If a check is made out to two payees and it doesn't say and or or, do both payees need to sign the check?

Question

The check looks like this:
Pay to order of: Name #1
Name #2
Address
I am name #2. I want to deposit it but do I need name one to sign over to me since we do not share an account?

Answer 1

I worked in banking and finance for many years so I know I am able to help you. When there is no "and" or "or" on the check then both parties must sign it unless it is being deposited into a joint account. Since yo would like to put in into an account that is not shared by both people then you will have to get the other signature. There is a way around this but it doesn't always work...you could write on the back of the check where you sign your name "for deposit only" and then put it into your account via the ATM machine. Like I said...this does not always work so if I were you I wouldn't spend any of the money untill the check clears. Also...I am not saying you should do something dishonest...I only gave the latter piece of advice under the assumption that the other party know what you want to do with the check and is okay with it. I hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

I think that if it says Name #1 OR Name #2 then you do not need a signature. If it says Name #1 AND Name #2 then you do. Again, check and see if the words OR, AND are there. If nothing is there then I don't think that you need a second signature.

Answer 3

Yes you must both sign the check but you should be able to deposit it in your account without their i.d.

Answer 4

Yes, because by signing the other person is authorizing the deposit.

Answer 5

If it doesn't specifically say "or" then it's "and" even if it doesn't say so. You will need both signatures to negotiate it unless you're depositing it into an account with both names.

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

yes unless it's going into a joint bank account.

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

two names = two signatures . . . then it doesn't matter what you do with it