What goes on a deposit slip and why it matters

A deposit slip is a form you fill out when you deposit a check into your bank account. It tells the bank who the money belongs to, how much you're depositing, and where it should go. The slip stays with the bank as a record; you keep a copy for your own records.

Deposit slips come in two forms: the paper slips bound into your checkbook, or a blank form you pick up at the bank. If you're depositing by mail or at an ATM, you may not need one at all — but knowing how to fill one out correctly prevents delays and keeps your account accurate.

The form itself is simple, but mistakes — a wrong account number, illegible handwriting, or a math error — can cause the deposit to be rejected or posted to the wrong account. Taking two minutes to fill it out carefully saves you from calling the bank later.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number at the top of the deposit slip, and double-check it against your bank card or statement.
  • List each check separately with its amount, then add them up and write the total in the box marked "Total" or "Subtotal."
  • Sign and date the slip if your bank requires it, and keep your copy for your records.
  • If you're depositing cash along with checks, write the cash amount on its own line and include it in the total.
  • At an ATM or mobile deposit, you may skip the slip entirely — the machine or app handles the record-keeping.

Finding and preparing your deposit slip

Deposit slips are usually bound into the back of your checkbook in pads of 25 or 50. If you've run out, ask for more at your bank's teller window — they're free. Some banks print your account number on the slips already; others leave it blank for you to write in.

Before you start filling anything out, gather what you need: the check or checks you're depositing, your bank card or a recent statement (to confirm your account number), and a pen with dark ink that won't smudge. Lay the deposit slip flat on a hard surface so your writing is legible.

Writing your account number and date

At the top of the slip, you'll see a line for your account number. If it's not already printed, write it clearly. Your account number appears on the front of your debit card, on checks you've written, or on any recent bank statement. Write it in the same order it appears on those documents — don't rearrange the digits.

Next to the account number, write today's date in the format your bank uses. Most U.S. banks accept MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 03/15/2024). Check a recent statement or ask the teller if you're unsure of your bank's preference.

Listing checks and calculating the total

The main body of the deposit slip has lines for individual checks. Write the amount of each check on a separate line. If a check is for $150.50, write it exactly that way — don't round or abbreviate. Use the rightmost column for the dollar amount; some slips have a separate column for cents.

If you're depositing more than three or four checks, some slips have a "Continued on back" section. Use it. Never stack multiple check amounts on one line.

At the bottom, add up all the check amounts. Write the total in the box labeled "Total," "Subtotal," or "Amount Deposited" — the label varies by bank. Double-check your math. A common mistake is adding wrong and then discovering the discrepancy days later when the bank contacts you.

Adding cash if you're depositing it too

If you're depositing cash along with checks, write the cash amount on its own line, separate from the checks. Some slips have a dedicated "Cash" line; others just use a blank line with a note. Write the amount clearly — for example, "Cash: $50.00"

Include the cash in your final total. If you're depositing three checks totaling $300 and $50 in cash, your total is $350. The bank needs to know the full amount you're handing over.

Signing and keeping your copy

Some banks require you to sign and date the deposit slip; others don't. Check the bottom of the form — if there's a signature line, sign it. If there's no line, you don't need to sign.

Most deposit slips are printed on carbonless paper with two copies: one for the bank and one for you. Separate them carefully. Keep your copy in a safe place — your records, a file, or a drawer. If the deposit doesn't show up in your account within the expected time, you'll have proof of when you made it and what amount you deposited.

When you don't need a deposit slip

If you're using an ATM to deposit a check, you typically don't fill out a slip. The machine scans the check, you confirm the amount on the screen, and the transaction is recorded electronically. Your receipt serves as your proof.

Mobile deposit — photographing a check with your phone and submitting it through your bank's app — also skips the paper slip. The app records the amount and date automatically. These methods are faster and reduce the chance of handwriting errors, but they work only if your bank offers them and the check meets their requirements (usually a limit on the amount and age of the check).

Common mistakes to avoid

Illegible handwriting is the most common problem. If the teller can't read your account number or the check amounts, they'll either reject the deposit or call you to confirm. Write in print, not cursive, and press firmly so the ink transfers clearly to both copies of the slip.

Mismatched totals are the second most common error. You add up the checks as $500, but the actual checks total $475. The bank will catch this and either hold the deposit or contact you. Always add twice and compare your total to the actual checks before you hand the slip over.

Writing the wrong account number sends your deposit to someone else's account. This is rare but serious. Before you submit, read your account number aloud against your bank card or statement. One digit wrong and your money goes to the wrong place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to write the check number on the deposit slip?

No. The bank doesn't need the check number — they scan the check itself and pull that information from the document. Writing it is optional and won't hurt, but it's not required.

What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?

Start over with a fresh slip. Don't cross out or use white-out. A messy slip raises questions and may be rejected. Deposit slips are free, so grab a new one and fill it out again.

Can I deposit checks without a deposit slip?

Yes. Hand the checks to the teller and tell them the amount. They'll process it without a slip, though you won't have a paper record. For your own records, it's better to use the slip — you get a copy to keep.

How long does it take for a deposited check to show up in my account?

Most checks clear within one to two business days if you deposit them before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.). Checks deposited after hours or on weekends are processed the next business day. Large checks or checks from out-of-state banks may take longer.

What if the deposit slip is already printed with someone else's account number?

Don't use it. That slip belongs to another customer. Ask the teller for a blank slip or one printed with your account number. Using the wrong slip will send your deposit to the wrong account.