What goes on a deposit slip and where
A deposit slip is a form your employer or benefits program uses to send money directly into your bank account. It has spaces for your name, account number, routing number, and the amount being deposited. You fill it out once, give it to your employer or program administrator, and then the deposits happen automatically on a schedule — usually every two weeks for paychecks or monthly for benefits.
The form itself is simple: most have only five to eight lines to complete. Your bank may provide a blank template, or your employer may give you one. Some employers now use online portals instead of paper forms, but the information you enter is the same.
Key Takeaways
- A deposit slip requires your full name, bank account number, routing number, and the amount to be deposited each pay period.
- Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank; your account number is on the bottom left of your checks or available from your bank.
- You typically fill out the form once and submit it to your employer or program — the deposits then repeat automatically on schedule.
- If you make a mistake, contact your bank or employer immediately; deposits sent to the wrong account can take weeks to reverse.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. It appears on the bottom left of any check you have. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal — the routing number is listed there under account information or settings.
Your account number is printed on the bottom of your checks, just to the right of the routing number. It is usually 10 to 12 digits long. If you do not have checks, your account number is in your online banking portal or on your bank statement. Some banks print it on your debit card as well.
Do not guess or use a number you think might be correct. A wrong routing number or account number will send the deposit to the wrong bank or account, and recovering the money takes time. Call your bank if you are unsure.
Filling in the form line by line
Most deposit slips follow the same layout. Here is what each line asks for:
| Line | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Your full legal name as it appears on your bank account | Sarah Michelle Rodriguez |
| Routing Number | Nine-digit code for your bank | 021000021 |
| Account Number | Your account number from your checks or bank statement | 1234567890 |
| Account Type | Checking or Savings — check the box that matches your account | Checking |
| Amount | The dollar amount to be deposited each pay period (optional on some forms) | $1,250.00 |
Write clearly and use only numbers and letters. Do not use symbols except for the dollar sign on the amount line. If the form has a space for your address or phone number, fill it in — some employers use this to verify your identity.
What to do after you complete the form
Once you have filled out the deposit slip, make a copy for your records before you submit it. Keep this copy in a safe place; you may need it later if there is a problem with your deposits or if you change banks.
Submit the original to your employer's payroll department, your benefits program administrator, or through your employer's online portal if they have one. Ask for confirmation that the form was received — some employers will email you a receipt or acknowledgment. If you submit it in person, ask the person who receives it to sign and date a copy for you.
Deposits usually begin within one to two pay periods after you submit the form. If your first deposit does not arrive on the expected date, contact your employer or program to confirm they received the form. Do not assume it will arrive eventually — follow up.
Fixing a mistake on your deposit slip
If you realize you made an error after submitting the form — a wrong account number, wrong routing number, or misspelled name — contact your employer or program immediately. Do not wait. A deposit sent to the wrong account can take two to four weeks to reverse, and you may not receive your money on time.
Your employer can usually cancel the old form and process a new one. Some programs allow you to update your information online. The sooner you report the error, the sooner it can be corrected before the next deposit is sent.
If a deposit has already gone to the wrong account, your bank can file a trace to recover it, but this process is slow. Contact both your bank and your employer or program on the same day the error is discovered.
When your bank or employer uses an online portal instead
Many employers and benefits programs now use online systems instead of paper deposit slips. You log in, enter the same information (name, routing number, account number, account type), and submit it electronically. The process is identical to filling out a paper form — you are entering the same data in the same order.
Online portals often show a confirmation screen after you submit. Take a screenshot or print this confirmation as proof you completed the form. If the portal allows you to edit your information later, you can change it without submitting a new form — just update the fields and save.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You will need to open one before you can set up direct deposit. Most banks require a government ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit (often $25 or less). Once your account is open, you will receive your routing and account numbers, and you can then complete the deposit slip.
Can I have my deposit split between two accounts?
Yes, many employers allow this. The deposit slip will have multiple sections — one for each account. You enter the routing number and account number for the first account, then the routing number and account number for the second account, and specify how much goes to each. Ask your payroll department if they support split deposits before you fill out the form.
What if my name on the form does not match my bank account exactly?
It must match. If your bank account is under "Sarah M. Rodriguez" but you write "Sarah Michelle Rodriguez" on the deposit slip, the deposit may be rejected or delayed. Check your bank statement or call your bank to see exactly how your name appears on the account, then use that exact spelling and format.
Do I need to fill out a new deposit slip if I change jobs?
Yes. Each employer or program has their own deposit slip form. Your bank account and routing number stay the same, but you submit a new form to your new employer so they have the correct information in their payroll system. Keep copies of each form you submit.
What happens if I submit a deposit slip but then close that bank account?
Contact your employer or program immediately and submit a new deposit slip with your new account information. If a deposit is sent to the closed account, it will be rejected and returned to your employer, which delays your payment. The sooner you notify them of the change, the sooner they can update their records.