A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out to tell your bank what money you're putting in and which account it goes to

A deposit slip is a small form, usually printed by your bank, that you use when you hand cash or checks to a teller or drop them in an envelope at an ATM. You write down how much money you're depositing, break it down by type (cash, checks), and sign it. The bank uses this form to make sure the money gets credited to the right account and in the right amount.

You've probably seen deposit slips in the back of a checkbook, or you can pick them up at any branch. Some banks print them with your account number already on them so the teller doesn't have to look it up. Even though many people now deposit checks by phone or computer, deposit slips still exist because some transactions still happen in person — and some people prefer the paper record.

Key Takeaways

  • A deposit slip is a paper form that tells your bank which account to credit and how much money you're depositing.
  • You fill in the amount of cash and the check numbers or amounts, then hand it to a teller or drop it in an ATM envelope.
  • Deposit slips are free and available at any bank branch, or printed in the back of your checkbook.
  • You do not need a deposit slip for mobile check deposits or online transfers, but you may want one for in-person deposits to have a paper record.

The parts of a deposit slip and what each one means

Most deposit slips have the same basic layout. At the top is your name and account number, usually pre-printed. Below that are lines for you to write in the amount of cash you're depositing and the amounts of individual checks. At the bottom is a total line where you add everything up.

The cash line is straightforward — you count your bills and coins and write the total. For checks, you have two choices: write each check amount on its own line, or just write the total of all checks on one line. Some slips have a section for you to list check numbers so you and the bank both have a record of which checks you deposited. The total line at the bottom is cash plus checks. You sign and date the slip, and the teller processes it.

The back of the slip usually has a space for you to write a memo or note — this is optional, but some people use it to record what the deposit was for, especially if they're depositing checks from a customer or client.

When you actually need to use a deposit slip

You need a deposit slip when you walk into a bank branch and hand money or checks to a teller. The teller will ask for it or hand you one if you don't have it. You also need one if you're using an ATM envelope — some ATMs have deposit slips built into the envelope itself, or you can fill one out and put it in the envelope with your cash or checks.

You do not need a deposit slip for mobile check deposits (taking a photo of a check with your phone), online transfers, or wire transfers. Those methods don't use paper forms at all. If you're mailing a check to the bank, some banks ask you to include a deposit slip in the envelope, but many don't — check your bank's instructions.

If you're depositing at a branch and you don't have a slip, the teller can fill one out for you or process the deposit without one. But having your own slip ready makes the transaction faster and gives you a written record of what you deposited that day.

How to fill out a deposit slip correctly

Start by checking that your name and account number are correct at the top. If they're not pre-printed, write them clearly in pen. Write the date in the date field — use today's date, not the date on the checks you're depositing.

In the cash section, write the total amount of bills and coins you're depositing. If you're depositing checks, write each check amount on its own line, or write the total on the "checks" line — your bank will accept either way. Add up the cash and checks and write the total at the bottom. Sign the slip and hand it to the teller along with your money and checks.

Keep the carbon copy or receipt the teller gives you. This is your proof that you made the deposit on that date and in that amount. If there's ever a question about whether the money reached your account, you'll have this record.

Why banks still use deposit slips even though deposits are mostly digital now

Most deposits today happen on a phone or computer, but some people still prefer to deposit in person, and some transactions still require it. A business that receives a lot of checks might deposit them at a branch. Someone without a smartphone or internet access might use an ATM or teller. And some people straightforward feel more confident handing their money to a person and getting a receipt.

Deposit slips also create a paper trail. If you ever need to prove you deposited money on a certain date, the slip and the teller's receipt are your evidence. Banks keep these records, so if a deposit goes missing, you have documentation to show it happened.

What to do if you don't have a deposit slip

If you're at a bank branch and don't have a deposit slip, ask the teller for one. They're free and available at every branch. If you're using an ATM, check if there's a stack of slips near the machine, or look inside the envelope slot — many ATMs have them built in.

If you're at home and want to fill one out before you go to the bank, you can ask for a pad of blank slips at any branch. Some banks also let you read and print a blank slip from their website, though you'll need to fill in your account number by hand. You can also just show up without one — the teller will provide it or process the deposit without it, though it will take a few extra seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to write down every check number on the deposit slip?

No. You can list individual check amounts and numbers if you want a detailed record, or you can just write the total of all checks on one line. The bank will process it either way. Writing individual checks takes longer but gives you a clearer record of what you deposited.

What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?

Cross out the mistake, write the correct number next to it, and initial the change. The teller will accept it. If you've made several mistakes, ask the teller for a fresh slip and start over — it's faster and clearer for everyone.

Can I deposit money without a deposit slip?

Yes. If you're at a teller window, the teller can process your deposit without a slip, though they may fill one out themselves. If you're using an ATM, some machines require an envelope with a slip, while others let you deposit without one — check your bank's ATM instructions.

Should I keep the receipt the teller gives me?

Yes. Keep it until the deposit shows up in your account, usually within one business day. If the deposit doesn't appear or the amount is wrong, you'll have proof of what you deposited and when.

What's the difference between a deposit slip and a withdrawal slip?

A deposit slip records money going into your account. A withdrawal slip (less common now) records money coming out. Most banks now use ATMs or teller transactions for withdrawals instead of paper slips.