What goes on a deposit slip and why it matters

A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out when you hand cash or checks to a bank teller. It tells the bank what you're depositing, how much, and which account it should go into. The slip stays with your deposit—the bank uses it to process your transaction and match the money to your account.

Even though many people now deposit checks by phone or app, paper deposit slips still exist because some banks still accept them, some customers prefer them, and some situations (like depositing at an ATM or through the mail) still require one. Filling one out correctly means your money gets to the right account without delays.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number at the top of the slip, and write it clearly—the bank reads these by machine and by hand.
  • List each check separately by its routing number or the bank name, and write the amount on the line next to it.
  • Cash goes on its own line; you can deposit it all at once or break it down by denomination if the bank asks.
  • The total at the bottom must match the sum of all checks and cash, or the bank will hold the deposit until they can reach you.
  • Keep your copy of the slip in case there's a dispute about what you deposited or when.

The top section: your account information

At the very top of the slip, you'll see a box or line for your account number. Write it clearly in numbers only—no letters, no dashes unless the bank's form shows them. If you don't know your account number, check your debit card, a recent statement, or ask the teller before you start filling out the slip.

Some slips also ask for your name. Write it as it appears on your account. If you're depositing into someone else's account (with their permission), use their name and account number instead. Never deposit money into an account that isn't yours without the account holder's knowledge—banks flag this as potential fraud.

The date goes in the date field. Write today's date in the format the slip shows (usually MM/DD/YYYY). The bank uses this to record when the deposit was made, which matters if there's a delay or a question about timing.

The checks section: listing each one separately

Most deposit slips have a section with multiple lines for checks. Each line is for one check. Write the routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of the check) or the name of the bank that issued the check, then write the check amount on the line next to it.

If the slip doesn't have room for all your checks, use the back or ask the teller for a second slip. Never stack multiple checks on one line—the bank needs to track each one separately for clearing purposes. If a check is damaged, illegible, or missing information, the bank may reject it, so mention any problems to the teller before you hand over the slip.

Write amounts in dollars and cents. Use a decimal point: $150.25, not $150,25 or 150.25 without the dollar sign. If you're unsure of an amount, check the check itself—it's printed in the lower right corner.

The cash section: how to list bills and coins

Cash goes on its own line or section, usually labeled "Cash" or "Currency." If the slip breaks it down by denomination (twenties, tens, fives, ones, coins), fill in how many of each you have and the total value. For example: 3 twenties = $60, 2 tens = $20, 5 ones = $5, total cash = $85.

If the slip just has one line for cash, write the total amount of all your cash combined. You don't need to count out every bill in front of the teller—just add it up and write the total. The teller will count it when they process the deposit. If your count doesn't match theirs, they'll let you know before the transaction is final.

Coins can go in the cash total, but some banks ask you to roll them or put them in a separate envelope. Ask the teller what they prefer before you hand over loose change.

The subtotal and total lines

At the bottom of the slip, add up all the checks and all the cash. Write this sum on the line labeled "Subtotal" or "Total Deposits." This number should match what you actually have in your hand—if it doesn't, recount and recalculate before you give the slip to the teller.

Some slips ask you to subtract a cash-back amount if you're withdrawing money as part of the same transaction. If you want $20 back in cash, write 20 on the "Less Cash" line, then subtract it from your subtotal to get your final deposit amount. The final number is what will be added to your account.

Double-check your math. A mistake here can delay your deposit or cause the bank to hold it while they verify the amounts.

Where to sign and what happens next

Most deposit slips have a signature line at the bottom. Sign it the same way you sign your checks and your account paperwork. Some banks require a signature; others don't. If the teller doesn't ask you to sign, you don't need to.

Hand the completed slip and your checks and cash to the teller. They'll count everything, verify it matches your slip, and give you a receipt. Keep that receipt—it's your proof of the deposit. If money doesn't show up in your account within the timeframe the bank quoted (usually one to three business days for checks, same-day for cash), you can use the receipt to track it down.

If you're depositing by ATM or mail, the process is slightly different. ATM deposit slips are usually simpler—you may only need to write your account number and the total amount. For mail deposits, include a copy of the slip (not the original) and follow your bank's instructions for packaging.

Common mistakes that slow down your deposit

The most frequent error is writing the account number wrong or illegibly. If the bank can't read it, they'll hold the deposit until they can contact you. Write slowly and clearly, and double-check the number against your card or statement before you hand over the slip.

Another common problem is forgetting to add up the total or writing a total that doesn't match the individual amounts. The bank's machine reads the total line first, so if it doesn't match the checks and cash, the deposit gets flagged for manual review and takes longer to process.

Depositing a check with no routing number, a damaged check, or a check made out to the wrong name will cause the bank to reject it. If you notice any of these problems before you hand over the slip, mention it to the teller—they may be able to help or explain what will happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a deposit slip if I'm depositing at the teller window?

Most banks still ask for one, but some tellers can process a deposit without it if you tell them your account number and the total amount. It's faster and clearer if you fill out the slip beforehand, so the teller doesn't have to write it for you. Ask your bank what they prefer.

What if I make a mistake on the slip?

Cross out the error neatly, write the correct information next to it, and initial the change. Don't use white-out or tape—banks need to see what was changed and why. If the slip is too messy, ask the teller for a fresh one.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

Only if that person signs the back of the check and you deposit it into their account. If you try to deposit a check made out to someone else into your own account, the bank will reject it. The check must match the account holder's name.

How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?

Most checks clear within one to three business days, depending on the bank and the routing number. The teller can tell you the expected timeline when you hand over the slip. Checks from out-of-state banks or very large checks may take longer.

What if the bank says my deposit total doesn't match what I wrote?

The teller will recount the money in front of you. If there's a difference, you can add more money, remove some, or correct the slip. The deposit won't be processed until the amounts match, so it's worth taking the time to get it right before you leave.