Hi, I am always curious what is the purpose of check endorsement. If I got a check written in my name and I deposit it into my own account, why do I need to sign in the back of the check? When I deposited some checks through ATM, I intentionally didn't sign in the back. Those check still got into my account. If I deposit OTC, they always ask me to sign. Many times I didn't even use my real signature. What is Check Endorsement for?

Thanks!

I always thought it was needed for cashing, but not depositing.

I deposited my son's paycheck a week ago and he didn't sign it, so I just wrote "for deposit only" on it and it went through okay.