How to Fill Out a Deposit Slip

You typically fill out a deposit slip to deposit cash or checks at a bank or credit union branch. This slip of paper is to deposit funds into your account or someone else’s account and it requires a few key pieces of information. Learn how to fill out a deposit slip and which parts must be completed for a successful deposit.

  • To fill out a deposit slip, you will need to include key information including the deposit amount.
  • A deposit slip is a document for depositing cash or a check into a bank account.
  • Deposit slips can be found in your checkbook or at a bank or credit union branch.
  • Mobile and ATM deposits normally don’t require filling out a deposit slip.

How to Fill Out a Deposit Slip to Deposit a Check

When you fill out a deposit slip, you must include certain basic personal and financial information. Here are the steps you typically must take to deposit a check:

  1. Write down the date of the deposit.
  2. Write down your name.
  3. Include the account number where check is being deposited into.
  4. Include the amount of each check being deposited in the area designated for checks. Each check and check number must go on its own line.
  5. Write down a subtotal for all the check amounts.
  6. Write down the total amount of the deposit.
  7. Once you’ve filled out a deposit slip, hand it to a bank or credit union teller along with your cash or checks. The teller generally will ask to see your government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
  8. Collect the receipt deposit.

After depositing money or checks with a deposit slip, your funds should be available within 1-2 business days, depending on your checking account’s age and the type of funds you deposited (cash, personal check, or check from another account at the same bank).

Fund availability may be delayed depending on other factors, such as if you’ve repeatedly overdrafted your account.

Deposit slips are available at bank and credit union branches or in the back of your checkbook. Preprinted deposit slips can be found in your checkbook. A preprinted slip usually includes your name, account number, routing number, and your bank’s or credit union’s name.

Not all deposit slips look the same, so the deposit slip you’re using may require writing down different or additional information.

Note

Hold onto any documentation from your deposit, in case there’s a future issue with the check, the deposit, or another reconciliation discrepancy with the bank.

Depositing Cashier’s Checks

You typically don’t need to fill out a deposit slip when depositing a cashier’s check. However, some banks and credit unions may require you to fill out a special deposit slip if you’d like the money from a cashier’s check to be available the next business day.

Some financial institutions might even allow ATM or mobile deposits of cashier’s checks.

Depositing Multiple Checks

If you’re depositing several checks, you might need to use the back of the deposit slip to list the entire batch of checks. Other than that, filling out a deposit slip for depositing multiple checks is essentially the same as it would be for depositing just one check.

How to Fill Out a Deposit Slip to Deposit Cash

The steps for filling out a deposit slip for depositing cash are similar to those for depositing a check. You must include the amount in the boxes designated for cash deposits when depositing cash. If you’re not depositing any cash, leave the cash boxes blank.

Deposits at ATMs

You normally don’t need to fill out a deposit slip if you’re depositing checks or cash at ATMs. Here are the typical steps for depositing at an ATM that does not require a deposit slip:

  1. Verify that the ATM accepts deposits.
  2. Insert your debit or ATM card.
  3. Follow the instructions for entering your PIN.
  4. Select the deposit option on the ATM screen.
  5. Pick the account where you want the check or cash to go.
  6. Enter the amount of the deposit. (Some ATMs automatically detect the amount of a check or cash deposit, meaning you may not need to manually enter the deposit amount.)
  7. Insert the checks or cash you’re depositing.
  8. Double-check the deposit amount.
  9. Get a receipt. (Typically, you should be able to print a receipt or have it sent to you electronically.)
  10. Finish the transaction by ensuring the screen doesn’t show any of your account information.
  11. Make sure you’ve retrieved your debit or ATM card.

Mobile Deposits

You don’t need to fill out a deposit slip when making a mobile check deposit. Here are the typical steps for a mobile deposit:

  1. Endorse the back of the check in the designated area. Sign your name in black or blue ink. The signature usually must be accompanied by wording like “For mobile deposit only.”
  2. Look to see whether you must check off a mobile deposit box.
  3. Log into your financial institution’s mobile app.
  4. Select the “deposits” function.
  5. Depending on your app, you’ll first enter the amount of the check or take a photo of the front and back of the check with your phone. Then, you’ll take the next step (photo or number entry).
  6. Review the deposit details.
  7. Complete the deposit.
  8. Keep the check until your financial institution finalizes the deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Always Need a Deposit Slip?

Some banks and credit unions will let you make an in-person deposit without a deposit slip if you use a debit card. You typically don’t need to fill out a deposit slip for an ATM or mobile deposit or for the deposit of a cashier’s check or money order.

Are You Required to Sign a Deposit Slip?

If you’re keeping some or all of the cash from a check and cash deposit, you usually must sign the deposit slip. Sign the deposit slip in blue or black ink and include any other required information. Otherwise, a signature is generally not required.

What Is the Routing Number and Where Can I Find It?

The routing number is a unique nine-digit number that essentially acts as the digital “address” of a bank. It identifies the bank where the checking account is located. The routing number can be found in the lower left corner of a check.

The Bottom Line

If your bank or credit union requires one, a deposit slip is easy to fill out. It is a document that requires key personal and financial information such as your name, account number, and deposit amount. It will also require you to fill out the date. Deposit slips can be valuable for tracking transactions and ensuring your money is directed to your bank account correctly.

Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.
  1. Purdue University. “Steps for Filling Out Deposit Slips.”

  2. Harvard University, Office of Treasury Management. “Depositing Directly at a Bank of America Branch.”

  3. Federal Reserve. "Deposit Availability Policy." 

  4. HelpWithMyBank.gov. "I Made a Deposit by Check."