Deposit Slips: What They Are and How to Fill One Out

What Is a Deposit Slip

Deposit slip definition: a deposit slip (also called a deposit ticket) is a paper form that bank account holders fill out to provide instructions to their bank when depositing cash, checks, or both into their account. It identifies the account receiving the funds, itemizes what is being deposited, and specifies how much of the deposit the account holder wants credited versus received back as cash. The completed slip is submitted alongside the cash and checks being deposited.

Deposit ticket vs deposit slip: both terms mean the same thing. Banks and credit unions use both terms interchangeably on their forms and in their communications. You may see either phrase on a form from the same bank at different times.

The deposit slip creates a paper record for both the depositor and the bank. For the bank, it provides deposit instructions and a record of what was received. For the depositor, the bank receipt stamped at deposit serves as proof that a specific amount was received by the bank on a specific date. This receipt is valuable for resolving any dispute about whether a deposit was made or how much was deposited.

Deposit slips are primarily used for in-person teller deposits, night deposit slip submissions at night drop boxes, and ATM deposits at machines that require an envelope. Mobile deposits and most modern ATMs handle deposits without a physical slip.

Where to Get Deposit Slips

Deposit slip pre-printed vs blank: pre-printed deposit slips have your name and account number already printed as part of your check order. When you order checks from Checkomatic, your business deposit slips are printed to match your account, pre-filled with your business name and account details so you do not need to handwrite them on every slip.

Counter deposit slips are blank slips kept at bank branch teller counters for use by any depositor. These require you to write your name, account number, and all deposit details manually. Counter slips work fine for one-off deposits but become time-consuming when you deposit frequently.

Deposit slips may also be included in the back pages of a checkbook. Personal checkbooks from Checkomatic include check registers; for business deposit slips matched to your account, order separately at checkomatic.com/deposit-slips-options.

Your bank's online portal may allow you to print deposit slips for your account. QuickBooks also includes a deposit slip printing function that pre-fills deposit details from your QuickBooks records, reducing manual entry for businesses using that accounting platform.

Deposit Slip Fields Explained

All deposit slip fields appear in a standard order across most US banks. Understanding each field before filling out the slip eliminates errors.

Name and Date

The deposit slip date field records when the deposit is being made. Write today's date. The deposit slip name field identifies the account holder. Pre-printed slips have this filled in; verify it is correct before submitting. Counter slips require you to write your full name as registered with the bank.

Deposit Slip Account Number

The deposit slip account number is the checking or savings account number receiving the funds. This is the most important field on the deposit slip: an incorrect account number sends your deposit to the wrong account. Pre-printed deposit slips have this already filled in. For counter slips, write your account number carefully and verify every digit. Your account number appears on your checks (the middle set of numbers in the MICR line at the bottom), in your bank's mobile app under account details, and on your monthly bank statement.

Deposit Slip Routing Number

Some deposit slips include a routing number field. The deposit slip routing number is a nine-digit code identifying your bank. However, read the critical warning about this field in the routing number section below before using this number for anything other than the deposit slip itself.

Cash Field

The deposit slip cash field records the total dollar value of all currency and coins included in the deposit. Count your cash carefully before writing the total. Some business deposit slip formats include separate fields for bills and coins; enter them separately. Leave the cash field blank if you are depositing checks only.

Checks Field

The deposit slip checks field is a numbered list where each check being deposited gets its own line. Deposit slip check number list: for each check, write the check number and dollar amount on the same line. The check number (the small number in the upper right corner of the check face) helps the bank identify specific checks in the batch and supports any later dispute or trace. If the slip does not have space for check numbers, write the amount of each check on separate lines.

Deposit Slip Subtotal

The deposit slip subtotal is the sum of all cash and all check amounts listed on the slip. Add the cash total to all the check amounts and write the combined figure in the Subtotal field. If checks are listed on both the front and back of the slip, include the back total in this calculation.

Less Cash Received

The less cash received deposit slip field is where you record any cash you want back from the deposit rather than credited to your account. If you want to take no cash back, leave this field blank or write $0.00. This field is explained in detail in its own section below.

