What goes on a deposit slip and why it matters

A deposit slip is a form you fill out when you deposit cash or checks into your bank account in person at a teller window. It tells the bank which account the money goes into, how much you are depositing, and whether you want cash back. The slip stays with the bank as a record; you keep a carbon copy or receipt for your own records.

Even though mobile deposit and ATM deposits have become common, some people still use deposit slips—either because they are depositing a large amount, depositing checks that their bank's app will not read, or because they prefer to hand the money directly to a teller. Filling one out correctly means your deposit posts to the right account on the same day and you have proof of what you handed over.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number at the top of the slip, and write it clearly so the teller can read it without asking you to repeat it.
  • List each check separately with its amount, and add up all checks on the "checks" line; cash goes on the "cash" line.
  • The total at the bottom must equal the sum of cash plus all checks, or the teller will ask you to correct it before processing.
  • If you want cash back, write that amount on the "less cash" line and subtract it from your total—the bank will hand you bills and reduce your deposit by that amount.
  • Sign the back of any check you are depositing if your bank requires it, and bring your ID so the teller can verify your account.

Where to find a deposit slip and what the sections mean

Deposit slips are usually stacked near the teller window or at the entrance to the bank. If you do not see them, ask a teller—they will hand you one. Most banks also print your account number on the slips in advance if you order them, but blank slips work just as well.

The slip has these main sections: your account number (at the top), date, a space for checks, a space for cash, a subtotal line, a "less cash" line if you want money back, and a final total. Some slips also have a memo line where you can write a note about the deposit, though this is optional.

How to fill in your account number and date

Write your account number in the box at the top of the slip. Use the account number from your debit card, checks, or bank statement—whichever is easiest to read. Write it clearly in numbers, not words. If your slip has your account number pre-printed, you do not need to write it again; just verify it is correct.

Write today's date on the line marked "date." Use the format your bank shows on its forms—usually MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 03/15/2024). If you are depositing on a Friday evening and the bank is about to close, the deposit will post on Monday, but you still write today's date on the slip.

Listing checks: one line per check, with amounts

Each check gets its own line on the deposit slip. Write the check amount in the box next to each line. You do not need to write the check number or the name of who wrote the check—the bank only needs the dollar amount. If you are depositing five checks, you will fill in five lines.

After you have written all the check amounts, add them up and write the total on the line marked "checks" or "total checks." For example, if you are depositing three checks for $50, $75, and $100, you write 50, 75, and 100 on three separate lines, then write 225 on the checks total line. Use a calculator if you are unsure of your math—the teller will catch any error, but it is faster if you get it right the first time.

Entering cash and calculating your total deposit

Write the amount of cash you are depositing on the line marked "cash." Write it as a single number—for example, if you are depositing three $20 bills and four $5 bills, that is $80 total, so write 80. You do not need to list each bill separately.

On the line marked "subtotal" or "total," add your checks total and your cash total. If you are depositing $225 in checks and $80 in cash, your subtotal is $305. This number is what the teller will verify before they process your deposit.

Requesting cash back and adjusting your final total

If you want the teller to give you cash back from your deposit, write that amount on the line marked "less cash" or "cash received." For example, if your subtotal is $305 and you want $50 back, write 50 on that line. The teller will hand you $50 in bills and deposit only $255 into your account.

Subtract the cash-back amount from your subtotal and write the result on the final "total" or "net deposit" line. In the example above, $305 minus $50 equals $255, so you write 255 on the total line. This is the amount that will actually go into your account.

What to do before you hand the slip to the teller

Before you approach the teller window, sign the back of any check you are depositing if your bank requires it. Many banks do require a signature on the back, though some do not—if you are unsure, sign them anyway; it does not hurt. Write "for deposit only" and your account number on the back of each check as well, which protects you if a check is lost.

Double-check your math one more time. Make sure the total on the slip matches the sum of checks plus cash minus any cash back. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number so the teller can verify you are the account holder. Hand the slip and your checks to the teller, and they will count the cash, verify the amounts, and process the deposit.

What happens after you submit the deposit slip

The teller will count your cash and checks in front of you, verify that the amounts match your slip, and then process the deposit. They will give you a receipt showing the date, the amount deposited, and your account number. Keep this receipt until the deposit shows up in your account, which is usually the same day if you deposit before the bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m. on weekdays).

The bank keeps the original deposit slip and your checks. Your checks will be scanned and returned to the people who wrote them, or destroyed after a set period. You will see the deposit in your account balance within one business day, sometimes the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?

Ask the teller for a new slip and start over. Do not cross out or use white-out on a deposit slip—the bank's scanning machines may not read it correctly. It takes only a minute to fill out a fresh slip, and it is worth the time to avoid delays.

Do I need to sign the deposit slip itself?

Most banks do not require you to sign the deposit slip, only the back of the checks. However, some banks do ask for a signature on the slip. If you are unsure, ask the teller or check your bank's website. Signing does not hurt either way.

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 a check is made out to someone else entirely, that person must deposit it or sign it over to you in writing on the back. Even then, many banks will not accept a third-party check, so call your bank first.

What if the teller says the amounts do not match?

The teller has counted the cash or checks and found a difference between what you wrote and what is actually there. Ask them to recount with you, or ask to see the checks they counted. If there is a real discrepancy, you can correct the slip and resubmit it, or take the money back and try again.

How long does a deposit take to show up in my account?

Most deposits made before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. on weekdays) post the same day. Deposits made after hours or on weekends post the next business day. Checks may take an extra day to clear, depending on the bank that issued them, but the deposit itself appears in your account right away.