If you still walk into a bank branch to deposit cash or checks, you’ll probably run into that small but mighty piece of paper: the deposit slip. If you’re used to mobile banking, a paper deposit slip can feel a little old-school. But they’re still a staple at many banks and credit unions, and knowing how to fill one out correctly keeps your money moving smoothly and your records clean.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to filling out a deposit slip, plus a few tips to avoid common mistakes.
💡 Pro tip: If you like staying organized, keeping a stack of deposit slips on hand makes trips to the bank faster and easier.
What Is a Deposit Slip?
A deposit slip is a form you fill out when depositing money into your bank account. It tells the bank:
- Who you are (via your name and account number)
- What type of deposit you’re making (cash, checks, or both)
- The exact amount to credit to your account
- Whether you want any cash back from the deposit
Think of it as a written instruction to the bank: “Please put this money into this account.”
Many businesses and individuals also keep their own printed deposit slips for recordkeeping and convenience. It doubles as a receipt and a record for your own budgeting, especially helpful if you’re running a household budget, side hustle, or small business.
Step 1: Fill In Your Personal Information
Most deposit slips will have spaces for:
- Name: Write your full name as it appears on your bank account.
- Address: Some slips include a line for your mailing address.
- Phone number: Occasionally requested so the bank can contact you if there’s an issue.
If it’s a joint account, you may see both names printed on pre-printed slips; that’s fine.
If you use custom, pre-printed slips, like those available through CheckWorks deposit slips your name and address may already be printed, saving you a step and reducing errors.
Step 2: Enter the Date
At the top of your deposit slip, you’ll usually see a line labeled Date.
On the date line, write today’s date (the day you’re making the deposit).
Use a clear format, such as MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 12/16/2025). This keeps your records consistent and helps if you ever need to trace a specific deposit.
Step 3: Write Your Account Number
This part is crucial. The account number tells the bank exactly where to put the money.
- Locate the line marked Account Number or similar.
- If you’re using a bank-provided slip from the branch, you may need to write the full account number by hand.
- Carefully write your full account number.
- Double-check that every digit is accurate and legible.
- If you’re using custom deposit slips, your account number is usually pre-printed, which reduces the chance of transposing digits or writing the wrong number.
Double-check this section, an incorrect account number can delay your deposit or send funds to the wrong place.
Step 4: List Cash You’re Depositing
Look for the line labeled Cash or “Currency.”
Here, you’ll:
- Add the total amount of paper bills and coins you’re depositing.
- Write the total amount in the Cash line.
- Do not include checks here. They get their own section.
Example:
- If you’re depositing $120 in cash and three checks, you’ll only write $120.00 on the “Cash” line.
If you’re not depositing any cash (only checks), you can leave this line blank or write “0.00,” depending on your bank’s preference.
Step 5: List Each Check Separately
Below the cash line, you’ll see several lines labeled Checks with spaces for amounts.
For each check you’re depositing:
- Write the amount of the check on a separate line.
- If space is provided, you can also write the check number for your records.
- If you have more checks than lines, the back of the deposit slip may have extra space, or you can use an additional slip.
Example:
- Check #101: $250.00
- Check #205: $93.45
- Check #309: $600.00
You’d write each of those amounts on its own line in the check section.
If you’re depositing more checks than there are lines:
- Fill out the available lines.
- Use an additional deposit slip
- Use the “Total from back” section if the slip allows you to list extra checks on the reverse.
Take your time here, careless writing or misreading a check amount is one of the most common deposit slip mistakes.
Step 6: Calculate the Subtotal
Some deposit slips have a line marked Subtotal.
To calculate it:
- Add your cash + all checks
- Enter that total on the “Subtotal” line
Using the example above:
- Cash: $120.00
- Checks: $250.00 + $93.45 + $600.00 = $943.45
- Subtotal: $120.00 + $943.45 = $1,063.45
You’d write $1,063.45 on the subtotal line.
