Deposit Slip

A deposit slip is a form used to record details of money deposited into a bank account. It identifies the depositor, date, account number, and the breakdown of cash and checks so the bank can credit the correct account and create a transaction record.

What a deposit slip includes

• Depositor name (sometimes optional)
• Date of deposit
• Bank account number (or preprinted on slips in checkbooks)
• Breakdown of items: cash, checks (itemized), subtotal
• Less: cash back (if requested) and net total
• Signature (required if receiving cash back)

How it works (step by step)

1. Fill in the required fields on the deposit slip before approaching the teller.
2. If the slip is from your checkbook, routing and account numbers may be preprinted. If using a blank slip, write your account number where indicated.
3. List each check, the cash amount, and any cash back requested. Calculate the subtotal and total.
4. Give the completed slip and deposit items to the teller. The teller verifies the items against the slip, processes the deposit, and prints a receipt for you.
5. Keep the receipt as proof of the transaction; you can request an itemized copy from the bank if needed for disputes.

Benefits

• Proof of deposit — shows the bank accepted the funds and the total deposited.
• Itemization — records how the total was composed (checks vs. cash).
• Accuracy and reconciliation — helps tellers and customers verify amounts and prevents unaccounted deposits.
• Useful for disputes — provides evidence if a deposit is not applied correctly.

Routing number

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank and is often printed on deposit slips and checks.

Record retention

Banks are required by federal law to retain records of deposits exceeding $100 for at least five years. These records are commonly stored digitally.

Modern alternatives

Deposit slips are less necessary today thanks to electronic options:
* Mobile deposit — take a photo of a check and submit it via your bank’s app (usually requires enrollment and may have deposit limits).
ATMs — many accept checks and cash and credit accounts electronically without a paper slip.
Bank teller systems and remote deposit capture — banks often process deposits digitally, reducing reliance on paper slip forms.

Quick FAQs

• Do I always need a deposit slip?
  No. Mobile deposits and many ATMs let you deposit without a paper slip.
• Can I get an itemized copy of a deposit later?
  Yes — request a copy from your bank if you need the breakdown that made up the total.
• Does the teller’s receipt show the itemized amounts?
  Teller receipts often show only the total; ask for an itemized record if necessary.

Deposit slips remain a simple, reliable way to document deposits, but digital banking tools now offer faster, paperless alternatives while preserving accuracy and recordkeeping.