Endorse Checks Payalbe to Multiple People

Some checks are made payable to multiple people. For example, a check may be written to a husband and wife. The right way to endorse these checks depends on how they're written.

There's a difference between "and" and "or". If you've studied symbolic logic or computer programming you're already familiar with the concept.

"And" Means Everybody

Checks made payable to multiple parties using "and" should be signed by everybody. For example, a check made payable to "John and Jane Doe" should be signed by both John and Jane. Keep this in mind next time you write a check to multiple people - if you want to make life easy don't use "and".

If all of the payees own an account (like a joint account for a married couple) it may be possible to deposit the check without both signatures.

"Or" Means Anybody

Checks made payable to multiple parties using "or" can be signed by just one party. For example, a check made payable to "John or Jane Doe" can be signed by either John or Jane.

Return to the main page on How to Endorse Checks.