This is what you’re depositing before any cash back.
Step 7: Enter Any Cash Back Amount
Many deposit slips have a line labeled Less Cash Received or “Cash Back.” This is where you tell the bank you want to deposit part of the money and receive some back in cash.
For example, if your subtotal is $1,063.45 but you’d like $100 back in cash:
- Write $100.00 on the “Less Cash Received” line.
The bank will then:
- Deposit $963.45 into your account
- Hand you $100 in cash
If you don’t want any cash back, simply leave this line blank or write $0.00.
Tip: You generally need to sign the deposit slip if you’re asking for cash back, especially if you’re depositing checks.
Step 8: Calculate the Net Deposit
The final total is often called Net Deposit or “Total Deposit.”
Use this formula:
Net Deposit = Subtotal – Cash Received
From our example:
- Subtotal: $1,063.45
- Less Cash Received: $100.00
- Net Deposit: $963.45
Write $963.45 on the “Net Deposit” line. This is the amount that will be added to your account balance.
Step 9: Sign (If Required)
If you’re getting cash back, or if your bank requires it for certain deposits, you’ll see a Signature line.
- Sign your name exactly as it appears on your account.
- If you’re only depositing funds and not getting cash back, the bank may not require a signature, but check your bank’s policy.
If there’s a “Signature” line and you’re asking for any cash back, sign it. Otherwise, many banks accept unsigned deposit slips for straight-to-account deposits.
Step 10: Review Everything Before Handing It Over
Before you pass the slip to the teller or drop it in an ATM, quickly double-check:
- Is the date correct?
- Is your account number complete and legible?
- Did you list all checks?
- Does your math add up (cash + checks = subtotal; subtotal – cash back = net deposit)?
- Did you sign if you requested cash back?
This 30-second review can prevent delays, corrections, or awkward calls from the bank later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple slip can cause problems if filled out incorrectly. Watch out for:
- Wrong account number: This can delay your deposit or send it to the wrong account.
- Illegible handwriting: Print neatly and clearly, especially with numbers.
- Misplaced amounts: Don’t put check amounts on the cash line or vice versa.
- Forgetting cash back math: If you request cash back, make sure you subtract it from the subtotal to get the correct net deposit.
Using pre-printed personal or business deposit slips, like those available through Checkworks’ deposit slip options, can help minimize errors and speed up the process at the bank.
Personal vs. Business Deposit Slips
If you run a small business, you may use business deposit slips, which:
- Often include your business name and account number pre-printed
- Sometimes, come in books with carbon copies for your records
- Make it easy to track multiple deposits over time
Keeping detailed records is especially important around tax time, when you’re reviewing income and preparing for filings.
For both personal and business use, ordering a set of customized deposit slips can streamline your routine.
Why Using Organized Deposit Slips Matters
Keeping your deposits neatly documented helps you:
- Reconcile your accounts more easily
- Track income from side gigs or small businesses
- Keep a paper trail in case of any bank errors or disputes
Custom, pre-printed slips, like those you’ll find in the CheckWorks deposit slips category, make this process even smoother. Your key information is already printed, which:
- Saves time at the counter
- Reduces the chance of writing errors
- Keeps your records consistent from one deposit to the next
What About ATMs and Mobile Deposits?
You might be wondering: Do I still need deposit slips if I mostly use ATMs or mobile deposits?
- ATMs: Many ATMs don’t require deposit slips anymore. They scan checks and count cash for you, but they still ask for similar information on-screen (account, amounts, cash vs. checks).
- Mobile deposits: Your bank’s app will guide you to take photos of each check and enter the amount, again mimicking the structure of a deposit slip.
Even if technology does some of the work now, understanding how a traditional deposit slip works helps you avoid mistakes and better understand your bank records.
A Simplified Process
If you want to make the process faster and keep tidy records, especially for business or frequent deposits, consider ordering customized deposit slips. They’re designed to save you time, reduce errors, and keep your financial life a little more organized.
