How to Properly Fill Out a Checking Account Deposit Slip

Quick answer

• Always bring your deposit slip and a pen to the bank.
• Fill in the date of your deposit.
• List each check individually, noting the bank’s routing number and your account number.
• For cash deposits, write the total amount of cash.
• Sum up all deposits (checks and cash) for the total deposit amount.
• Double-check all entries before handing the slip to the teller.

Who this is for

• Individuals who prefer in-person banking for deposits.
• New bank account holders unfamiliar with deposit slips.
• Anyone who wants to ensure their deposits are processed accurately and without delay.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Deposit Slip

Before you begin filling out your deposit slip, ensure you have a clean, legible slip from your bank. Most banks provide these in their branches, often near the teller windows or in self-service kiosks. If you’re unsure where to find them, ask a bank employee. Having the correct slip ensures you have the right fields and bank information pre-printed, reducing the chance of errors.

Your Account Information

You’ll need your checking account number and the bank’s routing number. Your account number is typically found on your checks or your online banking portal. The routing number is also on your checks, usually the first set of nine digits at the bottom left. If you can’t find this information on your checks, it’s readily available on your bank’s website or by calling customer service.

The Deposits Themselves

Gather all the items you intend to deposit. This includes physical cash and checks. For checks, make sure they are properly endorsed on the back with your signature. If you’re depositing multiple checks, have them ready to list individually on the slip.

Step-by-step (how to fill out a checking deposit slip)

1. Locate the Deposit Slip: Find a deposit slip in your bank’s branch or use one you’ve previously obtained.

• What “good” looks like: You have a clean slip with your bank’s name and address printed on it.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using an old or incorrect slip from a different bank. Always verify the bank name on the slip matches the bank you are currently at.

2. Fill in the Date: Write the current date in the designated date field. This is usually at the top of the slip.

• What “good” looks like: The date is clear and in the correct format (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY).
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to date the slip or using yesterday’s date. This can cause confusion with bank processing.

3. Enter Your Account Number: Write your checking account number in the designated field. This is crucial for ensuring the funds go to the correct account.

• What “good” looks like: Your account number is written clearly and accurately, matching your bank records.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Transposing numbers or omitting a digit. Double-check this against your check or online banking.

4. List Checks Individually (if applicable): For each check being deposited, write down the bank’s routing number (the first nine digits at the bottom left of the check) and the amount of the check. Some slips have a specific section for this.

• What “good” looks like: Each check’s routing number and amount are accurately recorded.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Combining check amounts into a single line item. This makes it difficult for the bank to verify individual checks and can lead to errors if one check is incorrect.

5. Enter Cash Total (if applicable): If you are depositing cash, write the total amount of cash in the designated field. Do not list individual bills.

• What “good” looks like: A single, clear number representing the total cash amount.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Listing denominations of bills instead of the total. The slip usually has a specific line for the cash total.

6. Calculate the Total Deposit: Sum up the amounts of all checks and cash deposits. Write this grand total in the “Total Deposit” or “Amount” field.

• What “good” looks like: The total accurately reflects the sum of all individual deposit items.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Simple addition errors. Use a calculator if necessary and re-verify your math.

7. Review and Verify: Before submitting, carefully review the entire slip. Check that the date, account number, individual deposit amounts, and the total deposit amount are all correct.

• What “good” looks like: You have confirmed all information is accurate and legible.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Rushing the review process. Take a moment to compare the slip against your checks and cash.

8. Sign the Slip (if required): Some banks may require a signature on the deposit slip, especially for larger amounts or certain types of transactions.

• What “good” looks like: If a signature is needed, it’s present and matches your known signature.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to sign if required. This could potentially delay your deposit.

