What goes on a deposit slip and where
A deposit slip is a form you fill out when you put cash into your bank account. It tells the bank how much money you are depositing, in what form (bills, coins, checks), 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 have the same basic layout: your account number at the top, spaces to list the amount of cash and coins separately, a line for the total, and a space for your signature. Some banks print your name and account number on the slip already. Others give you a blank slip to fill in by hand.
You do not need to memorize the form. The bank provides it, and the layout is almost always the same. The key is knowing what number goes where and what the bank actually needs from you.
Key Takeaways
- Write your account number in the box at the top of the slip, or verify it if the bank printed it there already.
- List cash and coins on separate lines, with the amount in dollars and cents in the right-hand column.
- Add up all deposits and write the total at the bottom of the slip.
- Sign and date the slip, then keep your copy for your records.
- Hand the slip and your cash to the teller, or insert both into the ATM deposit envelope if you are using the machine.
Finding and reading your account number
Your account number appears in three places: on your debit card, on your checks, and on statements your bank sends you. It is usually a 10- to 12-digit number. If your deposit slip is blank, you will need to write it in the box labeled "Account Number" or "Acct #" at the top.
If the bank printed your account number on the slip already, double-check that it matches the account you want to deposit into. If you have more than one account at the same bank, a wrong number means your money goes to the wrong place. Verify before you hand it over.
Some banks also print your name on the slip. If yours does not, you can write it in, but it is not required — the account number is what the bank uses to find your account.
Listing cash and coins separately
The deposit slip has a line for "Currency" or "Cash" and a separate line for "Coin." Write the amount of paper money on the cash line and the amount of coins on the coin line. Both should be written in dollars and cents format — for example, $47.50 for cash and $3.25 for coins.
You do not have to count out every coin by hand. Most banks have a coin counter near the teller window. You can pour your coins into the counter, write down the total it shows, and put that number on the slip. If you are depositing at an ATM, the machine will count coins for you and show the total on the screen.
If you are depositing only cash and no coins, leave the coin line blank or write $0.00. The same goes if you have only coins — leave the cash line blank.
Writing the total and signing the slip
Add the cash amount and the coin amount together and write the sum on the line labeled "Total" or "Total Deposit." This is the number the bank will credit to your account. Make sure the math is correct — if you write $50.75 in cash and $3.25 in coins, the total should be $54.00.
Sign the slip in the space marked "Signature" and write the date. The date should be the day you are making the deposit. Some slips ask for the date in a specific format (MM/DD/YYYY), but most banks accept any clear date.
If you are depositing at a teller window, the teller may ask you to sign in front of them. If you are using an ATM, you sign before you insert the envelope into the machine.
Depositing at a teller window versus an ATM
At a teller window, hand the slip and your cash to the teller together. The teller will verify the amount, stamp your copy of the slip, and give it back to you. Keep this copy for your records — it shows the bank received the money on that date.
At an ATM, the process is slightly different. You put the cash and the signed deposit slip into the envelope the machine provides, seal it, and insert it into the deposit slot. The machine will ask you to confirm the amount you are depositing. Write that number on the envelope as well, so the bank knows what to expect when they open it later.
ATM deposits usually take one business day to show up in your account. Teller deposits are often credited the same day, but this varies by bank. Check your bank's policy or ask the teller when you can expect to see the money.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is writing the wrong account number. If you have multiple accounts, take a moment to confirm you are depositing into the right one. A second mistake is forgetting to add the cash and coin amounts correctly. Use a calculator if you are unsure.
Do not leave the total line blank. The bank needs this number to process your deposit. If you forget to sign the slip, the teller will ask you to do it before accepting the deposit.
If you are depositing at an ATM and the machine rejects your envelope, do not force it back in. Take it to a teller instead. ATM deposit slots can jam, and a teller can process the deposit manually and give you a receipt on the spot.
Keeping a record of your deposit
Always keep your copy of the deposit slip. It serves as proof that you deposited the money on a specific date and in a specific amount. If there is ever a dispute about whether the deposit was made, you have documentation.
Write the deposit amount in your checkbook register or banking app as well. This keeps your personal record in sync with the bank's record. Some banks send you a receipt by email or text when an ATM deposit is processed, so check for that confirmation too.
If you deposit cash regularly, you may want to keep a simple log with the date, amount, and account number. This makes it easier to spot any discrepancies if the bank's record does not match yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a deposit slip?
Ask the teller for one. Banks keep them at the counter and at ATM vestibules. If you are at an ATM, the machine will provide an envelope that serves the same purpose. You can also request deposit slips when you open an account, and the bank will mail them to you.
Can I deposit cash without a deposit slip?
At a teller window, yes — the teller can process the deposit without a slip and create a receipt for you. At an ATM, you need to use the envelope and write the amount on it. The slip or envelope is how the bank tracks what you are depositing.
Do I need to separate large bills from small bills?
No. Write the total cash amount on one line. The bank does not need you to break it down by denomination. Just add up all your paper money and write that total.
What happens if the amount on my slip does not match the cash I hand over?
The teller will count the cash and let you know if there is a difference. If you wrote $100 but only handed over $95, the teller will ask you to correct the slip. If you are at an ATM, the machine will flag the discrepancy and ask you to adjust the amount.
How long does a cash deposit take to show up in my account?
Teller deposits usually appear the same business day. ATM deposits typically take one business day. Some banks hold cash deposits for a day or two if the amount is unusually large. Check your bank's deposit policy or ask the teller for a specific timeline.