What goes on a deposit ticket and where
A deposit ticket (also called a deposit slip) is a form you give to your bank when you deposit money. For direct deposit setup, you need to fill one out to show your employer or benefits program where to send your pay. The ticket has spaces for your account number, routing number, and the bank's name — the three pieces of information that tell the system exactly which account is yours.
The ticket itself is usually a small form attached to the back of your checkbook, or you can ask your bank for a blank one. Some banks let you skip the physical ticket and give your employer the information directly on a form, but having a filled-out ticket in front of you makes it harder to write down the wrong number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom of your checks or available from your bank — never guess or use a number from online.
- Write your name and account number in the spaces marked for them, and leave the dollar amount blank since direct deposit does not use that line.
- The routing number goes in the box marked with a routing symbol (usually a small icon), and the account number goes in the box next to it.
- Take a photo or photocopy of the filled ticket before you hand it over, so you have proof of what you submitted if there is a problem later.
Finding your routing and account numbers
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. The account number is unique to your account at that bank. Both are printed at the bottom left of any check you have from that account, in this order: routing number, then account number, then check number.
If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal. Most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. Write them down on paper before you fill out the ticket — do not rely on memory, and do not copy a number from a website unless it is your own bank's official site.
Some employers or benefits programs ask for a voided check instead of a deposit ticket. A voided check is simply a check you have written "VOID" across in large letters — it shows the routing and account numbers without actually being cashed. If you are asked for a voided check, use the same numbers you would put on a ticket.
Filling in each line of the ticket
Your name: Write your full name as it appears on your bank account. If the account is in two names, write both names in the order they appear on the account paperwork.
Your account number: Write this in the box labeled "Account Number" or "Acct #". It is usually 10 to 12 digits. Write it clearly and double-check each digit against your check or bank statement.
Routing number: Write this in the box marked with a routing symbol or labeled "Routing #". It is always nine digits. The first two digits identify the Federal Reserve district, and the rest identify your bank. Write it exactly as it appears on your check.
Dollar amount: Leave this blank. Direct deposit does not use this line because the amount is set by your employer or benefits program, not by you on the ticket.
Date: Write today's date or the date you are submitting the form. Some employers do not care about this line, but filling it in shows you completed the form on purpose.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is transposing digits — writing a 3 as an 8, or swapping two numbers. If even one digit is wrong, the deposit will go to the wrong account or bounce back. Read each number aloud as you write it, then read it aloud again against your source (check or bank statement) before you hand the ticket over.
Do not write the account number in the routing number box or vice versa. The boxes are usually labeled, but if they are not, remember that the routing number is always nine digits and comes first on a check. The account number is longer and comes second.
Do not assume you know your numbers. Even if you have used the same account for years, copy the numbers fresh each time. Banks sometimes change routing numbers during mergers, and a number that worked last year might not work this year.
What to do after you fill it out
Before you hand the ticket to your employer, benefits program, or anyone else, make a copy or take a clear photo of both sides. Keep this copy in a safe place — if the direct deposit does not show up on your first payday, you will need proof of what you submitted.
Give the original ticket to the person or office that handles payroll or benefits. If you are mailing it, use a regular envelope and regular mail — do not send banking information by email or text. If you are submitting it in person, ask for a receipt or confirmation that they received it.
Ask when you should expect to see the first deposit. Most employers start direct deposit within one to two pay periods after you submit the ticket, but some take longer. If you do not see money by the date they gave you, contact payroll with your copy of the ticket and ask them to check the information.
If you need to change your direct deposit account
If you want to switch to a different bank account, fill out a new deposit ticket with the new account's routing and account numbers. Submit it to your employer or benefits program the same way you did the first time. Most programs will switch the deposit within one to two pay periods.
Do not assume the old account will stop receiving deposits automatically. Contact your employer or program to confirm they received the new ticket and have updated their records. Until you see a deposit go to the new account, keep checking the old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I write the wrong number on the ticket?
If you catch the mistake before you hand it over, cross out the wrong number, write the correct one next to it, and initial the change. If you already submitted it, contact your employer or program right away with a corrected ticket. They may be able to update the information before the first deposit is sent.
Can I use a deposit ticket from a different bank?
No. A deposit ticket is specific to the bank that printed it. Use a ticket from your own bank, or ask your bank for a blank one. If your employer asks for a voided check instead, any check from your account will work.
Do I need to sign the deposit ticket?
Most deposit tickets do not require a signature for direct deposit setup. If there is a signature line and it is blank, you can leave it blank or sign it — either way is fine. Check with your employer about their specific requirements.
What if my bank merged or changed names?
Your routing number may have changed. Call your bank or check your most recent statement to confirm the current routing number. Do not use an old check if your bank merged — get a new ticket or voided check with the updated routing number.
Is it safe to give someone my routing and account number?
Yes, when you are giving it to your employer, a government benefits program, or your bank. These numbers are printed on every check you write, so they are not secret. Never give them to someone who calls you unexpectedly or asks for them by email or text.