How to Fill Out a Deposit Slip for a Check

A deposit slip is a small paper form customers use to place funds into a bank account. It records details about the money being deposited, whether cash or checks. Its purpose is to ensure funds are correctly credited and to provide a clear record for both the bank and the customer.

Gathering What You Need

Gather all necessary items: deposit slips (available at the bank or in your checkbook), any cash, and all checks you wish to deposit.

Know your bank account number, as this identifies the correct destination for your money. Properly endorsing checks is necessary before filling out the slip. Sign your name in the endorsement area on the back of each check, ensuring it matches the payee name. For added security, write “For Deposit Only” above your signature. This restrictive endorsement prevents fraud by ensuring the check can only be deposited into your account.

Completing the Deposit Slip Fields

Start by writing the current date in the designated field at the top of the slip. Below the date, enter your bank account number. Some pre-printed deposit slips may already have your account number listed.

If depositing cash, locate the line marked “Cash” and enter the total amount. For checks, use the lines provided to list each check individually, typically noting the check number and its corresponding dollar amount. If you have many checks, additional space is often available on the back of the deposit slip to continue listing them. After listing all cash and checks, sum these amounts and write the total in the “Subtotal” field.

An optional field labeled “Less Cash Received” allows you to take a portion of the deposit back in cash if desired. If you opt for this, enter the amount you wish to receive. You would then subtract this amount from your subtotal to calculate the “Net Deposit,” which is the final amount that will be credited to your account. Review all entries carefully for accuracy before proceeding.

Finalizing Your Deposit

Once your deposit slip is completely filled out and all checks are properly endorsed, you are ready to finalize the transaction. Present the completed deposit slip along with your cash and endorsed checks to a bank teller inside the branch. The teller will process your deposit, verifying the amounts and crediting them to your account.

While the focus here is on using a physical slip, some bank ATMs also offer the functionality for physical deposits, which would involve inserting your completed slip and items into the machine. After the transaction is processed, always obtain and retain the deposit receipt provided by the bank. This receipt serves as your official proof of deposit and is an important record for your financial management.