An endorsement can be a signature authorizing the legal transfer of a negotiable instrument between parties or an amendment to a contract or a document, such as like a life insurance policy or a driver's license. An endorsement is mainly a public declaration of support for an individual person, product, or service.

What Is an Endorsement

• There are a variety of definitions for endorsement, but the majority relate to approval or authorization.

• Endorsements can refer to amendments to contracts / documents, including such life insurance policies or driver's licenses.

Understanding Endorsements

While endorsement has a variety of distinct meanings, the majority relate to the concepts of approval and authorization. In business and legal contexts, an endorsement is a signature or stamp that authorizes a payment, transfer of funds, or other financial transaction. Also it refers to a note, amendment, or clause that modifies or specifies terms in an official document or contract.

In a broader sense, an endorsement is the act of expressing or demonstrating agreement or support for something or someone; the endorser may or may not receive compensation. In a commercial, a WNBA basketball player may endorse a pair of Nike shoes, for instance. Or, an actor may support a political candidate by attending campaign rallies and delivering speeches.

Types of Endorsements

Signature Endorsements

A signature is a useful type of endorsement. When an employer issues a payroll check, for instance, it authorizes or endorses the transfer of funds from the business account to the employee's account. The act of signing the check is an endorsement, which serves as evidence that the payer intends to transfer funds to the payee.

In a financial transaction where one party pays with a check, the individual receiving the funds must sign the check. A signature on the back of the check denotes the completion of the transaction and authorizes the transfer of funds ordered by the check.

If there are multiple payees listed on the check, the endorsement requirements vary depending on how the names are written. (For instance, if the check is made payable to Sam Doe and Adam Doe, both Sam and Adam must sign the check.) If the check is made payable to either John Doe or Jane Doe, only one signature is necessary.

The act of signing the back of a check that will be cashed is known as a blank endorsement. A check with a blank endorsement can be cashed or deposited by anyone, even if it was not written to that individual.

Insurance Endorsements

Insurance endorsements are modifications to the original policy in the form of modifications or additions. A policy provision that provides a beneficiary with a continuing monthly income after the insured's death is an example of an endorsement, also known as a rider. Typically, this type of endorsement raises the policy's premium due to the additional benefits provided to the policyholder and beneficiary, as well as the insurer's increased exposure to risk.

License Endorsements

License endorsements adds rights as well as privileges to a driver. A motorcycle endorsement, for instance, authorizes a driver to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Endorsements on a driver's license may also specify the types of authorized vehicles or the type of cargo a vehicle may transport.

In contrast to a license endorsement, a restriction prohibits certain driving behaviors. A person with a corrective eyewear restriction, for instance, is not permitted to drive without glasses or contact lenses.

Endorsements and Advertisement

Endorsements may also signify a demonstration of support or a form of approval. A person or organization can publicly declare their support for a person, product, or service. When a government official, influential person, or organization expresses their support for a political candidate, this is the most common type of endorsement.

One of the earliest sports celebrities and paid endorsers in the United States was Honus Wagner, National League Batting Champion in 1900, 1903, and 1904. Honus Wagner signed a contract to promote Louisville in 1905. Slugger baseball bats (he started his career playing for the Louisville Colonels). Wagner subsequently endorsed additional products, including gum, soda, and razors. However, when American Tobacco created a baseball card featuring his image for inclusion in their cigarettes, he asked them to stop. Wagner chewed tobacco, but he did not want children purchasing cigarettes to receive his card.

For instance, a newspaper may publish an editorial urging readers to vote for a particular candidate in an upcoming election, outlining the reasons for their recommendation. The newspaper is said to "support" the candidate.

In the field of marketing, product advocates or promoters are sometimes referred to as "influencers." Frequently, influencers utilize social media to promote the causes they support.

What Does an Insurance Endorsement Entail?

An endorsement, also known as a rider, is an addition or modification to the original insurance policy.

What Other Types of Endorsements Exist?

Authorizing the transfer of funds, the signature on the back of a check serves as an endorsement. A public statement of support for a product or candidate for public office is another type of endorsement.

How Does One Sign a Check?

Simply by signing the back of the paper. That is the short answer to the question of how to endorse a check.

Nevertheless, there are numerous variations on the theme of check endorsement. If you simply scribble your signature on the back of the check, it is referred to as a blank endorsement, and anyone can present the check for payment. If you add "for deposit only" as a special endorsement below your signature, the check can only be deposited into an account.

If you add an account number as a restrictive endorsement, the check cannot be deposited into a specific account. In this age of digital banking, many institutions require that you mark your checks as mobile deposits when you endorse them for security purposes.

The Bottom Line

An endorsement is a document or contract amendment or special clause, an authorizing signature, or a public declaration of support. Insurance, signature, and license endorsements are specific types.

When someone—typically a celebrity or public figure—is compensated to promote or support a product, endorsements also have a commercial significance. This type of endorsement dates back centuries and has evolved into the social media influencers of today.