How To Fill Out a Deposit Slip
The process of filling out deposit slips varies depending on what you’re doing. For example, cash and checks go in different sections, and getting cash back from your deposit requires an additional step. Fortunately, the process is easy, and the basic steps appear below.
Provide Personal Information
Write your name and your account number on the deposit slip. If you have pre-printed deposit slips from the back of your checkbook, this is already done for you.
Fill in Additional Details
Write in the date and any branch information, if required. For example, if you’re a credit union member using a different credit union’s branch (via shared branching), you’ll need to write in the name of your “home” credit union.
List the Cash Amount of Your Deposit
This is the total amount of currency (bills and coins) that you have for the deposit. If you do not have any cash to deposit, leave this line blank.
List Checks Individually
Include the check number and the amount of each check separately. If you don’t have any checks to deposit, move on to the subtotal.
Add Up the Deposits for a Subtotal
This is the total amount of cash and checks that you have to deposit.
Enter the Amount of Cash You’d Like To Withdraw
This step is only required if you want cash back from your deposit. When your entire deposit consists of checks, you might want cash now so that you don’t have to make a withdrawal later.
Calculate the Total Deposit
This is the sum of your deposits minus any cash you take now.
Sign the Deposit Slip
Signing the slip is required if you are getting cash from your deposit.
Check Deposit Details
Depositing checks can be tricky at first. The key is to list each check individually so each check appears on its own line. There should be a space for you to enter the check number (or some type of description) next to the dollar amount of each check, which helps you and your bank keep track of each item.
Dollars and Cents
If you want to score bonus points with the teller, enter your deposit amounts in dollars and cents. You’ll notice separate boxes for each entry on most deposit slips. The box on the far right is for the decimal (or cents) portion, and the next box to the left is for the dollar amount. It’s not a big deal if this isn’t perfect, but with some deposits—especially large ones—tellers might require that you have all of your commas and decimals in the right place.
More Room
If you’re depositing numerous items at once, use the back of your deposit slip or ask a bank employee for guidance. Most deposit slips have an extra set of boxes printed on the back so that you don’t have to fill in your personal information multiple times and deal with multiple subtotals.
Deposits at ATMs
Some automated teller machines (ATMs) allow you to make deposits. Depending on your bank, you may or may not need to fill out a deposit slip. Sophisticated ATMs can deposit to your account based on the debit/ATM card you use, and they can even scan cash and checks in real-time. This potentially allows the bank to add funds to your account more quickly, although 100% of the money might not be available for immediate withdrawal. Other banks require that you put everything in an envelope and fill out a deposit slip, which a bank employee will use to record your deposit manually.
Mobile Deposits
If you’re making a remote deposit with your mobile device, you typically don’t need to use a deposit slip. At most banks, you’re already logged into your account when you snap a photo of the check, so you don’t need to provide those details. Typically you just confirm the dollar amount and review any account and routing information from the check.
Funds Availability
Your bank sets rules, known as the funds availability policy, which explain how long you need to wait before spending money from a deposit. In some cases, you can take up to $225 in cash from a personal check on the first business day. You may be able to get more when you deposit a cashier’s check or USPS money order. The best way to know how much you can spend is to check your available balance or ask bank staff when the funds will become available. Most importantly, don’t assume that you can spend all of the money from large check deposits immediately.
