A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out when you put cash or checks into your bank account in person
A deposit slip is a small form that tells the bank where your money should go. You write down how much cash you're depositing, how much in checks, and which account to put it in. The bank uses this form to make sure your deposit gets credited to the right place.
You'll see deposit slips at the bottom of your checkbook, or you can pick up blank ones at any bank branch. Some banks print them with your account number already on them. You fill in the amounts, sign it, and hand it to the teller along with your cash and checks.
Deposit slips matter less than they used to — mobile deposit and ATM deposits have made them less common. But they're still useful when you're depositing at a branch, especially if you're putting in multiple checks or a mix of cash and checks.
Key Takeaways
- A deposit slip is a paper form that tells the bank which account to credit and how much you're depositing.
- You write down the amount of cash, the amount of checks, and your account number on the form.
- Deposit slips come in your checkbook or are available free at any bank branch.
- You only need one when depositing in person at a branch — mobile and ATM deposits don't use them.
- The bank keeps the deposit slip as a record that matches your deposit to your account.
What information goes on a deposit slip
The form has a few basic lines. At the top is your name and account number — often printed there already if it's from your checkbook. Then you have a line for the date, a line for cash, and lines for each check you're depositing.
If you're depositing checks, you write the amount of each check on a separate line, usually with the check number next to it. At the bottom you add up the total and write it in the "Total" box. Some slips have a line for "less cash received" if the teller is giving you money back.
You sign the slip at the bottom. The teller will stamp it or write a receipt number on it so you have proof you made the deposit.
When you actually need to use one
You need a deposit slip only when you're walking into a bank branch and handing cash or checks to a teller. If you're using your phone to photograph a check, or depositing at an ATM, you don't fill out a slip — the machine or app handles that part for you.
Deposit slips are most useful when you have several checks to deposit at once, or when you're mixing cash and checks. The slip keeps everything organized and makes sure the teller knows exactly what you're putting in and where it should go.
If you forget to bring a slip, the teller will give you one. You don't need to have it ready before you arrive — it's just a form the bank provides.
How the bank uses your deposit slip
When you hand the teller your slip along with your cash and checks, they count everything and verify it matches what you wrote. They then process the checks — which can take one to three business days to clear — and add the cash to your account right away.
The bank keeps a copy of the deposit slip as a record. If there's ever a question about whether a deposit went through, you and the bank can look back at the slip to confirm what was deposited and when.
The slip also helps if you need to dispute a check later. The bank can see from the slip that you deposited it on a specific date, which matters if the check bounces or if there's a delay in clearing.
Deposit slips versus digital deposits
Mobile deposit — taking a photo of a check with your phone — has made paper deposit slips less necessary for many people. With mobile deposit, you don't fill out any form. You just photograph the front and back of the check, type in the amount, and hit send.
ATM deposits work similarly. You insert checks or cash into the machine, and it reads them or counts them automatically. No slip needed.
The advantage of digital deposits is speed and convenience. The disadvantage is that some banks limit how much you can deposit this way per day, and checks can take longer to clear. A paper deposit slip at a branch is still the fastest way to deposit a large amount of cash or multiple checks at once.
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 always available at the counter, and it takes 30 seconds to fill out. You don't need to have brought one with you.
If you're at home and want to deposit something, check whether your bank offers mobile deposit or ATM deposit first. Those are faster and don't require a slip. If your bank doesn't offer those options, or if you prefer to deposit in person, you can pick up deposit slips at your branch anytime during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a deposit slip if I'm depositing at a branch?
No, but it's helpful. Some banks will process a deposit without a slip if you tell the teller exactly what you're depositing. However, using a slip keeps a clear record and prevents mistakes, especially if you have multiple checks.
What happens if I write the wrong amount on the deposit slip?
The teller will catch it when they count your cash and checks. They'll correct the slip and make sure your account is credited for the actual amount you deposited, not what you wrote down.
Can I deposit checks without a deposit slip using mobile deposit?
Yes. Mobile deposit doesn't use slips at all. You photograph the check with your phone, enter the amount, and submit it through your bank's app. The check clears to your account without any paper form.
Do I need to keep the deposit slip after the bank gives it back to me?
It's a good idea to keep it for a few weeks until the checks clear and you see the deposit in your account. After that, you can throw it away unless you need it for record-keeping or tax purposes.