Net Deposit

The net deposit deposit slip field is the final amount that the bank will credit to your account: Subtotal minus Less Cash Received. This is the number your bank statement will reflect as the deposit for this transaction.

How to Fill Out a Deposit Slip: 7 Steps

Fill out a deposit slip step by step in this order:

1. Write your name and today's date. On a pre-printed slip, verify the name is correct. On a counter slip, write your full name as it appears on your account.
2. Write your account number. Double-check each digit. An error here redirects your deposit to the wrong account. Verify against your checks or bank statement if unsure.
3. Enter the total cash amount. Count your bills and coins, confirm the total, and write it in the Cash field. Leave blank if depositing checks only.
4. List each check separately. Write the check number and amount of each check on its own line. If you run out of lines on the front, continue on the back. Write the subtotal of the back-of-slip checks on the front in the designated field, or note "See back."
5. Calculate the subtotal. Add all cash and all check amounts. Write the total in the Subtotal field.
6. Enter less cash received (if applicable). Write the amount of cash you want back in the Less Cash Received field. If taking cash back, sign the slip on the signature line. Leave this field blank if depositing the full amount.
7. Calculate the net deposit. Subtract Less Cash Received from the Subtotal. Write the result in the Net Deposit or Total field. This is what goes into your account.

Hand the completed slip to the teller with your cash and endorsed checks. The teller will process the deposit and provide a stamped receipt. Keep the receipt until the deposit appears correctly in your account.

What Does Less Cash Received Mean

Less cash received on a deposit slip is the amount of cash you want the teller to hand back to you at the time of deposit, rather than depositing it into your account. This field allows you to make change or access a portion of your deposit as cash without making a separate withdrawal.

Example: you bring three checks totaling $800 to deposit. You also want $50 in cash for the week. You enter $800 in the Checks section, $800 as the Subtotal, $50 in the Less Cash Received field, and $750 as the Net Deposit. The teller deposits $750 to your account and hands you $50 in cash.

For businesses, this field is almost never used. SmartPayables confirms: "Most businesses won't use this field" because businesses deposit the full amount and make any needed cash withdrawals separately for cleaner accounting records. Each transaction type (deposit, withdrawal) appearing separately in the business account register makes reconciliation cleaner than mixing the two in one deposit transaction.

For personal banking, less cash received is a convenience feature that saves a second trip to the ATM or a separate withdrawal slip. The requirement to sign the deposit slip when using this field is the bank's mechanism for confirming you authorized the cash portion of the transaction.

How to Calculate the Net Deposit

Net deposit = Subtotal minus Less Cash Received.

If you are depositing the full amount with no cash back: Net Deposit = Subtotal (Less Cash Received is $0).

If you want some cash back: Net Deposit = Subtotal minus the Less Cash Received amount.

Always verify your arithmetic before handing the slip to the teller. A math error on the deposit slip causes a discrepancy between what you declare and what the teller counts, which requires the teller to reconcile and may delay your deposit. For business deposits with many checks, use a calculator or add the check amounts in your accounting software first, then transfer the verified total to the deposit slip.

When Do You Sign a Deposit Slip

Deposit slip signature when required: you only need to sign a deposit slip when you are receiving cash back from the deposit (using the Less Cash Received field). For a standard deposit with no cash back, no signature is required on the deposit slip.

The Balance Money confirms: "You typically only need to sign a deposit slip when you want cash back from your deposit. If you're only depositing funds, you don't need to sign the deposit slip." SmartPayables adds: "For simple deposits without cash back, a signature usually isn't required."

When you do sign, sign in the designated signature field, not across the check sections or routing information. Your signature authorizes the cash portion of the transaction.

How to List Multiple Checks on a Deposit Slip

How many checks on deposit slip front: most deposit slips provide space for three to eight checks on the front. Deposit slip back of slip: if you have more checks than lines on the front, continue the list on the reverse side. Most deposit slips have additional lines on the reverse side for exactly this purpose.

