A Simple Guide to Filling Out a Bank Deposit Slip

Quick answer

• Always have your account number handy.
• Double-check the amount listed for each check.
• Sum your cash and checks accurately for the total deposit.
• Endorse checks with your signature and “For Deposit Only.”
• Fill out the slip legibly in ink.
• Keep a copy or take a photo for your records.

Who this is for

• Individuals who need to deposit cash or checks into their bank account.
• New bank customers who are unfamiliar with the process.
• Anyone who wants a quick refresher on how to accurately complete a deposit slip.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Account Number

Before you touch a deposit slip, make sure you know your correct bank account number. This is the most crucial piece of information. A wrong account number can lead to significant delays, misdirected funds, or even lost money. You can usually find your account number on your debit card, a previous bank statement, or by logging into your online banking portal.

Available Deposit Slips

Most banks provide pre-printed deposit slips in your checkbook. If you don’t have these, you can typically get a blank slip from the teller at your bank branch or sometimes find them near the ATMs. Ensure the slip is for the correct bank and account type.

Your Deposits

Gather all the items you intend to deposit. This includes cash and checks. For checks, make sure they are properly endorsed. Endorsement typically means signing the back of the check. Many banks also recommend adding “For Deposit Only” below your signature to prevent unauthorized use.

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

1. Locate a Deposit Slip: Find a deposit slip from your bank. These are usually found in your checkbook, at the bank counter, or sometimes near ATMs.

• What “good” looks like: You have a clean, official deposit slip for your bank.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using a slip from the wrong bank or an outdated one. Always verify it’s for your current institution.

2. Enter the Date: Write the current date in the designated space. This helps the bank track the transaction.

• What “good” looks like: The date is clearly written.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving the date blank. This can cause confusion if the slip is processed later.

3. Write Your Account Number: Carefully enter your bank account number. This is the most critical piece of information.

• What “good” looks like: Your account number is accurate and legible.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Transposing numbers or missing a digit. Double-check this against a known correct source like your debit card or online banking.

4. List Cash Deposits: If you are depositing cash, write the total amount of cash in the designated “Cash” line. If you are depositing multiple denominations, it’s good practice to count them carefully beforehand.

• What “good” looks like: The cash amount is correctly totaled and clearly written.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Incorrectly counting cash. Always recount your cash before writing the total.

5. List Checks Separately: For each check you are depositing, write its individual amount on a separate line, usually labeled “Checks” or with numbered lines for multiple checks.

• What “good” looks like: Each check’s amount is accurately listed on its own line.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Grouping check amounts or miswriting a check’s value. Ensure each check is accounted for individually.

6. Calculate the Total Deposit: Add up the total cash amount and the total of all the checks listed. Write this grand total in the “Total” or “Total Deposit” line.

• What “good” looks like: The total deposit amount accurately reflects the sum of cash and checks.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Simple addition errors. Use a calculator if needed, or have someone else verify your sum.

7. Endorse Your Checks: Sign the back of each check in the designated endorsement area. Many banks also require you to write “For Deposit Only” below your signature.

• What “good” looks like: All checks are signed and have “For Deposit Only” written on the back.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to endorse checks. This will prevent the bank from accepting them for deposit.

8. Submit the Slip: Hand the completed deposit slip along with your cash and checks to the bank teller or place them in the designated deposit slot if using an ATM or night drop.

• What “good” looks like: The slip and deposit items are handed over smoothly.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Dropping the slip without depositing items, or vice versa. Ensure all parts of your deposit are accounted for.

9. Keep a Record: If the teller gives you a stamped copy of the slip, keep it. If you use an ATM, take a photo of the transaction receipt or the slip if it prints one.

