What goes on a deposit slip and why it matters

A deposit slip is a paper form that tells your bank where the money you're depositing should go and how much you're putting in. You fill it out, attach it to your checks or cash, and hand it to a teller or put it in the ATM. The slip acts as your receipt and the bank's record of what you deposited that day.

Even though many people now deposit checks through their phone, paper deposit slips still exist because some banks require them, some customers prefer them, and some deposits—like cash or multiple checks—move faster with a slip. The form is straightforward, but filling it out wrong can delay your deposit or send money to the wrong account.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number at the top of the slip, and fill in the date you're making the deposit.
  • List each check separately by its routing and account number (the MICR line at the bottom), or write the check amount and the name of the bank it's drawn on.
  • Write the total cash amount on one line, breaking it down by denomination if the bank's slip has space for it.
  • Add up all checks and cash, write the total at the bottom, and keep your copy for your records.
  • If you want cash back, write that amount on the slip and subtract it from your total deposit before the bank processes it.

The top section: account number and date

Start at the very top of the slip. Write your account number in the box or line marked "Account Number" or "Acct #". This is the number printed on your checks and on your bank statements. If you don't have it memorized, look at a check from your checkbook or call your bank.

Next to that, write today's date in the format your bank uses—usually MM/DD/YYYY. This date tells the bank when you made the deposit. The date matters because it determines when the funds post to your account and when the deposit appears on your statement.

How to list checks on the deposit slip

Most deposit slips have a section with lines for individual checks. Each line has two columns: one for the check amount and one for a routing or reference number. Write the dollar amount of each check in the left column, going down one line per check.

In the right column, you can write either the routing number of the bank the check is drawn on (the first nine digits printed at the bottom left of the check) or straightforward the name of the bank. Some banks ask for the last four digits of the check number instead. Look at your slip to see what your bank wants. If the slip doesn't specify, the check amount alone is usually enough—the bank will read the MICR line (the magnetic numbers at the bottom of the check) during processing.

If you have more checks than lines on the slip, use the back of the slip or ask the teller for a second slip. Never stack checks on top of each other without listing them separately; the bank needs to know how many checks you're depositing and in what amounts.

The cash section: bills and coins

Write the total amount of cash you're depositing on the line marked "Cash" or "Currency". If your slip has separate rows for different denominations—$100 bills, $50 bills, $20 bills, and so on—fill those in. For example, if you're depositing three $20 bills and five $1 bills, write 3 next to the $20 line and 5 next to the $1 line, then add them up.

If your slip doesn't break down by denomination, just write the total cash amount. You don't need to list coins separately unless the slip asks for it. If you have a large amount of coins, ask the teller whether they prefer you to count them first or let the bank do it.

Calculating the total and requesting cash back

Add up all your checks and your cash. Write this sum on the line marked "Total Deposit" or "Total". This is the amount the bank will credit to your account before any cash-back request.

If you want cash back from your deposit, write that amount on the line marked "Less Cash" or "Cash Back". Subtract this from your total and write the final number on the line marked "Net Deposit" or "Amount to be Credited". For example: if you're depositing $500 in checks and $100 in cash, and you want $50 back, your total is $600, your cash back is $50, and your net deposit is $550.

Not all banks allow cash back on deposit slips, and some ATMs don't offer it at all. If you're using an ATM, check the screen to see whether the machine will dispense cash. If you're at a teller window, ask before you fill out the slip.

Signing and keeping your copy

Most deposit slips have a line for your signature at the bottom. Sign it the same way you sign your checks. Some banks don't require a signature on deposit slips, especially if you're using an ATM, but it's good practice to sign anyway.

Deposit slips usually come in duplicate or triplicate—one copy for you, one for the bank, and sometimes one for the teller. Keep your copy. It serves as a receipt showing what you deposited, when, and to which account. If there's ever a question about whether a check cleared or how much you deposited, your copy is proof.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is writing the wrong account number. Double-check before you hand over the slip. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, this mistake can send your deposit to savings instead of checking, or to someone else's account entirely.

Another frequent problem is illegible handwriting. Write clearly in pen, not pencil. If the bank can't read your account number or the check amounts, processing slows down. If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly, write the correction, and initial it. Don't use white-out or tape.

Some people forget to add up their total correctly. Use a calculator if you're depositing more than a few checks. A math error can hold up your deposit while the bank verifies the amounts.

Finally, don't assume the slip is the same at every bank. If you switch banks or use a different branch, look at the slip layout before you start writing. The sections may be in a different order or labeled differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fill out a deposit slip if I'm using a mobile app?

No. Mobile deposit lets you photograph the check and submit it through your bank's app without a paper slip. The app captures the check information automatically. Paper slips are only for in-person deposits at a teller window or ATM.

What if I don't know the routing number of the bank the check is drawn on?

You don't need it. Writing the check amount and the bank name is sufficient. The bank will read the routing number from the MICR line at the bottom of the check during processing. If your slip specifically asks for it and you can't find it, ask the teller.

Can I deposit a check without a deposit slip?

At a teller window, yes—the teller can write down your information and process the deposit without a slip. At an ATM, most machines require a slip or won't accept the deposit. Check your ATM's instructions or ask your bank whether slips are required.

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

The bank will usually catch the error during processing. If your written total doesn't match the actual checks and cash you've included, the teller or ATM may reject the deposit and ask you to recount. If the error goes unnoticed, the bank will credit whatever amount you actually deposited, not what you wrote.

Do I need to keep my copy of the deposit slip forever?

Keep it until the deposit shows up on your bank statement and you've verified the amount. After that, you can discard it. If you ever need proof of a deposit for tax or legal reasons, your bank statement is the official record, but your slip copy can help you track down the transaction if there's a dispute.