When endorsing a check, does the signature come before or after the "For Deposit Only" phrase?
It's wise to include "for deposit only" in an endorsement, since it can discourage someone finding a check from misusing it. Although there are endorsements with the signature both before and after the "for deposit" instruction, the format in which the signature appears under the instruction is preferred, because that format ensures that the instruction is legally enforceable.
Think of it as a legal document on which you place your signature below all the things to which you agree. By convention, placing a signature there indicates you've agreed to the matters above your signature. In an endorsement, putting your signature last indicates that what's above is part of your endorsement, including any instructions, restrictions or other qualifications.
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It's wise to include "for deposit only" in an 