What is a Joint Endorsement?

A joint endorsement is a requirement that both parties to whom a check has been paid must sign the back of the check. Otherwise, it will not be accepted by the bank for processing. This requirement is intended to keep one of the payees from cashing the check without the knowledge of the other payee. This requirement is not mandated when a check is made out to a married couple, since the cash is going into their joint account, which they can both access.

However, a joint endorsement is usually required when the check was issued by the United States government. For example, a bank will generally require a tax refund check that is made out to a couple to be jointly endorsed by them, even though the check will be deposited into their joint account.

Generally, joint endorsement is required when the payee names on a check are separated by the word “and,” such as “Alice Johnson and Frank Johnson.” The enforcement of these rules varies by bank.