What goes on a deposit ticket and why

A deposit ticket (also called a deposit slip) is a 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, and which account it should go into. Even though many people now deposit checks by phone or app, you may still need a physical ticket if you're depositing at an ATM, at a teller window, or if your bank requires one for their records.

The ticket serves as your receipt and the bank's record of the transaction. It's especially important if you're depositing multiple checks or a mix of cash and checks — the ticket breaks down exactly what you put in. If there's ever a dispute about whether a deposit went through, the ticket is proof.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number on the ticket, usually in the box labeled "Account Number" at the top or bottom.
  • List each check separately with its amount, or total all checks together depending on what your bank's ticket format shows.
  • Write the total cash amount on the line marked "Cash" or "Currency," and subtract any cash you want back if you're withdrawing some.
  • Add up all deposits (checks plus cash) and write the total on the line marked "Total" or "Net Deposit."
  • Sign and date the ticket if your bank requires it, and keep your copy for your records.

Finding and getting a deposit ticket

Deposit tickets come in a few forms. If you have a checkbook, a pad of deposit tickets is usually bound into the back — they're perforated so you can tear them out. If you don't have one, you can pick up a pad at your bank's branch for free, or ask a teller for a single ticket if you need one right away.

Many banks also let you download and print deposit tickets from their website or mobile app. Check your bank's website under "forms" or "resources" to see if this option is available. Some banks no longer print tickets at all and instead require you to use their app or ATM deposit feature, so it's worth asking your bank what method they prefer.

Filling in your account information

At the top or bottom of the ticket, you'll see a box or line for your account number. Write your full account number exactly as it appears on your checks or bank statements. This is critical — if the number is wrong, the deposit may go into someone else's account or be held up while the bank figures out where it belongs.

Some tickets also have a line for your name. Fill this in if there's a blank for it. If you're depositing into a joint account, use the account number, not your individual name — the account number is what matters to the bank's system.

Recording checks on the ticket

Look for a section labeled "Checks" or "List Checks Separately." This is where you write down each check you're depositing. For each check, write the check number and the amount on its own line. The check number goes in one column, and the dollar amount goes in another. If the ticket doesn't have space for check numbers, just write the amounts.

Some deposit tickets have a line that says "Checks Total" or "Subtotal." Add up all the check amounts and write the total on that line. Other tickets ask you to list each check individually and then add them all up yourself at the bottom. Follow the format your ticket shows — usually there's an example printed on the ticket itself.

If you're depositing many checks and the ticket doesn't have enough lines, you can write "See attached list" and staple a separate sheet with all the check amounts. Make sure the total on the ticket matches the total on your list.

Adding cash and calculating your total

Find the line marked "Cash," "Currency," or "Bills and Coins." Write the total amount of cash you're depositing. Count it carefully before you write it down — the bank will verify it, and if your count is off, the deposit won't match what you wrote.

If you want cash back (for example, you're depositing $500 but want $50 in cash), write the amount you want back on the line marked "Less Cash Returned" or "Cash Back." Subtract that from your cash deposit amount and write the result on the "Cash" line. For example: you have $100 in cash, you want $20 back, so you write $80 on the "Cash" line and $20 on the "Cash Back" line.

On the line marked "Total," "Net Deposit," or "Total Deposit," add up everything: all checks plus the cash you're actually depositing (after subtracting any cash back). This is the amount that will be credited to your account.

Signing and dating the ticket

Check whether your bank requires a signature on the ticket. Many banks do, especially if you're depositing at a teller window. If there's a signature line, sign it the same way you sign your checks. Write the date on the line marked "Date" — use today's date, not the date of the checks you're depositing.

If you're using an ATM or mobile app to deposit, you typically won't sign anything. The ticket is just for in-person deposits at the teller window or for your own records.

What to do with your copy

Most deposit tickets are printed in duplicate or triplicate — you get a copy, the bank keeps a copy, and sometimes there's a third copy for the teller. Keep your copy in a safe place, at least until the deposit shows up in your account. This usually takes one to two business days, but it can take longer depending on the bank and the type of check.

If the deposit doesn't appear when you expect it, or if there's a discrepancy between what you deposited and what the bank credited, you'll have your ticket as proof. You can also use it to reconcile your checkbook or personal records.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing the wrong account number. Double-check it before you hand in the ticket. Another frequent mistake is adding up the amounts incorrectly — use a calculator if you're depositing many checks, and add it twice to be sure.

Don't write amounts in pen that's hard to read, and don't cross out and rewrite numbers — if the ticket looks altered, the bank may ask you to fill out a new one. If you make a mistake, ask the teller or your bank for a fresh ticket and start over.

Make sure the checks you're depositing are endorsed (signed on the back). If a check isn't signed, the bank won't accept it. Also verify that the checks are made out to you or to you and someone else — checks made out to someone else can't be deposited into your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a deposit ticket if I'm depositing at an ATM?

Most ATMs don't require a ticket — you just insert the checks and cash into the machine, and it reads them automatically. However, some older ATMs or bank branches may still ask for a ticket. Check with your bank about their specific ATM deposit process.

What if I don't know my account number?

Your account number is on your checks, your bank statements, and in your online banking portal. If you can't find it, call your bank or visit a branch and ask a teller — they can give you the number or write it on a ticket for you.

Can I deposit checks that are made out to my business if I'm using my personal account?

No. Checks must be deposited into an account in the same name as the payee. A check made out to your business must go into a business account. If you try to deposit it into a personal account, the bank will reject it.

What happens if my deposit ticket total doesn't match what the bank counts?

The bank will contact you to resolve the difference. If you deposited more than you wrote down, the extra amount will eventually be added to your account. If you deposited less, the bank will adjust your deposit to match what they actually received. Keep your ticket so you can compare it to what the bank tells you.

Do I need to keep my deposit ticket after the money shows up in my account?

You can discard it once the deposit has cleared and you've verified it in your account, usually after a few business days. However, keeping it for a month or two doesn't hurt, in case you need to reference it for tax or accounting purposes.