What goes on a deposit slip and why

A deposit slip is a paper form that tells your bank where the money you are depositing should go. It has three main jobs: it identifies your account, it lists what you are depositing (cash, checks, or both), and it gives you a record of the transaction. The bank keeps one copy and you keep one.

Even though mobile and check deposit apps have made paper slips less common, some banks still require them for certain deposits, and some people prefer the paper record. If your bank asks for one or you choose to use one, the form itself is straightforward — but filling it out wrong can delay your deposit or send money to the wrong place.

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 with its amount, and add all checks together on the subtotal line for checks.
  • Cash goes on its own line; if you are depositing both cash and checks, the slip will have separate sections for each.
  • The total line at the bottom is the sum of your cash plus your check subtotal, and this is the amount that will hit your account.
  • Sign and date the slip if your bank requires it, and keep your copy for your records.

The account number and date fields

At the top of the slip, you will see a line for your account number. Write it clearly in the boxes provided, using one digit per box if the form is printed that way. The bank's sorting machines read these numbers, so a sloppy 8 that looks like a 3 can send your deposit somewhere else. If you are unsure of your account number, check your debit card, a recent statement, or call the bank.

The date field goes near the account number. Write the date you are making the deposit — month, day, and year. Use the format your bank shows on the form (usually MM/DD/YYYY). This date matters because it tells the bank when the deposit was made, which affects when the funds become available in your account.

How to list checks on the slip

Checks get their own section on the deposit slip. Each check gets one line. Write the check amount in the box or space provided — for example, if you are depositing a check for $150.00, write 150.00 on the first check line. Some slips have a small space for the check number (the number printed on the check itself), which helps you track which checks you deposited, but this is optional at most banks.

If you are depositing multiple checks, list each one on its own line. After you have listed all the checks, add them up and write the total on the line labeled "Subtotal" or "Checks." For example, if you are depositing three checks for $100, $75, and $50, your check subtotal would be $225.00. This subtotal is what the bank will credit to your account for checks.

Where to write cash amounts

Cash has its own line on the deposit slip, separate from checks. Write the total amount of cash you are depositing on the line labeled "Cash." If you are depositing $200 in bills and coins, write 200.00. You do not need to break down the cash by denomination — the bank will count it when they process the slip.

Some banks ask you to count your cash before you arrive and write the amount on the slip. Others ask you to write the amount and let the teller count it to verify. Either way, write what you believe you are depositing. If there is a discrepancy, the bank will catch it during processing and may contact you.

Calculating and writing the total

The total line at the bottom of the slip is the sum of your cash plus your check subtotal. If you are depositing $200 in cash and $225 in checks, your total is $425.00. Write this number on the line labeled "Total" or "Amount Deposited." This is the amount that will be credited to your account, so double-check your math before you hand the slip to the teller or put it in the ATM.

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. If you want $50 back, you would write 50.00 on that line, and the bank would subtract it from your total. Most people leave this blank.

Signing the slip and keeping your copy

Some banks require you to sign and date the back of the deposit slip; others do not. Check your bank's instructions or ask the teller. If a signature is required, sign it the same way you sign checks — this is part of your bank's verification process. If your bank does not require a signature, you can skip this step.

After you submit the slip, the bank will give you a receipt or a copy of the slip. Keep this copy for your records. It shows what you deposited, when, and the total amount. If the deposit does not show up in your account within the expected time, you can use this receipt to contact the bank and trace what happened.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is writing the account number wrong. Double-check it before you hand over the slip. The second most common is math errors on the total — add your numbers twice to be sure. A third mistake is forgetting to write the check subtotal, which can confuse the teller about how much you are actually depositing.

Do not write in pen that is hard to read, and do not cross out numbers and write over them — the bank's machines may misread the slip. If you make a mistake, ask the teller for a new blank slip and start over. Also, do not deposit a check that is post-dated (dated in the future) or stale-dated (more than six months old) — the bank will reject it, and you will have to redeposit it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a deposit slip if my bank offers mobile deposit?

No. Mobile deposit and ATM deposit are faster and do not require a slip. Use a paper slip only if your bank requires it for that type of deposit, or if you prefer a physical record. Most banks now accept deposits without a slip.

What if I make a mistake on the slip after I have already submitted it?

Contact your bank right away. If the teller has not processed it yet, they can void it and give you a new one. If it has already been processed, the bank can investigate and correct the error, but this takes longer. Always review the slip before you hand it over.

Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?

No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else, that person must sign the back and add "Pay to the order of [your name]" before you can deposit it. Some banks have restrictions on third-party checks, so call ahead.

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

This depends on the check amount and the bank. Local checks usually clear within one to two business days. Out-of-state or large checks may take longer. Your bank will tell you when the funds will be available — this is not determined by the deposit slip itself.

What if the teller says the amount on my slip does not match what they counted?

Ask them to recount with you present. If there is a real discrepancy, the bank will credit your account for what they actually counted, not what you wrote on the slip. Keep your receipt so you have a record of the deposit as the bank processed it.