For the back of the slip: list each additional check's number and amount just as you did on the front. Add those amounts and write a subtotal at the bottom of the back. Transfer that subtotal to the designated "Total from back" or "Checks listed on back" line on the front, then include it in your front-side subtotal calculation.

If you have more checks than the front and back of a single slip can accommodate, ask the teller for a continuation slip. Deluxe's business deposit guide confirms: "If you still have more checks than available lines, ask your bank for a continuation slip." Attach the continuation slip to the primary deposit slip and note the combined check total on the primary slip's subtotal line.

For businesses depositing large numbers of checks regularly, pre-printed multi-check deposit slips with more lines per page are available. Checkomatic's business deposit slips are formatted for business check volumes.

The Deposit Slip Routing Number Warning

The deposit slip routing number warning direct deposit issue: some banks use different routing numbers for different types of transactions. The routing number on a deposit slip is the bank's check-clearing routing number for processing incoming paper deposits. The routing number on a check is the ABA routing number used for ACH electronic transfers, direct deposit payroll, and automated bill payments.

At many banks, these two routing numbers are identical. But at some banks, they differ. A Bogleheads forum thread documented exactly this scenario: a depositor noticed their deposit slip carried the routing number warning and that the routing number on their deposit slip did not match the one on their checks, even though both were from the same bank.

The deposit slip routing number vs check routing number problem: if you provide the deposit slip routing number to your employer for direct deposit setup and that number differs from your check's ABA routing number, your direct deposit payroll will be rejected or misdirected. Recovering a misdirected ACH transfer can take days.

The reliable solution: always use a voided check, a direct deposit authorization form from your bank, or a bank letter on letterhead for direct deposit and ACH setup. Artsyltech confirms: "Deposit slips sometimes use a different routing number specifically for deposits rather than the one needed for electronic transfers. Additionally, some deposit slips might not include all the required information in the standardized format that automated systems expect."

For more on voided checks and their role in direct deposit and ACH setup, see our check writing guide and our ABA routing numbers guide.

Business Deposit Slip vs Personal Deposit Slip

Business deposit slip fields differ from personal deposit slips in several ways. Understanding these differences matters for businesses that deposit frequently and want their slips to match bank expectations for business accounts.

Fields Specific to Business Deposit Slips

A business deposit slip includes the business name (full legal business name, not the owner's personal name), the business address and phone number, the bank's name and address (for deposits processed at branches that serve multiple bank clients), the business account number, and sometimes a deposit slip number (often pre-printed for sequencing and audit purposes).

Personal deposit slips typically have only the account holder's name, address, account number, and date. Business deposit slips are more detailed because businesses need a formal paper trail for accounting records, audits, and reconciliation against their accounts receivable ledgers.

Cash Breakdown Fields

Some business deposit slip formats include separate denomination fields for cash: a bills field and a coin field. Personal deposit slips typically have a single cash total field. The denomination breakdown on business slips supports cash control at businesses like retail stores that count the drawer at close and need to verify specific denomination totals in their deposit records.

Multiple Accounts

Businesses with separate checking accounts for AP, payroll, and operating funds use separate deposit slips for each account. The account number field on each slip directs the deposit to the correct account. Using the wrong slip for the wrong account sends funds to an unintended account, requiring a transfer to correct. Pre-printed business deposit slips with the account number already on each slip eliminate this error type by making the destination account visually obvious.

NCR Paper for Business Deposit Slips

Business deposit slip NCR paper is the standard for professionally printed business deposit slips. NCR stands for No Carbon Required. NCR paper is a multi-layer form where writing on the top sheet transfers through pressure to the layers below, creating duplicate copies without a separate carbon sheet between them.

CheckDepot's business deposit guide confirms: "Company deposit slips are typically printed on specialized NCR paper. NCR stands for 'no carbon required.' This paper allows deposit information to appear on multiple layers of paper."

For business deposits, the NCR copy structure gives the business a copy of the deposit detail (which checks were deposited, the amounts, the total) without needing to photocopy the slip at the branch. The bank retains the original; the business retains the copy. This copy is the primary source document for reconciling the bank deposit against the business's accounts receivable records.