9. Hand to Teller: Present the completed deposit slip along with your cash and checks to the bank teller.

• What “good” looks like: A smooth transaction where the teller accepts your slip and deposits.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Handing over an incomplete or illegible slip. This will require you to correct it, causing a delay.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using the wrong bank’s deposit slip	Funds may be misdirected or rejected, leading to delays.	Always confirm the bank name on the slip matches your bank.
Incorrect account number	Funds deposited into the wrong account, potentially someone else’s.	Double-check your account number against a known correct source (check, online portal).
Transposed numbers in amounts	The deposit total will be wrong, leading to discrepancies.	Re-calculate the total and compare it to the sum of individual items.
Forgetting to date the slip	Can cause confusion for bank records and reconciliation.	Always fill in the current date clearly.
Combining check amounts	Makes it hard to verify individual checks; errors on one check affect the total.	List each check and its amount separately on the slip.
Inaccurate cash total	Your account balance will not reflect the actual cash deposited.	Count your cash carefully before writing the total on the slip.
Illegible handwriting	Teller cannot read the amounts or account number, causing errors or delays.	Use a clear, legible pen and write numbers distinctly.
Forgetting to endorse a check	The bank may refuse to accept the check for deposit.	Always endorse checks on the back before depositing.
Not summing individual items correctly	The total deposit amount will be incorrect.	Use a calculator and verify your addition for accuracy.
Missing routing number for checks	May cause issues with the bank’s internal processing of the check.	Ensure the routing number for each check is correctly entered if your slip requires it.

Decision rules (how to handle your deposit slip)

• If you are depositing multiple checks, then list each check individually with its amount because this helps the bank verify each item and prevents errors on a combined total.
• If you are depositing cash and checks, then fill out both the cash section and the check sections of the slip because this ensures all funds are accounted for correctly.
• If your handwriting is poor, then use a calculator to ensure the total is accurate and write it clearly because legibility is paramount for correct processing.
• If you are unsure about the routing number for a check, then look at the bottom left of the check or ask the teller because an incorrect routing number can cause processing issues.
• If you notice an error after handing the slip to the teller, then politely inform them immediately because it’s easier to correct before the transaction is finalized.
• If you are depositing a large amount of cash, then consider counting it carefully beforehand and be prepared for the teller to count it as well because accuracy is crucial for large sums.
• If you are depositing a foreign check, then ask the teller about specific procedures because international checks may have different processing requirements.
• If you are using a deposit slip for the first time, then ask a bank representative for assistance because they can guide you through the process to avoid common mistakes.
• If the deposit slip is damaged or torn, then ask for a new one because a damaged slip can be difficult to read and process.
• If you are depositing funds into a savings account, then ensure you are using a savings deposit slip, not a checking slip, because they are often formatted differently.

FAQ

What is a deposit slip?

A deposit slip is a small form provided by your bank that you fill out to document the details of money you are depositing into your account. It typically includes fields for the date, your account number, and the amounts of cash and checks being deposited.

Where can I get a deposit slip?

You can usually find deposit slips at your bank’s branch locations, often near the teller windows or in self-service areas. Some banks also allow you to print them from their online banking portal.

Do I need to write the routing number for every check?

Many deposit slips have a section to list individual checks, which may include the routing number and amount. Check your bank’s specific slip format; some only require the total amount of checks.

What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?

If you catch an error before handing it to the teller, simply correct it neatly. If you realize after the transaction, inform the teller immediately, and they can help you sort it out.

Can I use a deposit slip for withdrawals?

No, deposit slips are exclusively for adding funds to your account. For withdrawals, you would use a withdrawal slip or ATM.

What happens if I don’t fill out the deposit slip correctly?

An incorrect or incomplete deposit slip can lead to delays in processing your deposit, funds being credited to the wrong account, or the deposit being rejected altogether.

Do I need to endorse checks before depositing them?

Yes, you must endorse checks on the back by signing your name before depositing them. This verifies that you are the rightful owner of the funds.

How do I know if I’m using the right deposit slip?

Ensure the bank name and logo on the deposit slip match the bank where you have your account. Your account number should also be pre-printed on the slip.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Online and Mobile Deposits: This guide focuses on in-branch deposits. For information on using your bank’s app or website to deposit funds, check your bank’s digital banking resources.
• International Wire Transfers: This article does not cover the complexities of international money transfers, which involve different forms, fees, and regulations. Consult your bank’s international services department for guidance.
• Specific Bank Policies: Each bank may have unique procedures or requirements for deposits. For precise details, refer to your bank’s customer service or official website.
• Money Market or Other Account Types: This guide is specific to checking accounts. Deposit slips for savings accounts, money market accounts, or other financial products may differ. Consult your bank for account-specific instructions.