• What “good” looks like: You have proof of your deposit.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Discarding your receipt or stamped slip. This record is crucial if any discrepancies arise later.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Incorrect account number	Deposit may go to the wrong account, causing significant delays or loss.	Double-check the account number against a reliable source before submitting.
Forgetting to endorse checks	Bank will reject the checks, and the deposit cannot be completed.	Sign the back of each check and write “For Deposit Only” before going to the bank.
Miscalculating cash total	Your deposit amount will be incorrect, leading to account discrepancies.	Count cash carefully, and recount it. Use a calculator if necessary.
Incorrectly listing check amounts	Deposit will be short or over, causing an imbalance in your account.	Verify each check’s amount against the check itself and list it accurately on the slip.
Not filling out the slip legibly	The teller may not be able to read the details, causing processing errors.	Use a pen and write clearly. If you make a mistake, ask for a new slip instead of crossing out.
Using a deposit slip for the wrong bank	The slip will be invalid, and the deposit will likely be rejected.	Ensure the deposit slip belongs to the bank where you are making the deposit.
Omitting the date	Can lead to confusion about when the deposit was made, especially near month-end.	Always fill in the current date clearly.
Forgetting to sum checks correctly	The total deposit amount will be wrong, leading to account balance issues.	Add all check amounts carefully. Double-check your math or use a calculator.
Not keeping a record of the deposit	Difficult to resolve any errors or disputes with the bank later.	Always take a receipt or a photo of the stamped deposit slip for your records.
Submitting a damaged or torn slip	May be difficult for the bank to process, potentially leading to errors.	Use a clean, intact deposit slip. If yours is torn, get a new one.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are depositing cash and checks, then list cash first, then checks, because this is the standard order on most deposit slips.
• If you have more than three checks, then you may need a separate sheet or ask the teller for assistance, because most deposit slips have limited lines for checks.
• If you are unsure of your account number, then check your debit card or online banking portal, because these are reliable sources.
• If you are depositing a large amount of cash, then consider making the deposit at a teller window rather than an ATM, because tellers can verify the cash immediately.
• If a check is made out to you and someone else, then both parties must endorse it, because banks require all named payees to sign.
• If you are depositing a third-party check (a check made out to someone else, which they then endorse to you), then be aware that some banks may place a hold on these funds, because they are considered higher risk.
• If you make a mistake on the slip, then ask for a new slip rather than crossing out information, because a clean slip reduces the chance of processing errors.
• If you are depositing checks from a source you don’t recognize, then be prepared for a potential hold on the funds, because banks may verify funds for new or unusual sources.
• If you are depositing funds into a business account, then ensure you use a business deposit slip and follow any specific business account procedures, because business accounts have different rules.
• If you are depositing foreign currency, then you will likely need to see a teller, because ATMs typically do not accept foreign currency.
• If you are depositing a money order, then treat it like a check and list its amount on the check line, because they function similarly for deposit purposes.
• If you are depositing a large number of coins, then it’s best to roll them and count them accurately, or inquire with your bank about their coin deposit policy, because some banks have limits on loose coin deposits.

FAQ

What is a deposit slip?

A deposit slip is a small paper form that a bank customer fills out to deposit money into their bank account. It details the amount of cash and checks being deposited, along with the account number.

Where can I get a deposit slip?

You can usually find deposit slips in your checkbook. If you don’t have any, you can request one from a bank teller or sometimes find blank ones at ATMs.

Do I need to endorse checks before depositing them?

Yes, you must endorse checks before depositing them. This involves signing the back of the check. Many banks also recommend writing “For Deposit Only” below your signature.

What happens if I write the wrong account number?

If you write the wrong account number, the deposit may be credited to the incorrect account. This can lead to significant delays and complications in getting your money to the right place. Always double-check your account number.

Can I deposit checks at an ATM?

Yes, most ATMs allow you to deposit checks. You’ll typically need to endorse the check and may be asked to enter the deposit amount on the ATM screen. Some ATMs also have a slot for depositing physical checks.

What if I make a mistake on the deposit slip?

If you make a mistake, it’s best to ask for a new deposit slip from the bank teller. Crossing out information can sometimes lead to processing errors.

How do I count cash for a deposit?

Count your bills by denomination (e.g., all $20s, then all $10s). Sum these amounts to get your total cash deposit. It’s wise to recount to ensure accuracy before writing the total on the slip.

What is the difference between a personal and business deposit slip?

Business deposit slips often have more fields for details like the business name, check number ranges, or specific account codes relevant to business banking. Personal slips are simpler, focusing on individual account numbers and deposit amounts.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

Generally, no. A check must be made out to the person depositing it, or it must be properly endorsed by the payee to you. If a check is made out to someone else and they endorse it to you, it’s called a third-party check, and banks may have specific policies for these.

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

• Specific bank fees or transaction limits. Contact your bank directly for these details.
• The process of opening a new bank account. Visit your bank’s website or a branch for this information.
• Advanced banking services like wire transfers or international money orders. Inquire with your bank about these services.
• How to dispute a fraudulent transaction. Consult your bank’s customer service or consumer protection resources.
• Detailed information on different types of bank accounts (checking, savings, money market). Research these account types on your bank’s educational resources.