Single-part deposit slips (no copy) require either making a photocopy before submitting or relying solely on the bank's deposit receipt. The bank receipt shows the total deposited but does not itemize individual check amounts. For a business reconciling accounts receivable against specific invoices, the itemized deposit slip copy is more useful than the bank receipt alone.

Checkomatic's business deposit slips are available in the NCR format for businesses that need self-copying capability without a separate carbon sheet.

When You Do Not Need a Deposit Slip

Deposit slips are not always required. Knowing when you can skip the slip saves time.

ATM Deposit Slip Required

At most modern ATMs, no deposit slip is required. You insert your debit card, select deposit, and feed cash or checks into the machine. The ATM images the checks and counts the cash electronically. At older ATMs that accept envelopes, you may need to prepare a deposit slip and place it in the envelope with your cash and checks. ATM deposit slip required or not depends entirely on the specific ATM model, so check the screen instructions before preparing a slip.

Mobile Deposit Slip Not Needed

Mobile deposit slip not needed: when you deposit a check using your bank's mobile app, no deposit slip is required. You photograph the front and back of the check, enter or confirm the amount, and submit. The app records the deposit against your account without a physical slip. The only physical requirement for mobile deposits is the endorsement on the back of the check, typically "For mobile deposit only at [Bank Name]" plus your signature. For more on mobile deposit endorsement requirements, see our endorsements guide.

In-Person Teller Deposit With Debit Card

Many banks now allow in-person teller deposits using only your debit card for identification rather than a deposit slip. The teller accesses your account via the card and applies the deposit. PNC confirms this option is available at their branches. Not all banks offer this, and not all customers prefer it, so deposit slips remain common for in-person teller visits.

Cashier's Checks and Money Orders

Investopedia notes: "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" at some institutions. Policies vary by bank; verify with your branch for large or unusual deposits.

Regulation CC and the Special Deposit Slip

Regulation CC special deposit slip: the Regulation CC deposit next day rule comes from the federal Expedited Funds Availability Act, implemented as Regulation CC, includes a provision that affects deposit slips for specific check types. For next-day availability of funds from government checks (US Treasury, state and local government) and cashier's checks deposited in person, some banks may require a "special deposit slip" or specific notation on the deposit slip to trigger the expedited availability.

The Federal Reserve's Regulation CC compliance guide states: "If the customer desires next-day availability of funds from these checks, you may require use of a special deposit slip." This means if you deposit a US Treasury refund check or a state tax refund check and expect next-day access to those funds, ask the teller whether a special deposit slip or notation is required at your bank. Without it, the bank may apply a longer hold even on checks that qualify for next-day availability.

For routine check deposits (personal and business checks), the Regulation CC next-day deposit rule requires that the first $275 of a non-next-day deposit be available the next business day, with the remainder subject to standard hold periods. The deposit slip itself does not affect this calculation; the check type does.

For an overview of how checks are processed after deposit and what determines hold times, see our check validity and fraud prevention guide.

Deposit Slip vs Voided Check for Direct Deposit Setup

Deposit slip vs voided check direct deposit: the two documents serve different purposes, and confusing them creates problems. A deposit slip is for making deposits. A voided check is for providing your banking credentials to an employer, biller, or financial institution for electronic transfer setup.

For direct deposit payroll, automated bill payments, and ACH transfers, employers and billers need your ABA routing number and account number in a standardized, verifiable format. The voided check provides both numbers in the MICR line at the bottom, which is machine-readable and universally formatted across all US banks.

A pre-printed deposit slip might be accepted by some employers as a substitute for a voided check, as it shows your account number and sometimes a routing number. However, the deposit slip routing number warning (covered in the section above) means the routing number on a deposit slip may not be the correct ABA routing number for ACH transfers. The voided check's routing number is always the ABA code used for electronic transfers.

Paychex confirms: "A deposit slip contains same routing and account numbers" , but only when the bank happens to use the same routing number on both. Voidedcheck.org cautions: "A deposit slip often doesn't have this [ABA routing number], making a voided check important for getting paid on time."

