What goes on a deposit slip and why it matters

A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out when you put cash or checks into your bank account in person. It tells the bank teller what you're depositing, how much, and which account it goes into. The slip stays with the bank as a record; you get a copy for your records.

You need one when you're depositing at a teller window or an ATM that accepts deposits. Some ATMs print a slip for you automatically; others require you to fill one out first. Online transfers and mobile check deposits don't use deposit slips at all.

Filling it out correctly matters because errors can delay the deposit hitting your account, or the money might go to the wrong account if you write the wrong account number. The slip is also your proof that you made the deposit on a specific date, which is useful if there's ever a question about when the money arrived.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number at the top of the slip, and double-check it against your debit card or bank statement before you hand it over.
  • List each check separately with its amount, and add all checks together on the "checks" line; list cash as a single total on the "cash" line.
  • Write the total deposit amount at the bottom, and keep your copy of the slip in case you need proof of the deposit date.
  • If you're depositing at an ATM, follow the machine's prompts instead of filling out a paper slip, and the ATM will print a receipt for you.

Where to find a blank deposit slip

Deposit slips are usually stacked near the teller window or at the entrance to the bank. They're free and you don't need to ask for one. If you can't find them, ask the teller for a blank slip.

Some banks print deposit slips with your account number already filled in. If yours does, you still need to fill in the deposit details. Other banks leave the account number blank, and you write it yourself.

If you're depositing by mail, your bank may send you pre-printed deposit slips with your account number already on them. Use those instead of blank ones, because they're tied to your account and reduce the chance of an error.

How to fill in each line of the deposit slip

Account number: Write your account number in the box marked "Account Number" or "Acct #" at the top. Find this number on your debit card, checks, or bank statement. Write it clearly so the teller can read it. If the slip already has your account number printed on it, skip this step.

Date: Write today's date in the format your bank uses. Most banks accept month/day/year (like 01/15/2024) or day/month/year depending on your location. Check another deposit slip or ask the teller which format they prefer.

Checks: List each check on a separate line under the "checks" section. Write the check amount next to the line. At the bottom of the checks section, add all the check amounts together and write the total on the line marked "Total Checks" or "Checks Total." Do not include cash in this section.

Cash: Write the total amount of cash you're depositing on the line marked "Cash." If you're depositing both bills and coins, add them together first and write one number. Do not list individual bills or coins separately.

Total deposit: Add the total checks and total cash together and write the result on the line marked "Total" or "Total Deposit." This is the amount that will be added to your account.

What to do if you make a mistake on the slip

If you write something wrong, cross it out with a single line and write the correct information next to it. Do not use white-out or erase, because banks need to see what was originally written. A single line through the error is clear and acceptable.

If the slip is too messy or you're unsure about a correction, ask the teller for a fresh blank slip and start over. It takes 30 seconds and removes any doubt about what the deposit contains.

If you realize the mistake after you've handed the slip to the teller, tell them immediately. They can void the slip and start a new one before they process the deposit.

Depositing at an ATM instead of a teller window

Many ATMs now accept cash and check deposits without a paper slip. When you insert your debit card and select "Deposit," the machine will ask you to choose the account and then insert your checks and cash into a slot. The ATM scans the checks, counts the cash, and prints a receipt showing what was deposited.

Some older ATMs or ATMs at smaller banks still require a deposit slip. Follow the machine's on-screen instructions. Usually you'll insert the slip first, then insert your checks and cash. The machine will print a receipt for you to keep.

ATM deposits are often held longer than teller deposits before the money shows in your account—sometimes one to two business days instead of the same day. Check your bank's policy on their website or ask a teller.

Keeping track of your deposit

The bank will give you a receipt or a copy of the deposit slip. Keep it until the deposit shows up in your account, which usually happens the same day for teller deposits or within one to two business days for ATM deposits. Check your account online or call the bank to confirm the money arrived.

If the deposit doesn't show up within the expected time, contact your bank with the receipt or slip in hand. The date and total amount on the slip are proof that you made the deposit, and the bank can use it to track down what happened.

Save receipts for large deposits or deposits that include checks from other banks, because those sometimes take longer to clear. If there's ever a dispute about whether you deposited the money, the slip is your evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to write my name on the deposit slip?

No. Your account number is all the bank needs to put the money in the right place. Some banks have a line for your name, but it's optional. If you do write your name, make sure your account number is correct—the account number is what matters.

What if I'm depositing checks from different banks?

List each check separately on the deposit slip with its amount, just as you would for checks from your own bank. The bank will sort them during processing. All checks go on the same "checks" section of the slip.

Can I deposit someone else's check using my deposit slip?

Only if the check is made out to you or has been signed over to you by the person it was written to. If the check is made out to someone else and they haven't signed it to you, you cannot deposit it. Write your account number on the slip as usual—the account number determines where the money goes, not whose name is on the check.

What if the deposit slip doesn't have enough lines for all my checks?

Use the back of the slip or ask the teller for a second slip. Write "continued on back" or "see reverse" on the front slip so the teller knows to look for more checks. Add all checks from both slips together when you calculate the total.

Do I need a deposit slip if I'm mailing in a check?

Yes, if your bank provides pre-printed deposit slips with your account number. Include the slip with your check in the envelope. If you don't have a pre-printed slip, write your account number on the back of the check itself. Call your bank to ask for mailed deposit instructions specific to your account.