What is the term for a written signature on the back of a check, required to receive payment?

The correct term for a written signature on the back of a check, which is required to receive payment, is known as an endorsement. When a person endorses a check, they are essentially transferring the right to receive the funds to themselves or to another party. The endorsement acts as a guarantee that the check can be cashed or deposited, making it a critical step in the process of cashing a check.

In contrast, authorization generally refers to any consent given for a transaction or the approval needed to proceed with a process, but it does not specifically pertain to checks. A payment note is not a standard term associated with check processing; it may refer to a note or comment related to a specific payment, but it does not represent the act of signing a check. Lastly, a memo typically serves as a note or reminder about the purpose of a check, written in the designated memo line on the front of the check, rather than on the back where the endorsement appears. These distinctions clarify why endorsement is the most appropriate term in this context.