The safe rule: use a voided check, a bank letter on letterhead, or your bank's official direct deposit authorization form for any electronic payment setup. Use a deposit slip only for making deposits at a branch or night drop. For full guidance on voided checks and their uses, see our check writing guide.

Common Deposit Slip Errors

Deposit slip account number error is the most consequential mistake: writing the wrong account number directs your deposit to another account. Always verify the account number digit by digit against your checks or bank statement. Pre-printed deposit slips eliminate this error entirely.

Deposit slip total incorrect: arithmetic errors in the Subtotal or Net Deposit fields cause the teller to reconcile the discrepancy before processing, slowing the transaction. For business deposits with many checks, total the amounts in your accounting software before writing them on the slip. Transfer the verified total to the slip rather than computing it by hand at the teller window.

Illegible handwriting: deposit slips processed by scanners and image capture systems require legible numbers. Write clearly in the boxes, using numerals rather than words. CheckDepot confirms illegible writing can delay deposit processing.

Omitting check numbers: not listing check numbers on the deposit slip is not an error that prevents processing, but it reduces your ability to trace a specific check later if a question arises about a particular payment. Listing check numbers takes a few extra seconds and provides a searchable record.

Not listing checks on the back: if you have more checks than front-side lines and simply skip the extras, the deposit will be short of what you intended. Always continue on the back and bring the back total forward to the front subtotal.

Forgetting to sign when taking cash back: if you use the Less Cash Received field, you must sign the slip. A teller cannot release cash from a deposit without the account holder's signature authorizing it. Forgetting to sign means the teller cannot complete the transaction until you sign.

For the general principles behind accurate check and banking documentation, see our checkbook management guide.

How Long to Keep Deposit Slip Receipts

How long keep deposit slip receipts (deposit slip receipt keep how long): keep the bank receipt from every deposit until the transaction appears correctly in your bank statement, which is typically within one to three business days. After confirming the deposit posted correctly, you can discard the individual receipt for routine personal deposits.

For business deposits, the standard retention recommendation aligns with accounting and tax record-keeping rules. The IRS recommends keeping business financial records for at least three years from the filing date of the relevant tax return, and for seven years if you filed a claim for a loss. Business deposit records support the revenue figures on tax returns, so keeping deposit slips and receipts for three to seven years is prudent.

Keep deposit slips longer in these situations: if a deposit is disputed by the bank or a customer (the payor claims they paid, you claim you did not receive it), the deposit slip is your primary evidence. If a check in the deposit later bounces, the deposit slip shows you deposited it on a specific date, supporting your claim against the issuer. If a tax audit covers income from a specific period, deposit slips provide the paper trail behind revenue entries.

For businesses using QuickBooks or other accounting software that integrates with deposit slips, the software records may supplement or replace the paper slips for record-keeping purposes, but physical receipts from the bank remain the most authoritative evidence of a specific transaction.

Checkomatic Business Deposit Slips

An ABA compliant check from Checkomatic means every check and deposit slip matches ABA-compliant security paper specifications used across the US banking system.

Checkomatic is an in-house check manufacturer (in-house check manufacturer) that has produced ABA-compliant (ABA compliant) personal and business checks and deposit slips in Monroe, NY since 1997. As a direct manufacturer, every deposit slip order is produced at the Monroe NY facility with direct quality control over pre-printed account information, NCR paper layering, and field formatting.

Pre-Printed Business Deposit Slips

Checkomatic's business deposit slips are pre-printed with your business name, account number, and bank details, eliminating the need to handwrite this information on every slip. Pre-printed slips reduce account number errors, speed up the deposit process, and produce a consistent, professional-looking deposit document that banks process without questions.

Ordering deposit slips matched to your Checkomatic check order ensures the pre-printed account number and bank information on the deposit slips match your check stock exactly. Having consistent account information across checks and deposit slips eliminates one of the most common sources of deposit processing confusion: mismatched account details between the slip and the account.

Matching Your Check Order

Checkomatic's full business check range works alongside the business deposit slips for a complete in-house check management system. Whether you use check on top (voucher) format, 3-on-a-page checks, or manual business checks, matching deposit slips complete the deposit workflow. For businesses using QuickBooks payroll and AP checks, QuickBooks checks pair with deposit slips for end-to-end payment documentation.

