What goes on a deposit slip and why you need one

A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out when you put money into your bank account in person. It tells the bank teller how much cash and how many checks you're depositing, and which account the money should go into. Even though many people now use ATMs or mobile apps to deposit checks, some banks still require a slip for cash deposits, and some customers prefer the paper record.

The slip serves two purposes: it's a receipt for you to keep, and it's a record the bank uses to process your deposit correctly. If something goes wrong — if the teller miscounts your cash or a check bounces — you have the slip as proof of what you handed over.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number at the top of the slip, and print your name and the date clearly so there's no confusion about whose deposit it is.
  • List each check separately with its amount, and add up all checks on the line marked "checks" or "total checks"; cash goes on its own line.
  • Subtract any cash you're taking back (if allowed) from your total before you hand the slip to the teller.
  • Keep the receipt portion of the slip as proof of your deposit until it shows up in your account, usually within one business day.

Where to find and get a deposit slip

Most banks provide deposit slips in the lobby near the teller windows, usually in a small stack or pad next to the counter. They're free — you don't order them or pay for them. If you can't find them, ask a teller; they'll hand you one.

If you bank online or use an app, you may not need a physical slip at all. Many banks now let you photograph checks with your phone and deposit them that way, which skips the slip entirely. But if you're depositing cash or your bank requires a slip, you'll need the paper form.

Filling in the account and personal information section

At the top of the slip, you'll see a box or line for your account number. Write it clearly in numbers — this is how the bank knows which account to put the money into. If you're not sure of your number, check your debit card, a recent statement, or ask the teller.

Below that, write your name and the date. Use today's date, not the date on any checks you're depositing. Print clearly so the teller can read it without guessing. If you make a mistake, ask for a new slip rather than crossing things out; banks prefer clean forms.

Listing checks on the deposit slip

Each check gets its own line on the slip. Write the check amount in the space provided — usually a narrow column on the right side. You don't need to write the check number or who it's from; the amount is all that matters for the deposit.

If you're depositing more checks than there are lines on the slip, use the back of the slip or ask the teller for a second one. Never stack multiple check amounts on a single line. After you've written down every check, add them all up and write the total on the line marked "checks" or "total checks" — different banks label this differently, but it's always near the bottom.

Adding cash and calculating your total

Cash goes on its own line, separate from checks. Count your bills and coins before you hand anything to the teller, and write the total on the "cash" line. The teller will count it again, but starting with an accurate number prevents confusion.

If you're taking some cash back (called a "cash back" or "withdrawal" option), write that amount on the line marked for it. Then subtract that from your total. For example: if you're depositing $500 in checks and $200 in cash, and you want $50 back, your net deposit is $650. Write $50 on the cash-back line, and the teller will give you the bills and reduce your deposit by that amount.

Add up your checks total and your cash total (minus any cash back), and write the final number on the line marked "total deposit" or "net deposit." This is the amount that will actually go into your account.

What happens after you hand the slip to the teller

The teller will take your slip, your checks, and your cash. They'll count everything, verify that your numbers match what you handed over, and process the deposit. Most deposit slips are two-part forms — the teller will tear off your copy and hand it back as a receipt. Keep this receipt until the deposit shows up in your account, which usually happens within one business day for checks and immediately for cash.

If the teller's count doesn't match your slip, they'll let you know right then. This is why accuracy matters — if you wrote down $500 but only handed over $450, the discrepancy gets caught before you leave the bank.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing down the wrong account number. Double-check before you hand the slip over; if the money goes into someone else's account by mistake, it takes time to fix. Another frequent mistake is adding up checks incorrectly. Use a calculator if you're depositing more than a few checks.

Don't write amounts in pencil — use pen so the numbers can't be changed. Don't cross out mistakes; ask for a fresh slip instead. And don't assume the teller will figure out what you meant if your handwriting is unclear. The teller processes dozens of deposits a day and can't spend time deciphering one slip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. ATMs that accept checks don't require a slip — you just insert the checks into the machine and follow the on-screen prompts. The ATM scans the checks and deposits them automatically. A slip is only needed when you're depositing in person with a teller.

What if I don't know my account number?

Ask the teller. Bring your debit card or a recent bank statement if you have one. The teller can look it up using your ID and will write it on the slip for you if needed. Never guess at your account number — a wrong number means your deposit goes to the wrong place.

Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?

Not usually. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's made out to someone else entirely, that person needs to deposit it themselves or sign it over to you (called a third-party check), though many banks no longer accept those. Ask your teller if you're unsure.

What if the teller says my numbers don't match what I handed over?

Stop and recount together. If you wrote down $500 in checks but only gave five $90 checks, the math doesn't work. The teller isn't accusing you of anything — they're just catching the error before it becomes a problem. Correct the slip and try again.

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

You can throw it away once the deposit appears and you've verified the amount is correct. But there's no harm in keeping it for a month or two as backup proof, especially if you deposited a large amount or a valuable check.