Expert: Jim Meadows - 10/7/2009

Question
I sign numerous checks each month and am considering purchasing a rubber stamp with my signature. Is it legal and accepted by the banks.
Thanks, Charlie

Answer


Charlie, Facsimile (rubber stamp) signatures are perfectly legal if approved by your bank. Your account contract would have to be altered to permit use. Facsimile signatures are rarely used for individual accounts and are more common with corporate entities.

Customers using facsimile signatures must be aware of the need to control access to the facsimile stamp. You are typically protected against forgeries on your account but with a facsimile stamp you have an additional burden to prevent unauthorized use of the signature stamp.

I personally think the risk is a little high (even if your bank approves the use). Jim

p.s. Saying all this, I have to point out that if you started using a stamp tommorrow the odds that your bank would ever notice are small. Most banks only inspect signatures on large items.

Jim