All Orders Include

Every Checkomatic check order ships on CPSA certified (CPSA certified) ABA-compliant security paper with six fraud deterrent features. Free logo printing (free logo printing) is included on every business order at no extra charge. No pre-selected add-on programs at checkout. Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from digital proof approval. Order checks, deposit slips, check envelopes, and 7-ring check binders together at checkomatic.com.

The Short Version on Deposit Slips

A deposit slip is a paper form used to direct cash and checks into your bank account at a branch, night drop, or envelope-style ATM. Fill it out in seven steps: name and date, account number, cash amount, list each check by number and amount, subtotal, less cash received (if any), and net deposit. Sign only when taking cash back. You do not need a deposit slip for mobile deposits or most modern ATM deposits. Never use the routing number on a deposit slip for direct deposit or ACH setup; use a voided check instead, because some banks print a different routing number on deposit slips than the ABA routing number used for electronic transfers. Business deposit slips include more fields than personal slips and are typically printed on NCR multi-copy paper for the business to retain a copy. Keep deposit slip receipts until deposits confirm in your account; keep business deposit records for three to seven years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a deposit slip?

Deposit slip definition: a deposit slip (also called a deposit ticket) is a paper form filled out by a bank account holder to provide instructions for depositing cash, checks, or both into their account. It identifies the receiving account, itemizes the deposit contents, specifies any cash back requested via the less cash received field, and calculates the net deposit that will be credited. Deposit slips are used for in-person teller deposits, night drop box deposits, and some ATM deposits. They are not required for mobile check deposits or most modern ATMs. The completed deposit slip goes to the teller with the cash and endorsed checks; the bank returns a stamped receipt confirming the deposit amount and date.

How do you fill out a deposit slip step by step?

How to fill out a deposit slip in 7 steps: (1) Write your name and the current date. (2) Write your account number and verify each digit. (3) Enter total cash in the Cash field; leave blank if depositing checks only. (4) List each check on its own line in the Checks section with the check number and amount. If more checks than lines, continue on the back of the deposit slip. (5) Add cash and all check amounts for the deposit slip subtotal. (6) Enter any less cash received amount if you want cash back, and sign the slip. (7) Calculate the net deposit (subtotal minus less cash received) and write it in the Net Deposit field. Hand the completed slip to the teller with your endorsed checks and cash.

Can I use a deposit slip instead of a voided check for direct deposit setup?

Not reliably. The deposit slip routing number warning printed on many bank deposit slips reads: "Do not use this routing number for automated payments." This is because some banks use a different routing number on deposit slips than the ABA routing number on checks that is required for ACH and direct deposit. If the numbers happen to be the same at your bank, some employers may accept a pre-printed deposit slip. But because the deposit slip routing number vs check routing number may differ without any indication on the slip, a voided check, a direct deposit authorization form, or a bank letter on letterhead is the more reliable document for direct deposit vs voided check purposes.

What is "less cash received" on a deposit slip?

Less cash received on a deposit slip is the amount of cash you want the teller to hand back to you at the time of deposit, rather than depositing the full amount. If you deposit $800 in checks but want $50 back, write $50 in the Less Cash Received field and $750 in the Net Deposit field. Sign the deposit slip when using this field to authorize the cash portion. Businesses generally leave this field blank, depositing the full amount and making any cash withdrawals as separate transactions for cleaner accounting records.

Do you need a deposit slip for ATM or mobile deposits?

ATM deposit slip required: generally no for modern ATMs, which use debit card identification and electronic imaging or counting rather than paper slips. Older envelope-style ATMs may still require a deposit slip inside the envelope. Mobile deposit slip not needed: mobile check deposits through your bank's app do not require a physical deposit slip. The app images the check and records the deposit electronically. Deposit slips remain required for in-person teller deposits, night drop deposits, and deposits through armored carrier services. Always check the specific ATM's on-screen instructions; requirements vary by machine model and bank.