What goes on a deposit slip and why banks still use them

A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out when you deposit cash or checks into your bank account in person. It tells the teller which account the money goes into, how much you are depositing, and whether you want cash back. Most banks still require one even though they have your account number on file — it creates a record that matches your deposit to your account and protects both you and the bank if there is ever a question about what was deposited and when.

You do not need a deposit slip if you use an ATM, mobile app, or mail your deposit in — those methods have their own processes. But if you are walking into a branch with cash or checks, you will need to fill one out or ask the teller to do it for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your account number and name at the top of the slip so the teller knows which account receives the deposit.
  • List each check separately with its amount, or write the total if you are depositing only cash.
  • Add up all amounts and write the total at the bottom — this is what the teller will verify before processing.
  • If you want cash back, write that amount on the slip and subtract it from your total deposit.
  • Sign the slip if your bank requires it, though many do not.

Finding and getting a blank deposit slip

Deposit slips are usually stacked near the teller counter or the ATM area in your bank branch. They are free. If you cannot find them, ask a teller — they will hand you one or fill it out for you if you prefer.

Some banks print deposit slips with your account number already on them. If you have a checkbook, there may be deposit slips bound into the back. You can also ask your bank to mail you a pad of pre-printed slips, though this is less common now because most people deposit by phone or ATM.

Step-by-step: filling out the form

Start at the top. Write your account number in the box labeled "Account Number" or "Acct #". Write your name next to it — use the name on your account. Write the date you are making the deposit.

In the section for deposits, you will see lines for checks and a line for cash. If you are depositing checks, write the amount of each check on its own line. If you are depositing only cash, write the total cash amount on the cash line. Add up all the amounts — checks plus cash — and write the total at the bottom.

If you want cash back, write that amount on the line marked "Less Cash Received" or "Cash Back". Subtract that from your total and write the net deposit — the amount that will actually go into your account. For example: if you are depositing $500 in checks and want $50 cash back, your total is $500, your cash back is $50, and your net deposit is $450.

What to do with checks before you write them on the slip

Before you fill out the deposit slip, write your account number and the word "For Deposit Only" on the back of each check in the top left corner. This is called endorsing the check and protects you if a check is lost — it means only your account can receive the money. Some banks require this; others do not, but it is a safe habit.

Do not sign the back of the check unless your bank specifically asks you to. Many banks now scan checks instead of handling them by hand, so a signature is not needed and can actually cause problems.

Handing the slip and money to the teller

Bring your deposit slip, all your checks, and your cash to the teller. Hand them the slip first — the teller will use it to verify your amounts before processing. They will count the cash, scan or review the checks, and confirm the total matches what you wrote.

The teller will keep the deposit slip and give you a receipt. Keep that receipt until the deposit shows up in your account, usually within one business day for cash and one to three business days for checks. If something does not appear, you have proof of what you deposited.

When you need to correct a mistake on the slip

If you make a small error — a wrong number or a line crossed out — just cross it out neatly, write the correct information next to it, and initial the change. The teller will accept it. If the slip is too messy or you realize you forgot something, ask for a new blank slip and start over.

Do not hand in a slip with large sections crossed out or rewritten multiple times. It is faster and clearer to use a fresh form.

Deposit slips for business accounts and multiple deposits

If you have a business account, your deposit slip may have extra lines for itemizing different types of deposits — cash, checks, coins, or electronic transfers. The process is the same: list each item, add them up, and give the slip to the teller.

If you are depositing a large number of checks, some banks ask you to use a deposit envelope instead of a single slip. The envelope has space to list checks and totals, and you seal it before handing it to the teller. Ask your bank which method they prefer for bulk deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign the deposit slip?

Most banks do not require a signature on the deposit slip itself. However, some older forms or certain account types may ask for one. If there is a signature line, sign it. If there is not, you do not need to.

What if I do not know my account number?

Tell the teller your name and they will look up your account number. You can also find it on your debit card, checks, or bank statements. The teller can write it on the slip for you if you ask.

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 together. If it is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account or sign it over to you in writing (called a third-party check), though many banks no longer accept third-party checks.

What happens if the amount I write on the slip does not match the actual cash or checks?

The teller will count and verify everything before processing. If there is a mismatch, they will tell you and ask you to correct the slip. The deposit will not go through until the numbers match.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit on one slip?

No limit on the slip itself, but your bank may have limits on how much cash you can deposit at once or how many checks fit on a single form. If you have a very large deposit, ask the teller whether you need multiple slips or an envelope.