A "Restrictive" Endorsement:
You don't want anybody - including yourself - to be able to cash your check. You only want the money to be deposited directly into your account.
- This is a very safe endorsement.
- The restrictive endorsement means others can't take your money.
- You write "for deposit only" on the back of the check.
- Then you put your account number under "for deposit only."
- Then you sign your name as it appears on the front.
Big Tip: if you don't want anyone else to be able to cash your check always put a restrictive endorsement on your checks the minute you receive them. This prevents someone else from forging your endorsement and cashing the check.
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