What goes on a deposit slip and why
A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out when you deposit cash or checks at a bank teller window. It tells the bank how much money you are putting in, what form it takes (cash, checks, coins), and which account it should go into. The slip stays with your deposit so the bank has a record of what you handed over.
Most deposit slips are printed with your account number already on them — the bank gives you a pad of them when you open an account. If you do not have a pre-printed slip, you can ask the teller for a blank one, or some banks let you write the information directly on an envelope.
You need a deposit slip only if you are depositing in person at a teller window. Mobile deposits and ATM deposits do not use slips — the machine reads the check or you photograph it, and the transaction is recorded electronically.
Key Takeaways
- Write your account number at the top of the slip, or use a pre-printed slip that already has it.
- List each check separately by its routing number (the nine digits at the bottom left of the check), and write the amount next to it.
- Add up all checks, all cash, and all coins separately, then total everything at the bottom.
- Sign and date the slip if your bank requires it, and keep your copy for your records.
- Hand the slip and your deposit to the teller, who will verify the amounts and give you a receipt.
The account number and date
At the top of the slip, you will see a line for your account number. If the slip is pre-printed, your number is already there — do not write over it. If you are using a blank slip, write your account number clearly in the space provided. This is how the bank knows which account to credit.
Write the date you are making the deposit. Use the format your bank shows on the slip — usually month/day/year. This date becomes the official deposit date for your records.
Listing checks by routing number
Each check you deposit gets its own line on the slip. On that line, write the routing number of the check — the nine-digit number printed at the bottom left of the check, before the account number. Then write the dollar amount of that check next to it.
If you are depositing five checks, you will have five separate lines, each with a different routing number and amount. The routing number tells the bank which institution issued the check, so it knows where to send it for collection. Do not use the check number (the four digits on the right side of the bottom) — use only the routing number.
If you have more checks than lines on the slip, ask the teller for a second slip or an attachment sheet. Some banks let you list additional checks on the back.
Adding cash and coins
If you are depositing cash, count it before you get to the teller. Write the total dollar amount on the line marked "Currency" or "Cash" — do not list individual bills. The bank will count it again and verify it matches what you wrote.
Coins go on a separate line marked "Coins." Count them and write the total. If you have a large amount of coins, some banks ask you to roll them in paper coin wrappers first — ask at your branch whether they require this.
The subtotal and total
Most deposit slips have you add up three separate subtotals: checks, cash, and coins. Write each subtotal on its own line. Then add all three together and write the grand total at the bottom of the slip.
Double-check your math before you hand the slip to the teller. If the numbers do not match what you are handing over, the teller will catch it and ask you to correct the slip. It is faster to get it right the first time.
Signing and keeping your copy
Some banks require you to sign and date the deposit slip; others do not. Check whether your bank's slip has a signature line. If it does, sign it. If it does not, you do not need to.
Most deposit slips are printed in duplicate or triplicate — one copy for the bank, one for you. The teller will separate them and hand you your copy along with a receipt. Keep your copy until the deposit shows up in your account, usually within one business day. If there is ever a question about what you deposited, you have proof.
What happens after you hand it over
Hand the completed slip and your cash, checks, and coins to the teller. The teller will verify that the amounts on the slip match what you gave them. They will count the cash, check the routing numbers on the checks, and confirm the total. If everything matches, they will process the deposit and give you a receipt.
Checks usually clear within one to two business days. Cash is available immediately. If a check bounces or has an error, the bank will contact you — that is why keeping your copy of the slip matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a pre-printed deposit slip?
Ask the teller for a blank one. You can also deposit without a slip — just hand your cash and checks to the teller and tell them which account to put it in. The teller will create a record. Pre-printed slips are convenient but not required.
Do I need to list the check number on the deposit slip?
No. Write the routing number (the nine digits at the bottom left), not the check number (the four digits at the bottom right). The routing number is what the bank uses to process the check.
What if the amount I wrote does not match what I actually brought?
The teller will count everything and tell you the discrepancy. You can correct the slip and resubmit it, or the teller may ask you to verify the amount. Be honest about the difference — the bank will find it anyway.
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?
Not usually. The person whose name is on the check typically has to deposit it into their own account. Some banks allow a third party to deposit a check if the original recipient signs the back and writes "Pay to the order of [your name]," but policies vary. Ask your bank before you try.
Do I get the deposit slip back?
Yes. The teller will give you a copy of the slip along with a receipt showing the total deposited. Keep both until the deposit clears and shows in your account.