What bank tellers do and what employers look for
A bank teller handles cash transactions, processes deposits and withdrawals, and answers customer questions about accounts and services. Most banks want tellers who can work a cash drawer accurately, stay calm during busy periods, and explain banking products to customers who may not understand them. You do not need a degree — most banks hire people with a high school diploma or GED and train them on the job.
Banks care most about three things: whether you can handle money without mistakes, whether you can pass a background check, and whether you can show up reliably. A criminal record involving theft or fraud will disqualify you at most institutions. A spotty employment history or frequent job changes will raise questions, but is not automatic grounds for rejection.
Pay varies by location and bank size. Community banks and credit unions often pay less than large national chains, but may offer better hours or a smaller-branch feel. Most teller positions start between $24,000 and $28,000 per year, though this varies significantly by region and employer.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks hire tellers with only a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training in cash handling and bank systems.
- You will need to pass a background check and a basic math or cash-handling assessment before you are hired.
- Apply directly through the bank's career website or in person at a branch; staffing agencies and job boards like Indeed also post teller openings.
- Dress professionally, arrive early, and be ready to discuss why you want the job and how you handle pressure or mistakes.
- Some banks promote tellers into customer service or loan officer roles after one to two years, so the job can be a stepping stone to other positions.
Where to find bank teller job openings
Start with the careers page of banks where you want to work. Most large banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citibank — post all openings on their own websites. Search for "teller" or "branch associate" and filter by location. You can set up job alerts so new postings come to your email.
Job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter also list teller positions from multiple banks at once. Search "bank teller near me" or "bank teller [your city]" to see what is available in your area. Credit unions and community banks may post only on their own sites, so if you want to work at a specific institution, check there first.
Staffing agencies that specialize in banking and finance sometimes place tellers. They can move faster than applying directly, but the agency takes a cut of your pay or the bank pays them a fee. Ask whether the position is temporary or permanent before you commit.
What to prepare before you send your resume
You will need a resume that lists your work history, even if you have only worked retail, food service, or other customer-facing jobs. Banks want to see that you have held a job for at least a few months and that you can explain any gaps. If you have been out of work, be ready to say why — illness, caregiving, school — in a straightforward way.
Gather documents you may need during the hiring process: a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and contact information for previous employers. Banks run background checks that include criminal history, credit history, and employment verification. You do not need perfect credit to be hired as a teller, but a history of fraud or financial crime will disqualify you.
If you have no work history, volunteer experience, school leadership roles, or community involvement can fill the gap. Banks understand that some people are entering the workforce for the first time. What they want to see is that you can commit to something and follow through.
How to apply and what happens next
Most banks use an online application system. Fill it out completely and honestly. Do not leave fields blank or guess at dates. If you apply in person at a branch, ask to speak with the branch manager or the person who handles hiring. Bring a printed resume and dress as you would for work — business casual at minimum.
After you submit your application, you may receive an automated email saying it was received. Some banks screen applications immediately; others take a week or more. If you do not hear back within two weeks, you can call the branch or the bank's HR line to ask about the status of your application.
If the bank moves forward, you will be invited to an interview. This is usually a phone or video call first, followed by an in-person interview at the branch. Some banks give a brief math or cash-handling test before or after the interview. The whole process from application to job offer typically takes two to four weeks.
How to prepare for the interview
Research the bank before you go in. Know what products they offer, whether they have a mobile app, and what their reputation is in your community. You do not need to memorize details, but you should be able to say why you want to work there specifically, not just "I need a job."
Practice answering common questions: Why do you want to be a teller? Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work and how you handled it. How do you stay organized when things get busy? Describe a time you helped a customer who was confused or upset. Banks ask these questions because they want to know how you think and whether you can stay calm under pressure.
Bring a notebook and pen. Write down the interviewer's name and the details of the job. Ask questions: What is a typical day like? What training do new tellers receive? How long does it take to move into another role? This shows you are serious and thinking ahead.
Dress in business casual — slacks or a skirt, a button-up shirt or blouse, closed-toe shoes. Banks are conservative about appearance. Avoid heavy perfume, excessive jewelry, or visible tattoos if possible (some banks are stricter than others). Arrive 10 minutes early.
What happens after you are hired
Most banks require a background check and drug test before you start. This usually takes one to two weeks. You will be notified of your start date once the background check clears. If you have a criminal record, the bank will tell you whether it disqualifies you before you complete the full application.
Your first week or two will be training. You will learn the bank's computer systems, cash-handling procedures, and compliance rules. You will practice opening and closing a drawer, counting cash, and processing different types of transactions. Some banks do this in a classroom; others train you on the job with a mentor teller.
You will be expected to pass a cash-handling test — usually you must be within a small amount (often $5 or less) when you balance your drawer at the end of the day. This becomes easier with practice. Most tellers are accurate within a few weeks.
Moving up from a teller position
Bank teller is often a stepping stone. After one to two years, you can move into customer service representative, loan processor, or branch operations roles. Some tellers go on to become loan officers or branch managers. The bank will usually promote from within if you show up on time, handle your cash accurately, and treat customers well.
If you want to move up faster, ask your manager what skills or certifications would help. Some banks pay for you to earn a certificate in banking or finance. Others offer tuition reimbursement if you pursue a degree. Taking on extra responsibilities — training new tellers, handling special requests, learning multiple systems — can get you noticed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any certifications or licenses to be a bank teller?
No. Banks hire tellers with a high school diploma and train them on the job. Some states require tellers to register with a banking regulator, but the bank handles this after you are hired. You do not need to obtain any license before you apply.
What if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the crime and how long ago it happened. Banks are most concerned about theft, fraud, and financial crimes. A felony conviction will likely disqualify you from most major banks, but some community banks and credit unions may consider your case individually. Be honest on the application — banks will find out during the background check anyway.
Can I work as a teller part-time?
Yes, many banks hire part-time tellers, especially for weekend and evening shifts. Part-time positions usually offer fewer hours and less pay, but no benefits. Ask about part-time openings when you apply or call the branch directly.
How long does it take to get hired?
From application to start date is usually three to six weeks. The interview may happen within a week or two, but the background check and drug test add time. Some banks move faster; others are slower. Call to follow up if you have not heard back in two weeks.
What math skills do I need?
You need to be comfortable with basic arithmetic — addition, subtraction, and counting cash quickly. Most banks give a simple math test during the hiring process. If math is not your strong suit, practice counting money and doing quick calculations before your interview.