What is the signature of a payee on the back of a check?

The signature of a payee on the back of a check is known as an endorsement. It serves as authorization for the check to be processed, allowing the funds to be deposited or cashed. The payee typically signs their name, and they may also include additional instructions, such as "for deposit only," to specify how the check should be handled. This endorsement is a critical step in transferring the ownership of the check.