Key takeaways
A deposit slip is a paper form you fill out to deposit cash or checks at a bank branch or ATM.
You'll need to list your name, account number, date, and the amounts you're depositing.
Always double-check your account number and deposit amounts to avoid delays.
Mobile check deposit and ATM deposits can often replace the need for a deposit slip.
Whether you're depositing a paycheck or some extra cash, you may need to fill out a deposit slip at the bank. If you've never done it before, don't worry – it's a straightforward process once you know what goes where. We'll break it down in seven simple steps.
What is a deposit slip?
A deposit slip is a small paper form you fill out when you deposit money at a bank or credit union. It informs the teller exactly how much cash and how many checks you're putting into your account, and it serves as a record of the transaction for both you and the bank.
Most deposit slips include fields for your name, account number, the date, the amounts you're depositing, and a total deposit amount. Some banks provide pre-printed slips with your account details already filled in, while others have blank slips available at the branch.
Even though digital banking has made deposit slips less common, many bank branches still require them – especially when you're depositing cash or multiple checks at once.
When do you need a deposit slip?
Some financial institutions require a deposit slip when you deposit money in person at a physical branch or through an ATM. The slip serves as proof of the transaction and details the specific amounts added to your account.
This documentation helps with the following:
Tracking deposits: Deposit slips help you keep a personal record of your banking transactions and confirm that each deposit was processed properly.
Dispute resolutions: Deposit slips can serve as evidence if there are any discrepancies – for example, if the bank reports a smaller deposit than you actually made.
If your bank has no physical branches, you may still be able to deposit cash. For example, you can deposit cash into your Chime® account at over 100,000 retailers and handing your cash and debit card to the cashier1 – no deposit slip needed.
How to fill out a deposit slip step by step
Filling out a deposit slip correctly helps your deposits go through quickly and without errors. Here are the seven steps to follow.
1. Provide your personal information
Write your full name and account number at the top of the deposit slip. This helps the bank direct your funds to the correct account.
2. Include the date
Write the date of the deposit on the slip to create a record of when the transaction took place.
3. Sign the check and the deposit slip
If you're depositing a check, sign and date the back where directed. You may also need to sign the deposit slip itself, depending on your bank's requirements.
4. Enter the cash amount
If you're depositing cash, write the total amount in the "cash" section of the deposit slip. Count your money beforehand to make sure the amount is accurate.
5. List each check individually
If you're depositing more than one check, write each check's number and amount in the designated sections. This helps you and your financial institution track each deposited check.
6. Request cashback if needed
You can request to receive some of your deposited money back in cash. Use the "less cash received" section on the deposit slip. This amount will be subtracted from your total deposit.
7. Calculate the subtotal and total
Add up all your cash and checks. If you're requesting cash back, subtract that amount from your total deposit to get your final deposit amount. Write the final number on the slip and hand it to the teller.
If you're depositing multiple checks, list each one on a separate line. Some deposit slips have room for three or four checks on the front – if you have more, flip the slip over and continue listing them on the back.
Deposit slip example
Here's what a completed deposit slip looks like when you're depositing a paycheck and some cash:
Field | Example entry |
|---|---|
Name | Jane Smith |
Date | 05/07/2026 |
Account number | 123456789 |
Cash | $150.00 |
Check 1 | $1,250.00 |
Subtotal | $1,400.00 |
Less cash received | $0.00 |
Total | $1,400.00 |
If you're depositing multiple checks, list each one on a separate line. Some deposit slips have room for three or four checks on the front – if you have more, flip the slip over and continue listing them on the back.
Common deposit slip mistakes to avoid
A few common errors can slow down your transaction or cause problems with your deposit. Here are the ones to watch out for:
Wrong account number: Double-check your account number before handing the slip to the teller. Mixing up even one digit could send your money to the wrong account.
Math errors on the total: Add up your cash and check amounts carefully. If your total doesn't match, the teller may need to correct it, which can delay your deposit.
Forgetting to endorse checks: Sign the back of each check before you hand it over. An unendorsed check can't be deposited.
Leaving fields blank: Fill out every required field, including the date. Incomplete slips may be rejected.
Not keeping your receipt: Always ask for a receipt after your deposit. It's your proof of the transaction if any issues come up later.
Alternatives to deposit slips
You don't always need a deposit slip to put money in your account. Here are some common alternatives:
Mobile check deposit: Most financial institutions let you deposit checks through their app by taking a photo of the front and back. You'll need to endorse the check for mobile deposit, but no paper slip is required.
ATM deposits: Many ATMs accept cash and check deposits without a deposit slip. The machine reads the check or counts the cash for you.
Direct deposit: Your paycheck is automatically deposited into your account – no branch visit or deposit slip needed.
The Chime mobile check deposit guide walks you through how mobile check deposit works.
When can you access your deposited funds?
Cash deposits are usually available immediately, but checks can take a few business days to clear. Several factors affect how quickly your funds become available:
The amount deposited: A large check may take longer to clear than a smaller one.
The source of the check: If the check is from the same bank you're depositing it to, it may clear faster.
Your account standing: Established accounts may have quicker access to deposited funds.
Your financial institution's policies: Some banks make deposits available immediately, while others may take a few business days.
Banks must provide a disclosure outlining their specific hold policies, so you know when to expect access to your funds.
When can I access my funds?
The amount of time it takes until you can access money from a deposit varies. Although cash deposits are usually available immediately, checks might take a few business days to clear. Other factors affecting fund availability include:
The amount deposited: A check for a large sum may take longer to clear than a smaller check.
The source of the check: If the check you're depositing is from the same bank you're depositing it to, it may clear faster.
Your account standing: Established accounts may have quicker access to deposited funds.
Your financial institution's policies: Some banks make deposits available immediately, while others may take a few business days to clear.
Banks must provide a disclosure outlining their specific hold policies so you know when to expect access to your deposit. You can contact your bank directly for more information on its specific policy or to request a deposit slip example.
Filling out deposit slips doesn't have to be complicated
Knowing how to fill out a deposit slip is a handy skill, even if many financial institutions no longer require it. Following the steps in this guide can help your deposits go smoothly and efficiently.
You can also set up direct deposit with Chime, so your paycheck is deposited into your account automatically.