What goes on a deposit slip and why it matters

A deposit slip is a form you fill out when you deposit cash or checks into your bank account. It tells the bank how much money you're putting in, what form it's in (cash, checks, or both), and which account it should go into. You write it by hand, attach it to your deposit, and hand both to a teller or put them in an ATM or night deposit box.

The slip serves two purposes: it's a record for you to keep, and it's a record for the bank. If there's ever a question about whether a deposit went through or how much you deposited, the slip is proof. Many banks still require them, though some newer ATMs and mobile apps have made them optional.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number, name, and date at the top of the slip before you list any money.
  • List each check separately with its amount, and add all checks together on the "checks" line.
  • Write the total amount of cash in the "cash" line, and add cash and checks together for the deposit total.
  • Keep the receipt portion of the slip as your proof that you made the deposit.
  • If your bank uses a different slip format, ask a teller to show you where each piece of information goes.

Fill in your account information at the top

Look at the top of the deposit slip. You'll see spaces for your name, account number, and the date. Write today's date in the date field — use the format your bank shows (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Write your full name as it appears on your account. Write your account number exactly as it appears on your checks or bank statements; if you're not sure, ask a teller or look it up online.

Some slips have a line for your routing number, but most don't — the bank already knows it. If the slip asks for it, you can find it on the bottom left of any check you've written, or call your bank's customer service line.

List each check with its amount

Most deposit slips have numbered lines under a "checks" section. Write one check per line. For each check, write the check number (found in the top right corner) and the amount (found in the bottom right corner or written in words on the check). Write the amount in dollars and cents — for example, $125.50, not just 125.5.

If you're depositing more checks than there are lines, use the back of the slip or ask the teller for a second slip. Some banks provide a separate "continuation sheet" for large deposits. Add up all the check amounts and write the total on the line marked "checks" or "total checks."

Write your cash total on the cash line

Count your cash before you fill out the slip. Add up all bills and coins. Write the total amount on the line marked "cash" — for example, $50.00. You do not need to list individual bills or coins, just the total.

If you're depositing only checks and no cash, write 0.00 or leave the cash line blank, depending on what your slip shows. Some banks require you to write 0.00; others leave it blank. Either way is correct.

Add everything together for your deposit total

At the bottom of the slip, you'll see a line for "total deposit" or "total amount." Add your total checks and your total cash together and write that number on this line. This is the amount the bank will credit to your account.

Double-check your math before you hand the slip to the teller or put it in the ATM. If the total on the slip doesn't match the cash and checks you're actually depositing, the bank may reject the deposit or hold it while they investigate.

What to do with the receipt

Deposit slips come in two parts: the original (which stays with the bank) and the receipt (which you keep). The teller or ATM will stamp or print the receipt with a confirmation number and the date. Write down the total deposit amount on your receipt if it's not already printed there.

Keep this receipt until the deposit shows up in your account, usually within one to two business days. If the deposit doesn't appear or the amount is wrong, you'll have proof of what you deposited and when. Store receipts for at least a month, or longer if you're tracking a large or important deposit.

Variations by bank and deposit method

Not all banks use the same deposit slip format. Some have extra lines for wire transfers, loan payments, or other transaction types. If you're unsure where to write something, ask a teller — they see these slips every day and can point you to the right line in seconds.

If you're using an ATM, the machine may not require a slip at all. You'll scan or insert your checks, and the ATM will read the amounts and ask you to confirm. If you're using mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check on your phone), there is no slip — the app handles everything. Ask your bank which methods they offer and which ones are fastest for your account type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a deposit slip if I'm at the teller window?

Most banks still ask for one, but some tellers will fill it out for you if you hand them the cash and checks. It's faster and more accurate to fill it out yourself before you get in line. If your bank has stopped using slips, the teller will tell you and process the deposit without one.

What if I make a mistake on the slip?

Cross out the mistake with a single line and write the correct number next to it. Do not use white-out or scribble over it — the bank needs to be able to read what you changed. If the slip is too messy, ask the teller for a new one.

Can I deposit checks that aren't made out to me?

No. Checks must be made out to you or to you and someone else. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must sign it over to you (called a third-party endorsement), and many banks no longer accept these. Ask your bank about their policy before you try to deposit one.

What if the check amount is written differently on the slip and on the check itself?

Write the amount exactly as it appears on the check. If there's a difference between the written amount and the number amount on the check, the bank will hold the check and contact you. It's faster to catch this yourself and ask the check writer to issue a new one.

Do I need to sign the deposit slip?

Most deposit slips do not require a signature. Some older slips have a signature line, but it's usually optional. If your bank requires a signature, the teller will ask you for it. When in doubt, ask before you hand over your deposit.