Using your drivers license or account number for transactions at the bank: Which is better?

Question

Okay, I am a bit confused over how to

Ever since I was like 7 I had a savings account at a credit union and I would always use my bank card or my driver's license to have the teller cash and deposit checks into my account. However I recently got a checking and a savings account at Suntrust and I deposited a few checks into my accounts by showing the teller my driver's license as usual. However, one day the teller was like "You don't have any account numbers for me! You're so bad." In a bit of a sarcastic tone.

So this time, I wrote my checking account number on an index card. I went in and told the teller that I wanted to deposit a check and get some cash back. I got handed a form I'd never seen before, filled out almost totally wrong, and the teller had to almost completely fill out for me. I was a little bit embarrassed about that, and it didn't help that there was a bit of a line behind me.

So, my question is at a bank is better to give the teller your account number(s) or your driver's license when you want to deposit/cash checks? A link to a website that teaches one how to use a bank would be helpful too, because I'd rather not go through something like this again.

Answer 1

Well if you are cashing a check at your bank and not the bank the check is drawn off of then it would probably be a good idea to provide id/account number. If you are cashing it at the bank the check was drawn off of then present ID and most likely a 2nd form of ID and perhaps a fingerprint.

If you are depositing into your account you would want to give them your account number and maybe an ID depending on if you are getting cash back. What would be best is filling out that "form". The form you were giving is a deposit slip. You put if you are depositing checks or cash list them. And what the grand total is. Then at the bottom there is a spot for cash back and total deposit amount (cash back subtracted from grand total).  

Answer 2

When depositing checks, you should make sure that they are all signed on the back by you OR have FOR DEPOSIT ONLY printed on the back.   You should also have a deposit slip ready for the tellers.  This will save you and them alot of time.  If you have a check book, then the deposit slips will be located in the back of the book.  If you don't have any more, you can ask the tellers if they could make some up for you to save you and them time.  When Cashing checks you should always present a license unless, the person cashing the check knows you to the point of a first name basis.  Also if the check is not drawn on the bank where you are cashing it, then you will need to provide your account number to the teller.  This is a security measure for them, so that if the check you are cashing was to bounce they would be able to get the money back from you via your account.