What You Need to Know About Business Deposit Slips (Updated 2025)

Although banks offer mobile and remote deposit options, deposit slips (pre-printed, computer-printed, or handwritten) still provide a clear paper record for cash and check deposits. Use consistent endorsement, keep copies, enter deposits into your accounting system promptly, and reconcile regularly to avoid errors.

Why deposit slips still matter

Even as banking goes digital, deposit slips remain a practical tool for many small businesses. They provide a simple paper record of cash and check deposits, help reconcile daily takings, and support accurate bookkeeping. For businesses that accept physical checks or cash, a consistent deposit process reduces errors and speeds month-end close.

Types of deposit slips

Pre-printed and computer deposit slips

Pre-printed slips come from banks or office-supply vendors and include fields for date, account number, checks, cash, and totals. Computer-printable templates let you generate slips with your business name and account number from accounting software or word processors. Many small businesses use templates that integrate with cloud accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online or Xero to keep deposits aligned with sales records.

Manual deposit slips

Manual deposit slips are paper forms filled out by hand. They work well for low-volume businesses or pop-up operations where a quick, phone-free workflow matters. Handwritten slips still require clear totals and proper endorsement on checks to avoid delays.

Digital deposits (remote and mobile)

Remote deposit capture and mobile deposit let you scan or photograph checks and transmit them to your bank. These methods reduce branch visits and speed availability for many deposits. Even when you use digital deposits, maintaining a record - a printed summary or an accounting entry - keeps your books accurate.

How to use deposit slips effectively

1. List each check and cash amount separately and enter accurate totals.

1. Endorse checks according to your bank's instructions (business name, "For deposit only," account number as required).

1. Keep a copy or photo of the completed slip with your daily sales records.

1. Record the deposit in your accounting system the same day to reconcile bank statements faster.

Where to get deposit slips

Order pre-printed slips from your bank, online office suppliers, or custom printers. Many banks still provide basic slips free with a business account. You can also print your own using templates compatible with accounting software.

Recordkeeping tips for small businesses

• Reconcile deposits daily or weekly to catch posting errors quickly.

• Attach deposit slips to daily sales reports or keep scanned copies in your accounting system.

• Match deposit amounts to point-of-sale reports and invoices to identify discrepancies.

Bottom line

Deposit slips - whether paper or digital summaries - help businesses track incoming funds and maintain clean records. Choose the form or method that fits your transaction volume and workflow, and pair it with disciplined recording and reconciliation to reduce errors and save time.