How to Read the Account Number on a Deposit Slip

You're probably used to getting funds direct deposited into your account, so filling out a deposit slip might not be something you've ever had to do. But there are still businesses that cut checks, so knowing how to fill out the slip is a good idea. Reading your account number is pretty easy, it's the second set of numbers at the bottom of the slip. Knowing that information is good, knowing how to fill out the slip is better.

When you need to deposit your paycheck or the check your grandmother sent you for your birthday, you have to fill out a form and present it to your bank. This form is called a deposit slip. If you look at the last few pages of your checkbook, you'll see a form that is different from your checks. These are deposit slips that are used to make deposits into your checking account.

They have all the same information on them that your checks have, such as your name, address, deposit ticket routing number and account information, so a bank teller has all the information needed to make a deposit. If you don't have these slips, you can get one from your bank by either asking a teller for one or going to the self-service area and taking one from the pile. The slips from the bank are actually blank, so you'll have to provide your name and account information.

A deposit slip provides a lot of information. On the left side of the slip is the account holder's name and address. For your checkbook, this information matches what is printed on your checks. If you're using a blank slip from the bank, the space is available for you to provide this information.

Underneath this section is where you put the date. Directly under this line is a signature line. If you are making a deposit, but want cash back, you have to sign the deposit slip.

At the very bottom of the deposit slip are the bank's routing number and your bank account number. If you're using a blank slip from the bank, the routing number will already be filled in, but you'll need to add your bank account number. These numbers will match the routing number on your check and the account number on your check of your personal checking account.

The right side of the deposit slip is where you'll provide the money information. The first line requests the total amount of cash you're depositing. If you aren't depositing cash, you can skip this line, mark a line through the amount area or zero it out.

The next couple of lines are where you can list the checks you are depositing and the amounts. If you need more space you can continue listing additional checks on the back of the slip. Once all the checks are listed, add the amount to get a subtotal.

If you want some cash out of the deposit there is a line under the subtotal with the words "less cash received." You'll state how much you want to cash out of the total deposit. Subtract that amount from the subtotal and that is the amount being deposited into your account.