A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out to tell your bank what money you're putting into your account
A deposit slip (also called a deposit ticket) is a small form that comes in the back of your checkbook or that you pick up at the bank. You write your account number, the date, and the amount of cash or checks you're depositing. You hand it to the teller along with your money, and they use it to record the deposit in your account.
The slip serves as your receipt and proof that you made the deposit. The bank keeps one copy, you keep one copy, and the slip gets attached to the checks or cash so there's no confusion about whose account the money goes into. If you deposit at an ATM or through mobile deposit, you don't fill out a physical slip — the machine or app records the information for you.
Most people don't need deposit slips anymore because mobile deposit and ATM deposits have replaced them. But some banks still require them for in-person deposits, and they're still useful if you want a paper record of what you deposited and when.
Key Takeaways
- A deposit slip is a paper form you complete with your account number, date, and deposit amount before handing cash or checks to a bank teller.
- The slip acts as a receipt and proof of deposit, with copies kept by both you and the bank.
- Mobile deposit and ATM deposits have made physical slips unnecessary for most transactions, but some banks still use them for over-the-counter deposits.
- If your bank doesn't provide pre-printed slips, you can write the deposit information directly on a blank slip or ask the teller for one.
How to fill out a deposit slip
Start by writing your name and account number at the top of the slip. Most slips have these fields printed, but if you're using a blank one, write them clearly so the teller can match the deposit to your account.
Next, write the date of the deposit. Then list each check separately with its amount in the "checks" section. If you're depositing cash, write the total cash amount in the "cash" section. Add up all the checks and cash, and write the total at the bottom. Some slips have a line for "less cash received" if you're asking the teller to give you some money back.
Sign the back of the slip if the bank requires it — policies vary. Hand the slip to the teller along with your checks and cash, and they'll process it. You'll get a receipt showing what was deposited and your new account balance.
When you still need a physical deposit slip
If you're depositing checks or cash at a bank teller window, many banks still require a deposit slip or will ask you to fill one out. Some banks have moved to digital slips that you fill out on a tablet at the counter, while others still use paper.
ATM deposits usually don't require a slip — you insert the envelope with your checks or cash, and the machine scans and records everything. Mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) also skips the slip entirely.
If you're mailing a check to someone or depositing a check at a branch you don't normally use, having a deposit slip can help ensure the money goes to the right account. Some businesses also use deposit slips when they're depositing multiple checks or large amounts of cash and want a detailed record.
What happens to your deposit slip after you submit it
The teller scans or enters the information from your slip into the bank's system. The slip gets stamped with the date and time, and you receive a receipt. Your copy goes home with you as proof of the deposit.
The bank's copy is filed and kept as part of their records. If there's ever a dispute about whether a deposit was made or how much was deposited, the slip serves as documentation. The checks themselves are processed separately — they're sent to the clearing house to be routed to the bank they were drawn on, and the funds are transferred between accounts.
Most banks keep deposit slips on file for several years. If you need to verify a deposit you made months ago, you can ask your bank for a copy of the slip or check your account statement, which will show the deposit date and amount.
Deposit slips versus mobile and ATM deposits
A paper deposit slip requires you to go to the bank during business hours and interact with a teller. Mobile deposit lets you photograph a check and submit it through your phone, usually within seconds. ATM deposits let you insert an envelope with checks or cash into a machine and get an instant receipt.
Both mobile and ATM deposits are faster and more convenient than paper slips. They also reduce the chance of a teller misreading your handwriting or entering the wrong amount. However, some banks limit how much you can deposit through mobile or ATM in a single day or month, so large deposits may still require a teller and a deposit slip.
If your bank doesn't offer mobile deposit or you don't have access to an ATM, a paper deposit slip is still a reliable way to get money into your account. The slip creates a clear paper trail and gives you a receipt you can keep.
What to do if you don't have a deposit slip
If you're at the bank and there are no pre-printed slips available, ask the teller for a blank one. They'll have them at the counter or can print one for you. You can also write the deposit information on a piece of paper — your name, account number, date, and the amount — and hand it to the teller along with your checks or cash.
Some banks allow you to skip the slip entirely and just tell the teller what you're depositing. They'll enter it into the system and give you a receipt. The receipt serves the same purpose as a deposit slip: it's your proof that the deposit was made.
If you're depositing by mobile or ATM, you don't need a slip at all. The app or machine generates a digital record automatically, and you'll receive a confirmation number and receipt on your phone or printed by the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a deposit slip if I'm using mobile deposit?
No. Mobile deposit captures the check information through your phone's camera and sends it directly to your bank. The app creates a digital record, and you receive a confirmation number. You don't fill out or submit a physical slip.
What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?
Tell the teller before they process it. They can void the slip and give you a new one. If you've already left the bank and notice an error, contact your bank right away. They can review the transaction and correct it if needed, though this may take a few business days.
Can I deposit checks without a deposit slip?
Yes. You can use an ATM, mobile deposit, or hand the checks directly to a teller and ask them to deposit them. If you go to a teller, they may ask you to fill out a slip or may process it without one, depending on the bank's policy.
How long does a bank keep deposit slips?
Most banks keep deposit slips and related records for at least three to seven years. If you need a copy of an old deposit slip, contact your bank with the date and amount, and they can usually retrieve it from their archives.
Is a deposit slip the same as a check deposit?
No. A check deposit is the act of putting a check into your account. A deposit slip is the form you use to record that deposit. You can deposit a check without a slip (using an ATM or mobile deposit), but if you use a teller, they typically ask for a slip to document the transaction.