What goes on a deposit slip and why

A deposit slip is a form you fill out when you hand cash or checks to a bank teller or drop them in an envelope at an ATM. It tells the bank which account to put the money into, how much you're depositing, and whether you want cash back. The slip stays with your deposit; the bank uses it to route your money to the right place and record the transaction.

Even though mobile and check deposit apps have made paper slips less common, many banks still require them for in-person deposits, and some ATMs won't accept an envelope without one. Knowing how to fill one out correctly means your deposit posts faster and you avoid delays from illegible or incomplete information.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number at the top of the slip, and print clearly so the bank can read it without guessing.
  • List each check separately with its amount, then add up all checks and all cash in the totals section at the bottom.
  • If you want cash back, write that amount on the slip and subtract it from your total deposit.
  • Sign the back of any check you're depositing if the bank requires it, and keep a copy of the slip for your records.

Finding and getting a blank deposit slip

Deposit slips are usually stacked in a holder near the teller line or at the ATM vestibule. If you don't see them, ask a teller—they can hand you one or print one from their system. Some banks also let you download and print slips from their website or mobile app, though this is less common for paper deposits.

If you bank online, log into your account and look for a "forms" or "resources" section. Some banks email you pre-printed slips with your account number already filled in, which saves time and reduces errors. If your bank doesn't provide these, you can write your account number by hand on a blank slip.

Filling in your account number and name

At the top of the slip, you'll see a line for your account number. Write it clearly in the boxes or on the line provided. If the slip has pre-printed numbers, check that they match your account—mistakes here are the most common reason deposits go to the wrong place.

Some slips also have a space for your name. Fill this in if prompted, but it's not always required. The account number is what the bank uses to route your money, so that's the critical field. If you're unsure whether your account number is correct, check your debit card, a recent statement, or ask the teller before you hand in the slip.

Listing checks and calculating totals

Most deposit slips have a section with lines for individual checks. Write the amount of each check on a separate line. If you're depositing five checks, you'll have five lines filled in. Some slips ask you to write the check number next to the amount; others don't. Follow the format shown on your slip.

At the bottom of the slip, you'll see a line labeled "Total Checks" or "Checks." Add up all the check amounts and write the sum on that line. Below that is usually a line for "Cash" or "Currency"—write the total amount of bills and coins you're depositing. Then add the checks and cash together and write that number on the "Total Deposit" or "Net Deposit" line. This is the amount that will be credited to your account (minus any cash back you request).

Requesting cash back and calculating net deposit

If you want cash back from your deposit, write that amount on the line labeled "Cash Back" or "Less Cash." Subtract this from your total deposit and write the final number on the "Net Deposit" line. For example: if you're depositing $500 in checks and $100 in cash, and you want $50 back, your net deposit is $550.

Not all banks offer cash back on every type of deposit, and ATM deposits usually don't allow it. If you're using a teller, ask first. If you're using an ATM envelope, check whether the machine accepts cash-back requests—most don't.

Endorsing checks and organizing your deposit

Before you hand in your deposit, sign the back of each check in the endorsement area (the back left side). Write "For Deposit Only" above your signature, followed by your account number. This protects you if a check is lost—it can only be deposited into your account, not cashed by someone else.

Organize your checks and cash neatly before you approach the teller or ATM. Stack checks face-up with the amounts visible, and bundle cash with bills facing the same direction. This makes it faster for the teller to process and reduces the chance of a counting error. If you're using an ATM, place everything in the envelope with the deposit slip on top.

What happens after you submit the slip

When you hand the slip and your deposit to a teller, they'll verify the amounts, scan the checks, and count the cash. They'll give you a receipt showing what was deposited. Keep this receipt until the deposit shows up in your account, usually within one business day for checks and immediately for cash.

If you use an ATM, the machine will scan your slip and checks, count the cash, and print a receipt. The deposit typically posts within one to two business days. If a deposit doesn't appear when you expect it, check your receipt against your account statement. If there's a discrepancy, contact your bank with the receipt and the deposit slip number (if printed on the receipt).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to fill out a deposit slip if I'm using mobile deposit?

No. Mobile deposit apps let you photograph checks and submit them without a paper slip. The app records the amount and account information digitally. You only need a physical slip if you're depositing in person at a teller or ATM.

What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?

If you catch the error before you hand it in, ask for a new blank slip and start over. Don't cross out or use white-out—banks won't accept altered slips. If you've already submitted it and the teller hasn't processed it, ask them to void it and give you a fresh one.

Can I deposit checks without an account number on the slip?

Some banks will process a deposit without a pre-printed account number if you provide your ID and the teller can look up your account. However, it's slower and more error-prone. Always write your account number if the slip is blank.

Do I need to sign the deposit slip itself?

Most banks don't require you to sign the deposit slip, only the back of each check. However, some banks or ATMs may ask for your signature. Check your bank's instructions or ask the teller if you're unsure.

What if the ATM rejects my deposit envelope?

The machine may reject it if the envelope is damaged, the slip is missing, or the amounts don't match what the machine scans. Remove the envelope, check that your slip is inside and filled out correctly, and try again. If it keeps rejecting, use a teller instead or contact your bank about the machine.