guide-to-tenant-rights-5097213) must endorse the refund check before depositing it into one tenant's account. The depositor would then presumably write a separate check back to the other tenant.

## Do Both Spouses Need to Endorse a Check?

Whether both spouses will need to endorse a check will depend on how the check is made out. For example, if the check says "and" between the two names, then both will need to endorse it. If the names are separated by "or," then only one will need to endorse it. For example, "John and Mary" versus "John or Mary."

## Can I Deposit a Check for My Joint Account Holder?

If the check is made out to both account holders, then most likely only one of you will have to sign the check if it is made out to the two of you since both your names are on the account. If the check is made out to only one person, you still may be able to deposit it for the other account holder, however, the rules will depend on the specific financial institution.

## How Do Endorsement Checks Work?

An endorsement check is endorsing a check to someone else that was originally made out to you. You would write and sign your name as usual but add "pay to the order of" followed by the name of the person you would like to endorse the check to.

## The Bottom Line

When a check is made out to two or more people, a joint endorsement is often required. This ensures that all parties on the check agree to its deposit or cashing. If the names on the check are separated by "and," then a check will usually need a joint endorsement. If they are separated by "or," they won't. Joint endorsements are usually needed on shared accounts, such as those between spouses. Certain situations may make joint endorsement difficult, such as when a couple divorces. Exceptions and variances for joint endorsement can vary by state, bank, or specific types of checks (such as tax refund checks).

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "[Do Both My Spouse and I Have to Sign the Back of a Check Made Out to Us?](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/do-both-my-spouse-and-i-have-to-sign-the-back-of-a-check-made-out-to-us-en-941/)"
>     
> 2.  Greenville Federal Credit Union. "[Tips for Depositing Your Government-Issued Stimulus or Tax Refund Check](https://www.greenvillefcu.com/blog/2021/02/10/tips-for-depositing-your-government-issued-check)."