What a deposit ticket shows and why you need one
A deposit ticket (also called a deposit slip) is a form you fill out when you put money into your bank account. It tells the bank how much cash and checks you're depositing, breaks down the amounts by type, and gives the teller the information needed to credit your account. Even though many employers now use direct deposit to send paychecks straight to your account without a ticket, you'll still use one if you're depositing checks or cash yourself.
The ticket serves as your receipt and a record for the bank. It shows the date, the total amount, and which account the money goes into. If there's ever a question about whether a deposit went through, the ticket is proof you made it.
Key Takeaways
- A deposit ticket has spaces for your account number, the date, and separate lines for cash, checks, and the total amount.
- You write the amount of each check on its own line and add them up; cash goes on a single line.
- The ticket stub you keep is your proof of deposit until the money shows in your account.
- Most banks print deposit tickets with your account number already filled in, but you can request blank ones or print them online.
- Direct deposit bypasses the ticket entirely — your employer sends the money straight to your account using your routing and account numbers.
The sections of a standard deposit ticket
A deposit ticket is divided into clear sections. At the top is your name and account number (usually pre-printed if the bank gave you the ticket). Below that is a space for the date you're making the deposit.
The main body has lines for individual checks. Each check gets its own line where you write the amount. There's also a line labeled "Cash" where you write the total cash you're depositing (add it up before you get to the bank). At the bottom is a "Total" line where you add everything together — all the checks plus the cash.
On the right side is a subtotal line and sometimes a line for any cash you're taking back (if you're depositing a check and want some of the money in cash instead). The very bottom shows the final amount going into your account.
How to fill out a deposit ticket step by step
Start by writing the date in the space provided. Then, for each check you're depositing, write its amount on a separate line. The check amount is printed at the bottom right of the check in numbers, and it's also written out in words — use the number.
Add up all your checks and write the subtotal. On the "Cash" line, write the total amount of bills and coins you're depositing (count it first). Add the check subtotal and cash total together and write that in the "Total" line.
If you want cash back, write that amount on the line marked "Less Cash" or "Cash Back." Subtract that from your total and write the final amount on the line marked "Net Deposit" or "Amount Credited." That final number is what will go into your account.
What information the bank needs from you
The bank needs your account number to know which account to credit. If your ticket is pre-printed, this is already there. If you're using a blank ticket, you'll need to write it in.
The bank also needs to know the date so they can record when the deposit was made. And they need the total amount so they can verify it matches what they count. If you're depositing checks, some banks ask you to write the check number next to the amount, though this isn't always required — ask your teller.
Never write your Social Security number or PIN on a deposit ticket. The account number is all the bank needs to identify you.
Where to get deposit tickets
If your bank gave you a checkbook, deposit tickets came with it. They're usually at the back of the book and have your account number pre-printed. If you've run out, you can order more from your bank — call the number on your debit card or log into your online banking portal and request them.
Many banks let you print deposit tickets from their website or mobile app. You fill in the amounts on your computer, print it, and bring it with you. Some banks also have blank deposit tickets at the branch that you can fill out by hand.
If you're depositing at an ATM instead of with a teller, you may not need a ticket at all — you can just insert the checks and cash directly. Check your bank's ATM deposit rules.
How direct deposit relates to deposit tickets
Direct deposit is different from a deposit ticket because no physical form is involved. Your employer sends money to your bank using your routing number and account number. The bank receives the electronic transfer and credits your account automatically.
To set up direct deposit, you give your employer a form with your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check (the routing number is the first set of numbers at the bottom left; your account number follows it). Some employers let you submit this information online instead of on paper.
Once direct deposit is set up, your paycheck arrives on the same day every pay period without you having to do anything. There's no ticket, no trip to the bank, and no waiting for the check to clear.
Common mistakes when filling out a deposit ticket
The most common mistake is writing the check amount wrong. Double-check the number printed on the check itself, not what someone told you it was. Another mistake is forgetting to add up all the checks before writing the total — if your math is off, the teller will catch it, but it slows things down.
Some people write illegibly, which can cause the teller to misread the amount. Use a pen (not pencil) and write clearly. If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly and write the correct number next to it, or ask for a fresh ticket.
Don't deposit a check that's post-dated (dated in the future) or stale-dated (more than six months old). The bank may refuse it. And never deposit a check that isn't made out to you or your business — the bank won't accept it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a deposit ticket if I'm using an ATM?
Most ATMs that accept deposits don't require a ticket — you insert the checks and cash directly into the machine. However, some banks still ask you to use a ticket or envelope. Check your bank's ATM deposit instructions or ask a teller.
What if I make a mistake on the deposit ticket?
Cross out the error neatly with a single line and write the correct amount next to it. If the ticket is too messy, ask the teller for a fresh one. The teller will verify the amounts anyway before processing your deposit.
Can I deposit checks without a ticket?
You can ask the teller to process your deposit without a pre-filled ticket, but they'll still need to record the amounts and your account number. It's faster and clearer if you fill out a ticket first. Some banks require it.
What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?
Your routing number identifies your bank (it's the same for all customers at that bank). Your account number identifies your specific account. Direct deposit needs both. You'll find both on the bottom left of any check you have.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
That depends on the bank and the check amount. Most checks clear within one to three business days. Large checks may take longer. Your bank can tell you their specific timeline when you deposit.