What bank tellers actually do, and what employers look for
A bank teller handles cash transactions, deposits, and withdrawals at the counter. You'll verify customer identity, count money, process checks, and answer questions about accounts. Most banks want you to have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and pass a background check. Some banks prefer people with customer service experience, but many will train someone with no banking background if you're reliable and good with numbers.
Banks care most about accuracy and trustworthiness. You'll be handling other people's money, so employers run thorough background checks and may ask about your financial history. A clean record and the ability to stay calm under pressure matter more than prior banking knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18, and pass a background check before hiring.
- Customer service experience helps but is not required — banks will train people with no banking background.
- Apply directly through the bank's careers website or in person at a local branch, not through general job boards alone.
- The hiring process typically takes two to four weeks from application to start date.
- Teller positions often lead to advancement into customer service, loan processing, or branch management roles.
Where to find bank teller job openings
Start with the careers page of banks in your area. Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank post openings on their own websites. Smaller regional banks and credit unions also hire tellers regularly — check their sites directly. You can also search Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter, but applying through the bank's own site often gets faster attention.
Visit branches in person and ask if they're hiring. Many managers keep applications on file and will call you if a position opens. This also shows initiative and lets you make a first impression. Call ahead to ask the best time to stop by — early morning or mid-afternoon is usually quieter than lunch or end-of-day.
What to include in your application and resume
List any customer-facing jobs you've held — retail, food service, call centers, or administrative roles all count. Highlight skills like cash handling, attention to detail, and ability to work with people. If you've used a cash register or point-of-sale system, mention it. Banks want to see that you can follow procedures and stay organized.
Include your education (high school diploma, GED, or college coursework), any relevant certifications, and references from previous employers. If you have no work history, list volunteer experience, school projects, or community involvement that shows responsibility. Keep your resume to one page and use clear language — banks receive hundreds of applications and spend seconds on each one.
The interview and what banks will ask
Expect questions about why you want to work in banking, how you handle stress, and what you'd do if a customer complained. Banks also ask math questions — they may ask you to count out change or do simple calculations to test your accuracy. Practice counting cash quickly and accurately before your interview.
Dress professionally: business casual or business formal. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring a copy of your resume, a list of references, and your Social Security number (they'll need it for the background check). Be honest about your background — banks will find out anyway, and dishonesty disqualifies you immediately.
Background checks and what they cover
Banks run criminal background checks, credit checks, and employment history verification. A criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you, but certain crimes (theft, fraud, forgery) make hiring unlikely. Credit checks look for patterns of financial irresponsibility — unpaid debts or collections accounts can raise concerns, though one or two old issues usually won't stop the hire.
Be upfront if you have something in your past. During the interview or on the application form, many banks ask if you've been convicted of a crime or had financial problems. Lying is worse than admitting to something — employers respect honesty and can verify everything anyway. The background check typically takes one to two weeks.
Training and what happens after you're hired
Most banks require one to three weeks of training before you work the counter alone. You'll learn the bank's systems, security procedures, customer service standards, and how to handle different types of transactions. Training is usually paid and happens at the branch or a regional training center. Some banks require you to pass a test at the end of training to prove you understand the procedures.
Your first few weeks on the job, you'll work under supervision. A senior teller or manager watches your transactions and answers questions. After that, you work independently but can always ask for help. Most banks expect you to handle 50 to 100 transactions per day, so speed and accuracy both matter.
Pay, hours, and advancement opportunities
Bank teller pay varies by location and bank size. Entry-level tellers typically earn between $24,000 and $32,000 per year, though this varies significantly by region and employer. Larger banks in cities pay more than small-town branches. Most teller positions are full-time with benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Hours are usually Monday through Friday, with some Saturday shifts. You won't work nights or Sundays at most branches. After one to two years as a teller, you can move into roles like personal banker, customer service representative, loan processor, or branch supervisor. Many bank managers started as tellers, so this job can be a real stepping stone if you want to stay in banking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need banking experience to get hired as a teller?
No. Banks hire people with no banking background regularly. Customer service experience helps, but training covers everything you need to know about banking systems and procedures. What matters most is reliability, accuracy with numbers, and the ability to work with people.
How long does it take from application to first day of work?
Typically two to four weeks. This includes time for the bank to review applications, conduct interviews, run background checks, and schedule training. Some banks move faster if they need to fill a position urgently. You can ask the hiring manager for a timeline after your interview.
What happens if I fail the background check?
It depends on what the check finds. Minor issues like old unpaid debts may not disqualify you. Crimes involving theft, fraud, or dishonesty usually do. If you're denied, ask the bank what specifically caused the rejection — some issues can be explained or resolved, and you have the right to know why you weren't hired.
Can I work as a teller part-time?
Some banks hire part-time tellers, especially for busy branches or seasonal needs. Part-time positions usually offer fewer benefits and less training, but they're worth asking about if full-time doesn't work for you. Check the job posting or ask the branch manager directly.
What math skills do I need?
You need to count cash accurately and quickly, make change, and verify that deposits and withdrawals match. You don't need advanced math — basic arithmetic and the ability to focus on detail are what matter. Most banks test your counting speed and accuracy during the interview or training.