My wife deposited a few checks for me today, and while they accepted the checks, the teller told my wife that business checks had to be endorsed with a business stamp that had the company information and account number on it. We paperclip the checks together with a deposit slip, which seems sufficient to me. I've been running my own business for two years now, using this bank, and this is the first I've heard of this.
i have a stamp that has my company info and account number on it
when i forget to stamp them the bank makes me sign the check and print the account number on the check
i think it is pretty standard practice
Get an endorsement stamper made. Joe Blow Surveying - For Deposit Only - Acct#**-******
They then cannot be cashed if lost.
I have a stamp, but rarely use it. "For Deposit Only" ...and the acct. # is all it takes. I did endorse a check in pencil once and got some guff for it.
I try to remind everyone at the bank from time to time that I'm the customer...and in my mind I'm always.....well, you know.
We make a point of stamping the checks as they come out of the envelopes they come in. We figure that would make it harder for anyone who stole them to cash them.
My wife, who was once a bank teller, insists that I write "For Deposit Only" and my account number on any check that I intend to deposit. Banks are fully capable of screwing things up.
But I would not accept just anything that a bank teller told me as gospel. This would be akin to taking survey advice from a chainman.
> This would be akin to taking survey advice from a chainman.
I've gotten some pretty good advice from chainmen. Like, don't go over there, there's bees......
😉
I made a deposit today, I just scribbled "For Deposit Only" plus the account number. I do usually use a stamp, though.
Most banks have changed their policies many times since I opened my existing account in 1974.
Since it is still the same family banking establishment, they accept checks made to me, my wife or to "Surveyor" or other payable to other names dealing with surveying with no questions being asked.
The credit union we are members of will not accept any check for deposit unless the check bears the same name/s listed on our account. They are lucky we have stayed with them, but all other newer banks in this area have the same policy.
Putting "for deposit only" - "account #" on your checks is good practice and highly recommended.
It really wasn't that big of a deal, just that my wife normally makes the deposits does write "for deposit only" and the account number on the check, I believe ... I'll ask her when she gets home. When I make deposits, I'm lazier ... I just sign the checks and deposit them at the ATM. The ATM never complains and never screws up, plus, I get a receipt from the ATM that has the check image, so if it does screw up, at least I have proof of what I deposited.
Anyway, a stamp probably is a good idea, I just never heard of it being required before.
When I opened my business account my "personal banker" got me an account that had a free stamp with it. I think I had to pay for checks, but not the stamper or deposit slips (I know, I know... I paid for it somehow). But the point is, I got everything at once so that I got used to using it. You might ask them if they'll throw one in the next time you order deposit slips or checks as part of a package deal. It never hurts to ask, and they can always say no.
I deposit checks in the local ATM at the grocery store and I don't even endorse the checks; just put it in the ATM hit the button for a scan of the check and its done.
Keith
If any of you have an iPhone and bank with Chase, you can make deposits via an iPhone app (basically sending them a photo of the front and back of your check).
Another Case of
Forcing us to protect ourselves from ourselves just in case we decide to be exceptionally stupid sometime and might possibly try to blame the bank.
My bank has a "For Deposit Only" stamp that they do it for me right at the bank. Must be a local thing?
It never has been asked and never even occured to me to put the account no. on a deposited check or any kind of stamp.
Negative... I write "FDO" on mine, bank has never questioned it...
