A deposit slip is just a written instruction telling the bank exactly what money you’re putting into which account. Here’s a simple, practical way to fill one out correctly.

1. Get your materials ready

Have these in front of you:

  • Your deposit slip (from your checkbook or the stack at the bank counter).
  • The cash you want to deposit.
  • Any checks you’re depositing.
  • Your account number (often already printed on the slip).

2. Start with the top section

Most slips have similar boxes at the top:

  1. Date
    • Write today’s date in the date box (month/day/year).
  2. Name
    • Write your full name exactly as it appears on the account.
  3. Account number
    • If it’s not already printed, neatly write the account number you are depositing into (checking, savings, or business).
    • Some slips also have a box to mark which type of account—tick or circle the correct one if it’s there.

3. Fill in the cash section

This is for physical paper money (notes and coins).

  • Count all the cash you’re depositing.
  • Write the total amount in the line usually labeled “Cash” or “Currency.”
  • If you have no cash, leave this line blank.

Example:

  • If you have three 20s and one 10, total is 70. You write “70.00” in the cash line.

4. List each check separately

Most slips have several lines labeled “Checks” or similar.

  1. One check per line
    • For each check, write the amount on its own line.
    • If there is a spot for check numbers, you can add the check number too (helps you track them).
  2. More checks than lines?
    • Use the back of the slip if it provides extra lines.
    • Add those together and write the total on the front in the box that says something like “Total from reverse” or “Back of slip.”
  3. No checks?
    • Leave this section empty.

Example:

  • Check 1: 50.00
  • Check 2: 35.25
    You’d write “50.00” on the first check line and “35.25” on the next.

5. Add up your deposit

Near the bottom you’ll see a few key lines.

  1. Subtotal
    • Add:
      • Total cash
      • Plus total of all checks
    • Write that sum on the “Subtotal” line.
  2. Less cash received (cash back)
    • If you want some cash back from your deposit, write that amount here.
    • Example: Your subtotal is 200, but you want 40 in cash. You write “40.00” on the “Less cash received” line.
  3. Net deposit / Total
    • Subtotal minus the “less cash received” amount = the amount actually going into your account.
    • Write this number on the “Net deposit” or “Total” line at the bottom.

Example:

  • Cash: 70.00
  • Checks total: 85.25
  • Subtotal: 155.25
  • Less cash received: 20.00
  • Net deposit: 135.25

6. Sign if you’re getting cash back

  • Look for a line that says “Signature” or “Sign here.”
  • You usually only need to sign if you are:
    • Getting cash back from the deposit, or
    • Cashing checks instead of just depositing.
  • If you’re depositing only, with no cash back, you often don’t need to sign (varies by bank).

7. Double-check before handing it over

Quick checklist:

  • Name spelled correctly.
  • Correct account number.
  • Date is today’s date.
  • Cash total matches the bills/coins.
  • All checks listed and added correctly.
  • Math is correct (subtotal, less cash received, net deposit).
  • Signature added if you requested cash back.

Then:

  • Put the deposit slip together with your cash and checks.
  • Hand it to the teller, or insert it (if required) into an ATM or deposit envelope.
  • Keep the receipt they give you and, if possible, a photo or copy of your completed slip for your records.

8. Quick example scenario

Imagine you walk into the bank with:

  • Cash: 40.00
  • Check from your friend: 75.50
  • Check from your employer: 120.00
  • You want all of it deposited (no cash back).

You would:

  1. Write the date, your name, and your account number.
  2. “Cash” line: 40.00
  3. “Checks” lines: 75.50 on line one, 120.00 on line two.
  4. Subtotal: 40.00 + 75.50 + 120.00 = 235.50
  5. “Less cash received”: leave blank.
  6. “Net deposit”: 235.50
  7. No signature needed (for most banks) since no cash back.
  8. Hand everything to the teller and get your receipt.

9. Extra tips and common mistakes

  • Write clearly: Use block letters and avoid stray marks.
  • Don’t skip the account number: Tellers can’t guess the right account.
  • Don’t mix old and new dates: Always use today’s date.
  • Check endorsements: Make sure checks are signed on the back if required.
  • When in doubt: You can always ask the bank staff to check your slip before processing.

TL;DR

  • Top: Date, your name, account number.
  • Middle: Cash total on the “Cash” line; each check on its own line.
  • Bottom: Add everything for “Subtotal,” subtract any “Less cash received,” and write the final “Net deposit.”
  • Sign only if you’re getting cash back or your bank requires it.

If you tell me what your specific slip looks like (or what fields you see on it), I can walk you through filling that exact one line by line.