What a deposit slip is and why you need one

A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out when you put cash or checks into your bank account. It tells the bank how much money you're depositing, what form it's in (cash, checks, or both), and which account it should go into. The bank keeps one copy, you keep another, and it serves as your receipt.

If you're setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, you won't use a deposit slip for that — your employer sends the money electronically straight to your account. But if you ever need to deposit cash or a check by hand at a branch or ATM, you'll need to know how a deposit slip works.

Key Takeaways

  • A deposit slip is a paper form that records what you're putting into your account, how much, and in what form (cash or checks).
  • You fill in your account number, the deposit amount, and a breakdown of cash versus checks, then hand it to a teller or insert it with your deposit at an ATM.
  • The bank gives you a stamped copy as a receipt; keep it until the deposit shows up in your account.
  • Most banks provide blank deposit slips at the branch, or you can order them with your checkbook, or print them from your bank's website.
  • If you're depositing checks, the back of each check must be signed and may need to be endorsed to your bank.

The sections of a deposit slip and what goes in each

A standard deposit slip has a few key lines. At the top is your name and account number — this is usually pre-printed if you ordered the slips with your account. If you're using a blank slip from the branch, you'll write these in by hand.

The main body has columns for cash and checks. For cash, you write the total amount of bills and coins you're depositing. For checks, you list each check separately by its amount, or write a total if there are many. Some slips ask you to write the check number next to the amount; others just want the dollar figure. At the bottom, you add up the cash and checks to get your total deposit amount.

The date goes in a box near the top. Write today's date — the date you're actually making the deposit. The bank processes it based on when they receive it, not when you write the slip.

How to get deposit slips

Most banks keep blank deposit slips at the teller window or near the ATM. You can walk in and grab a stack for free. If you ordered a checkbook, deposit slips usually come in the same package — they're bound into the back of the check register.

If you need more and don't want to go to the branch, you can order them through your bank's website or by calling customer service. Some banks let you print deposit slips directly from your online banking portal. A few banks have phased out paper slips entirely and only accept deposits through mobile apps or ATMs that don't require a slip.

Depositing checks: endorsement and the back of the slip

Before you deposit a check, you must sign the back of it. Write your signature on the back, usually in the area marked "Endorse here." This tells the bank that you received the check and are authorizing the deposit. Some banks also ask you to write your account number below your signature, though this isn't always required.

On the deposit slip itself, you don't need to write the check number unless the slip specifically asks for it. What matters is the dollar amount. If you're depositing multiple checks, list each one on a separate line with its amount. If the slip runs out of space, some banks provide a continuation section or a second slip.

Never deposit a check that isn't made out to you, or that has been altered. If a check is made out to you and another person, both of you may need to sign it and be present at the bank. Ask the teller if you're unsure.

Using a deposit slip at the ATM versus at a teller

At a teller window, you hand the slip and your cash or checks to the teller. They verify the amounts, count the cash if needed, and stamp your copy of the slip as a receipt. This usually takes a few minutes and gives you immediate confirmation.

At an ATM, the process is different. Some ATMs accept deposits without a slip — you insert your card, select "deposit," and follow the on-screen prompts. The machine scans checks and counts cash. Other ATMs still require a deposit slip; you fill it out, insert it with your checks and cash into the slot, and the machine processes it. Check your bank's ATM to see which method it uses.

ATM deposits are often held longer than teller deposits before the money becomes available in your account. A check deposited at a teller might clear in one business day; the same check at an ATM might take two to three days. Ask your bank about their hold times.

What happens after you submit the deposit slip

The bank scans or processes your slip and the items you deposited. Cash is added to your account right away, but checks take longer — usually one to three business days, depending on the check's bank and your bank's policies. During this time, the money is "pending" and may not be available to withdraw.

Keep your stamped receipt until you see the deposit in your account online or on your statement. If the amount doesn't match what you deposited, or if a check bounces, you'll have proof of what you turned in. Most banks keep deposit records for several years, so you can always ask for a copy if you need it.

Common mistakes when filling out a deposit slip

The most common error is writing the wrong account number. Double-check before you hand it over — money deposited to the wrong account is hard to recover. If you're using a pre-printed slip, verify the number is correct.

Another mistake is forgetting to sign the back of checks. The bank may reject unsigned checks or hold them longer. If you're depositing a check made out to a business, make sure you have the authority to deposit it on behalf of that business.

Some people also forget to write the date, or write it incorrectly. The date matters for the bank's records and for your own tracking. Write it clearly in the format your bank uses — usually MM/DD/YYYY.

Finally, don't assume the amounts on your slip are final. If you're depositing cash, count it twice before you write the total. If you're depositing checks, add them up on a calculator. Errors now save you a headache later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a deposit slip if I'm using a mobile app to deposit a check?

No. Mobile check deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a check and send it to your bank through an app. The bank processes it without a paper slip. You still need to endorse the back of the physical check before you photograph it, and you should keep the check for a few weeks in case the bank needs to verify it.

What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?

If you catch the error before you hand it to the teller, cross out the mistake, write the correct amount, and initial the change. If you've already submitted it and the teller hasn't processed it, ask them to give it back and let you correct it. If it's already been processed, contact the bank to report the discrepancy.

Can I deposit cash without a deposit slip?

Some ATMs accept cash deposits without a slip, and some tellers will process cash if you just tell them the amount. However, using a slip creates a record and gives you a receipt. It's safer to use one, especially for large amounts.

How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?

Most checks clear within one to three business days. Checks from out-of-state banks or very large checks may take longer. Your bank's website or the receipt should tell you when the funds will be available.

What should I do with the stamped deposit slip after the money appears in my account?

Keep it for at least a month or two, until you're certain the deposit went through correctly. After that, you can throw it away or file it with your records. If you need proof of the deposit later, your bank statement serves the same purpose.