What goes on a deposit slip and why banks need it

A deposit slip is a form you fill out when you hand cash or checks to a bank teller or put them in an ATM. It tells the bank whose account the money should go into, how much you are depositing, and what form it takes (cash, checks, or both). The slip stays with your deposit so the bank can match the money to your account.

Most banks still use paper slips, though some ATMs now accept deposits without one. If you are depositing at a teller window or using an older ATM, you will need to fill one out. The form is simple and takes less than a minute once you know what each line means.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number and name at the top of the slip so the bank knows which account to credit.
  • List each check separately with its routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of the check) and amount.
  • Write the total amount of cash and the total amount in checks on the lines marked for each, then add them together for the grand total.
  • Keep a copy of the slip for your records if the bank offers one, or take a photo of it before you hand it over.

The top section: your account information

At the very top of the slip, you will see spaces for your name and account number. Write your full name as it appears on your account — the name the bank has on file. If the account is joint, use the name that matches the account registration.

Below that, write your account number. You can find this on your checks, your debit card, or your bank statement. The account number is usually 10 to 12 digits. Write it clearly so the teller or machine can read it without guessing. If you make a mistake, cross it out and write the correct number next to it rather than erasing.

Some slips also ask for the date. Write today's date in the format your bank uses — usually MM/DD/YYYY. This helps the bank record when the deposit arrived.

The checks section: routing number and amount for each check

Most deposit slips have a section with lines for individual checks. Each line has two blanks: one for the routing number and one for the amount. The routing number is a nine-digit code printed at the bottom left of every check. It identifies which bank the check is drawn from.

Write the routing number from the first check on the first line, then write the dollar amount of that check next to it. Do the same for the second check on the second line, and so on. If you are depositing more than four or five checks, some banks ask you to list the extras on the back of the slip or to use a separate slip.

Write the amounts clearly and include cents if there are any. For example, write $150.25, not $150. If a check is for $500 exactly, write $500.00. This prevents confusion about whether you meant $500 or $5.00.

The cash section: bills and coins

If you are depositing cash, there is usually a line that says "Cash" or "Currency." Write the total amount of all your bills and coins on this line. You do not need to break down how many twenties or tens you have — just add up the total and write it once.

If you are depositing a large amount of cash, the bank may ask you to count it in front of the teller. This is normal and protects both you and the bank. If you are using an ATM, the machine will count the bills for you and show you the total on the screen before it accepts the deposit.

The total line: adding everything together

At the bottom of the slip, there is a line for the total deposit. Add up the amount of all checks plus the amount of cash and write that sum on the total line. This is the number the bank will credit to your account.

Double-check your math before you hand the slip to the teller or insert it into the ATM. If the total on the slip does not match the money you are handing over, the teller will catch it and ask you to correct it. It is easier to fix it yourself before you submit.

What to do with the slip after you fill it out

Once you have filled out the slip, you will either hand it to a teller along with your cash and checks, or insert it into an ATM along with your deposit envelope. If you are at a teller window, the teller will keep the slip. If you are at an ATM, the machine will scan it and return it to you or keep it depending on the bank's system.

Before you leave, ask the teller for a receipt or take a photo of your completed slip with your phone. The receipt shows the date, time, and amount deposited, and it serves as proof in case there is ever a question about whether your deposit went through. Keep this receipt until you see the deposit appear in your account, usually within one business day.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing the wrong account number. If you have more than one account at the bank, double-check that you are using the number for the account you want to deposit into. A deposit to the wrong account is harder to fix than it should be.

Another mistake is forgetting to add up the total. If you list three checks but forget to write a grand total, the teller will have to ask you what the total is, which slows down the line. Writing the total yourself prevents this delay.

Do not use pen that is too light to read, and do not cross out numbers so heavily that they become illegible. If you make a mistake, draw a single line through it and write the correction next to it. Banks can usually read this, but illegible slips sometimes get rejected by the sorting machine and have to be processed by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a deposit slip if I use an ATM?

Many newer ATMs do not require a slip — you just insert your card, select deposit, and feed in your envelope of cash and checks. The machine reads the checks and counts the cash for you. However, some older ATMs and all teller windows still use paper slips, so it is worth knowing how to fill one out.

What if I do not know the routing number on a check?

The routing number is always printed at the bottom left of the check in a specific format. If you cannot read it because the check is damaged, ask the person who wrote the check for the routing number, or ask the teller to look it up. The teller can usually find it by the account number on the check.

Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?

No. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it is made out to. If a check is made out to you and another person, both names must be on the account, or you both need to be present to endorse it. Ask your bank about their rules for jointly-made checks.

What happens if I write the wrong total on the slip?

If the total you wrote does not match the actual cash and checks you hand over, the teller will notice and ask you to correct it before processing. If you catch the error yourself, just cross it out and write the correct amount. The deposit will not go through until the slip and the money match.

Do I need to keep a copy of the deposit slip?

You should keep the receipt the bank gives you, which shows the deposit was processed. The receipt is your proof. The actual slip stays with the bank. If the bank does not offer a receipt, take a photo of the slip before you hand it over so you have a record of what you deposited and when.