What goes on a deposit slip and why
A deposit slip is a small form you fill out when you hand cash or checks to a bank teller. It tells the teller which account the money should go into and how much you are depositing. The slip stays with your deposit — the bank keeps it as a record, and you get a copy for your own records.
Even though many people now use mobile deposit or ATMs, some banks still ask for a deposit slip when you hand money directly to a teller. Knowing how to fill one out takes about two minutes and prevents mistakes that could delay your deposit or put money in the wrong account.
Key Takeaways
- Write your account number at the top of the slip, even though the teller can look it up — it prevents routing errors.
- List each check separately with its amount, or write "cash" and the total cash amount on one line.
- Add up all deposits and write the total at the bottom of the slip.
- Sign the back of the slip if your bank requires it, and keep your copy for your records.
- If you are unsure whether your bank uses deposit slips, ask the teller — some banks have moved away from them entirely.
The account number and date section
At the top of the deposit slip, you will see a box or line for your account number. Write your full account number here, even if the teller knows who you are. This is the most important line on the slip because it ensures your money goes into the right account if you have more than one.
Next to the account number, write today's date. Use the format your bank shows on the slip — usually MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 03/15/2024). The date tells the bank when you made the deposit, which matters for when the money becomes available in your account.
Some deposit slips also have a line for your name. Fill this in if the slip has a blank for it, but do not worry if it does not — the account number is what the bank uses to find you.
How to list checks
Deposit slips have numbered lines for individual checks. Write one check per line. On each line, write the check amount in the box or column on the right side of the slip. You do not need to write the check number or the person's name — the amount is all the bank needs.
If you are depositing five checks for $50, $75, $120, $40, and $35, write each amount on its own line. If you have more checks than lines on the slip, ask the teller for a second slip or write "see back" and continue on the back of the slip.
Do not add the checks together yourself on the slip. The bank will add them up, and if you make an arithmetic error, it can cause confusion. Just write each amount clearly and let the teller total them.
How to list cash
If you are depositing cash, write "CASH" on one of the lines and write the total cash amount next to it. You do not need to break down the cash by bill denomination — just count it before you hand it to the teller and write the total.
Some banks ask you to count the cash in front of the teller so you both agree on the amount. This protects you because it creates a record of exactly how much you handed over. If the teller counts a different amount, you will both know right away.
The total line and subtotals
At the bottom of the deposit slip, there is a line labeled "Total" or "Subtotal." Add up all the check amounts and the cash amount, then write that number on the total line. This is your final deposit amount.
Some deposit slips have a line for "less cash received" — this is for situations where you are depositing checks but want the teller to give you some cash back. For example, if you are depositing $500 in checks and want $50 in cash, you would write $50 on the "less cash received" line. The bank would then deposit $450 and give you $50 in bills. Most people leave this line blank.
Signing the slip and keeping your copy
Look at the back of the deposit slip. Some banks require you to sign the back before the teller processes it; others do not. If there is a signature line on the back, sign it. If there is no line, you do not need to sign.
The teller will give you a copy of the slip after they process your deposit. Keep this copy in a safe place — it is your proof that you made the deposit on that date for that amount. If there is ever a question about whether the bank received your money, this receipt is your evidence.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is writing the wrong account number. If you have a checking account and a savings account, double-check which one you want the money to go into before you write the number. A second mistake is forgetting to add up the total correctly — but remember, you do not have to add it yourself. The teller will do it, so just make sure each individual amount is clear and readable.
Another mistake is writing amounts in the wrong column. Some slips have the amount column on the right and a description column on the left. Look at the example on the slip or ask the teller which column to use. Finally, do not assume the teller will know which account you want if you do not write the account number — always fill it in.
When you might not need a deposit slip
Many banks have stopped using paper deposit slips entirely. If you use mobile deposit, you photograph the check and the app handles everything — no slip needed. If you use an ATM deposit envelope, you put your checks or cash in an envelope, seal it, and insert it into the machine — again, no slip.
When you walk up to a teller, ask whether they need a deposit slip. Some banks have moved to a system where the teller enters everything into the computer while you watch, and you sign a receipt instead. If your bank is one of these, the teller will tell you and you will not need to fill out a slip at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a deposit slip if the teller knows my account?
Yes, most banks still require a deposit slip even if you are a regular customer. The slip creates an official record of your deposit and prevents errors. If your bank does not use slips anymore, the teller will let you know and will use a different method to record your deposit.
What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?
Ask the teller for a new slip and start over. Do not cross out or write over mistakes on a deposit slip — banks need clean, readable slips to process deposits correctly. The teller has plenty of blank slips and will not mind giving you another one.
Can I deposit checks without writing the check number on the slip?
Yes. The bank only needs the amount of each check, not the check number. The check itself has all the information the bank needs to process it. Writing the amount is enough.
What if I am depositing a very large amount of cash?
Write the total cash amount on the slip just as you would for any other deposit. The bank will count it in front of you. Be aware that deposits of $10,000 or more in cash trigger a federal reporting requirement, but this does not stop you from making the deposit — it is a normal part of banking.
Do I need to keep my copy of the deposit slip forever?
Keep it until you see the deposit show up in your account statement, which usually takes one to three business days. After that, you can throw it away unless you need it for tax or record-keeping reasons. If you ever dispute a deposit, having the slip makes it much easier to resolve.