A deposit is a specific sum of money taken and held on account, by a bank as a service provided for its clients. A financial institution wishing to take deposits are generally required be under financial supervision, and to hold a banking license.

The sum of the held deposits represents an asset, which the bank in turn can use to give loans.

A deposit is also money paid by someone who rents or lends a good, e.g. a car or a shopping cart. The money is returned when the good is returned, after deduction of any rent not paid yet, and compensation for small damage.