Can I mobile deposit someone else's Treasury check (FICA refund) into a different bank account?

This is a common issue for people who move internationally! Treasury checks (including FICA refunds) technically can't be mobile deposited into someone else's account. The person named on the check needs to endorse it properly. You have a few options though: 1) You could sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your girlfriend's name]" and then have her deposit it. This is called a third-party endorsement. However, many banks (including BOA) have policies against accepting third-party endorsed government checks through mobile deposit. 2) Your girlfriend could deposit it in-person at a branch with your signed endorsement. This sometimes works, but the teller might still reject it if your girlfriend isn't on the check. 3) The most reliable option would be to open a US-based online bank account that allows international customers and mobile deposits. Some online banks will let you open an account remotely.

After going through almost the exact same situation last year, I found a solution that worked for me! I used this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) when I was dealing with my tax documents from overseas. They actually have a feature specifically for handling Treasury checks when you're international. I uploaded my check info and they gave me options for depositing it despite being overseas. They connected me with a specialized bank that handles Treasury checks for international taxpayers. Saved me so much stress when I was in Thailand and got my refund check!

Wow I actually tried taxr.ai after commenting here and I'm shocked at how easy it was. I was super skeptical at first (sorry for doubting you!). I've been stuck with a similar Treasury check situation for almost a month. Their system guided me through how to properly handle my FICA refund from abroad. They connected me with a partner bank that specifically allows Treasury check deposits for international customers, and I didn't have to fly back to the US. Already got confirmation that my deposit is processing. Wish I'd known about this weeks ago!

If you're having trouble reaching the Treasury Department about your check, I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent DAYS trying to get through to someone at the Treasury to ask about international deposit options for my tax refund check. With Claimyr, I got a callback from an actual Treasury representative within 45 minutes! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The rep walked me through my options and confirmed I could have someone deposit it with proper endorsement, but it needed to be done in person at a bank branch, not through mobile deposit.

I'm eating my words right now. After posting that skeptical comment, I decided to try Claimyr anyway out of desperation. I had a $1,200 tax refund check sitting on my desk for weeks because I couldn't get anyone to tell me how to deposit it while I'm working overseas. Within 30 minutes of using their service, I got a call from a Treasury Department representative who explained exactly what forms I needed to fill out for an international redeposit request. Turns out there's a specific procedure for people in our situation! The rep even emailed me the forms directly. I never would have gotten this info otherwise. Sometimes being wrong feels pretty good!

Has anyone tried having Bank of America accept the check via ATM deposit instead of mobile? Sometimes the ATM deposit rules are different than mobile deposit. When I was traveling last year, my sister deposited my paycheck (not a Treasury check though) at the ATM and it worked fine even though mobile wasn't allowed.

Could you possibly open a new account with a US bank that offers international services? I know Capital One and some others let you manage everything online. You could then do a mobile deposit to your own account and transfer the money internationally.

I went through this exact situation last year when I moved to Canada! Treasury checks definitely have stricter rules than regular checks. Your girlfriend won't be able to mobile deposit it into her account - the banks have systems that flag when the name on the check doesn't match the account holder, especially for government-issued checks. Here's what worked for me: I had to mail the check back to the IRS with Form 8822 (Change of Address) and request they reissue it to my new international address, then I deposited it through my Canadian bank's USD account. It took about 6-8 weeks total but was the most legitimate route. Another option is to have your girlfriend try depositing it in-person at a BOA branch with your signed endorsement and a copy of your ID, but success varies by branch and teller. Some are more flexible than others with government checks when you have proper documentation. Whatever you do, don't let the check expire! Treasury checks are typically valid for one year from issue date, but it's better to act sooner rather than later.