For Deposit Only

Answer by Brian Crow: If your state has adopted the model language of the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 3-204 defines an endorsement as a 'signature.' Therefore the words 'for deposit only' in the absence of the payee's signature or endorsement stamp would not constitute an endorsement.
However, the depository bank does not need to require an endorsement (except on insurance drafts that will be returned without the endorsement of all payees) as the depository bank guarantees that the payee received benefit from the funds by the presentment warranties that is makes under Article 4-208.

Answer by Ken Golliher: Said differently, 'For Deposit Only' is a restriction on an endorsement, not a signature. If yours is the bank of first deposit, you guarantee any missing signature.
You could accept the item. You could also reject it.
If you are the paying bank, you already have the bank of first deposit's guarantee of the missing signature; there is no logic behind a decision to return the item so they can whack it with a rubber stamp that guarantees the missing endorsement again.
First published on BankersOnline.com 6/25/12

For Deposit Only Endorsement

  1. Write: “For Deposit Only to Account Number XXXXXXXXXX” Sign your name below that, but still within the endorsement area of the check This method specifically instructs the bank that the check should be deposited into the account identified in the endorsement.
  2. Answer by Ken Golliher: Said differently, 'For Deposit Only' is a restriction on an endorsement, not a signature. If yours is the bank of first deposit, you guarantee any missing signature. You could accept the item. You could also reject it.
  3. We purchased this for our office to use as a 'for deposit only' stamp. We chose purple ink and a handwritten font to make it distinctive - our bank tellers have already commented on it and we like the additional layer of security.
For deposit only stamp requirements

For Deposit Only Check Endorsement

For deposit only to account of payee

For Deposit Only Rubber Stamps

Only

For Deposit Only On Check

For Deposit Only

For Deposit Only Stamps are an easy and accurate way to endorse your checks and bank deposits.