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 in person at a teller window. It tells the bank which account the money goes into, how much you are depositing, and whether you want cash back. The slip stays with the bank as a record; you keep a carbon copy or receipt for your own records.
Even though mobile and ATM deposits have become common, some banks still require a deposit slip for in-person deposits, and some customers prefer the paper trail. Filling one out correctly means your deposit posts to the right account on the same day and you have proof of what you handed over.
Key Takeaways
- Write your account number at the top of the slip, and print clearly so the teller can read it without asking.
- List each check separately with its amount, and add up all checks and cash on the lines provided.
- If you want cash back, write that amount on the slip and subtract it from your total deposit.
- Sign the slip if your bank requires it, and keep your copy as proof of deposit.
Where to find the account number and what to write first
Your account number appears on your checks, your debit card, and your bank statements. On the deposit slip itself, there is usually a blank line or box at the top labeled "Account Number" or "Acct #". Write your full account number there in blue or black ink, printing clearly so the teller does not have to guess or ask you to repeat it.
Some banks print your account number on the slip already if you picked it up from the branch. If it is already there, check that it matches your actual account number before you hand the slip to the teller. If the number is wrong, cross it out and write the correct one.
Below the account number, you will see a line for the date. Write today's date in the format your bank uses—usually MM/DD/YYYY. The date matters because it tells the bank when you made the deposit, which affects when the funds show up in your account.
How to list checks on the slip
Most deposit slips have a section with multiple lines, each one labeled "Checks" or "Check Amount" or sometimes just numbered rows. Each line is for one check. Write the amount of the first check on the first line, the second check on the second line, and so on. Write the dollar amount only—no dollar sign needed, though some people include it.
Some slips ask you to write the check number or the bank routing number alongside the amount. If there is a column for it, write the number of the bank the check is drawn on (you can find this on the check itself, usually at the bottom left). If there is no column for it, you do not need to write it.
If you are depositing more than five or six checks, some banks ask you to list the first few on the slip and attach a separate list or deposit the rest on a second slip. Ask the teller if you are unsure.
Adding up your totals and handling cash
At the bottom of the slip, there are lines for subtotals. Add up all the check amounts and write that total on the line labeled "Checks" or "Total Checks". If you are also depositing cash, write the cash amount on the line labeled "Cash". Then add the checks and cash together and write the grand total on the line labeled "Total Deposit" or "Subtotal".
If you want cash back from your deposit, write that amount on the line labeled "Cash Back" or "Less Cash Received". Then subtract the cash back from your total and write the final amount on the line labeled "Net Deposit" or "Amount to be Credited". This final number is what actually goes into your account.
Double-check your math before you hand the slip to the teller. A mistake here means your account gets the wrong amount, and you will have to contact the bank to fix it.
Signing the slip and what happens next
Some banks require you to sign the deposit slip; others do not. Look at the bottom of the slip for a line labeled "Signature" or "Authorized by". If there is a line and it is blank, sign it. If there is no line, you do not need to sign. Ask the teller if you are not sure whether your bank requires a signature.
Hand the slip, your checks, and your cash to the teller. The teller will count the money, verify that the amounts on the slip match what you handed over, and process the deposit. You will receive a receipt or a carbon copy of the slip showing the deposit was received. Keep this receipt until the deposit shows up in your account, usually within one business day for in-person deposits.
Common mistakes to avoid
Writing the wrong account number is the most common error. If you deposit to the wrong account, the bank can usually move the money, but it takes a phone call and a few days. Always double-check the account number before you hand over the slip.
Forgetting to add up the checks correctly means your account gets less than you thought. Use a calculator if you are depositing many checks. Writing illegibly causes the teller to ask you to rewrite it, which slows down the line. Print clearly and use blue or black ink only.
If you want cash back, make sure you subtract it from the total. If you write a total of $500 and ask for $100 cash back but forget to subtract it, your account will be credited $500 instead of $400, and you will have taken $100 that was not yours.
What to do if you make a mistake on the slip
If you notice an error before you hand the slip to the teller, cross out the mistake with a single line and write the correct information next to it. Do not use white-out or erase; banks need to see what was changed. If the slip is too messy to read, ask the teller for a new blank slip and start over.
If you discover the mistake after you have left the bank, call your bank's customer service line right away. Tell them the date of the deposit, the amount, and what was wrong. The bank can usually correct it within one or two business days if you catch it quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a deposit slip if I use the ATM or mobile deposit?
No. ATM and mobile deposits do not use paper slips. You enter the amount and account information on the machine or app, and the bank records it electronically. Deposit slips are only for in-person deposits at a teller window.
What if the bank already printed my account number on the slip?
Check that it matches your actual account number. If it does, you can leave it as is. If it does not match or if you are depositing to a different account, cross it out and write the correct number.
Can I deposit checks and cash on the same slip?
Yes. List the checks on their lines, write the cash amount on the cash line, and add them together for the total. The teller will process both at once.
What if I do not know my account number?
Look at your checks, debit card, or a recent bank statement. Your account number is printed on all of these. If you still cannot find it, ask the teller—they can look it up using your name and ID.
How long does it take for a deposit to show up in my account?
In-person deposits usually post the same business day or the next morning. Checks may take longer to clear depending on the bank they are drawn from—typically one to three business days. Your receipt will show when the deposit was received; the bank will tell you when funds are available.