Bank tellers handle cash, deposits, and withdrawals at the counter

A bank teller is the person you see behind the counter when you deposit a check or withdraw cash. They process transactions, verify customer identity, count money, and operate the bank's computer systems to record each transaction. Most tellers work full-time or part-time at a physical branch, though some banks now hire remote tellers who handle phone and video calls instead of in-person customers.

The job is entry-level, meaning you do not need years of experience to start. Banks hire tellers with a high school diploma or GED and provide on-the-job training. The role pays between $24,000 and $32,000 per year depending on location, bank size, and whether you work full-time or part-time, though some larger banks and credit unions offer slightly higher starting wages.

Most tellers work standard business hours — typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday — though some branches stay open later or open on Saturdays. You will stand for most of your shift, handle multiple customers in sequence, and balance your cash drawer at the end of each day.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank tellers need a high school diploma or GED and must pass a background check, but no prior banking experience is required.
  • You will train on the bank's computer system and cash-handling procedures for one to four weeks before working independently.
  • The job involves processing deposits and withdrawals, verifying customer identity, selling bank products, and balancing cash at day's end.
  • Banks hire tellers year-round, but competition is strongest in spring and summer when more positions open.
  • Many tellers move into customer service, loan processing, or management roles after one to two years in the position.

What you need before you can start

You must have a high school diploma or GED. Some banks accept candidates still in high school if they will graduate within a few months, but most require proof of completion before your first day.

You will need to pass a background check. Banks run criminal history checks and sometimes verify employment history. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you — many banks hire people with past convictions — but certain crimes related to fraud or theft may block you from the position. The bank will tell you what they found and give you a chance to explain.

You must be able to pass a drug screening. Most banks require a urine or saliva test before hire. If you take prescription medications, bring documentation from your doctor; the bank's testing company will flag the result, but your doctor's note usually clears it.

Some banks require you to be at least 18 years old, though a few hire 17-year-olds with parental permission. Check the job posting or call the branch to confirm their age requirement.

How to find and apply for teller positions

Start by checking the careers page of banks in your area. Most large banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank — post openings on their websites. Smaller regional banks and credit unions also hire tellers and sometimes offer better training and advancement paths because they have fewer applicants.

Search job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter using the term "bank teller" plus your city name. You can also walk into a local branch and ask the manager if they are hiring; some branches still accept in-person applications, and showing up in person can make you memorable.

When you apply online, use the exact job title from the posting and include any relevant experience — cash handling, customer service, retail, or volunteer work. You do not need banking experience, but the bank wants to know you can handle money accurately and treat customers respectfully.

Expect to hear back within one to two weeks if the bank is interested. Some banks use automated phone or video interviews before scheduling an in-person meeting.

The interview and what banks look for

Bank teller interviews are usually short — 20 to 30 minutes — and focus on customer service and reliability. The manager will ask why you want the job, how you handle mistakes, and whether you can work the schedule they need. They are looking for someone who shows up on time, stays calm under pressure, and treats customers with respect.

Dress in business casual: slacks or a skirt, a button-up shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid heavy perfume, excessive jewelry, or visible tattoos if possible, though policies vary by bank and location.

Be ready to discuss your availability. Banks need tellers who can work the full schedule — if you can only work mornings or need every Wednesday off, say so upfront. Flexibility helps you get hired, but lying about your schedule will cause problems later.

Bring two forms of ID and your Social Security number. The bank will use these to run your background check if they offer you the job.

Training and your first weeks on the job

Once hired, you will complete orientation and on-the-job training that usually lasts one to four weeks. The length depends on the bank's size and whether you have prior cash-handling experience.

Training covers the bank's computer system (how to log in, process transactions, and flag suspicious activity), cash-handling procedures (how to count, bundle, and secure money), customer verification (checking ID and confirming account ownership), and bank products (savings accounts, credit cards, loans). You will also learn the bank's policies on fraud prevention, customer privacy, and what to do if a customer becomes angry or abusive.

For the first week or two, you will shadow an experienced teller, watching them handle transactions and asking questions. Then you will work at your own window or station while a trainer watches and corrects you. By the end of training, you should be able to process a typical transaction — a deposit, withdrawal, or account inquiry — without help.

Your first few weeks are the hardest. You will move slowly at first, and customers may get impatient. This is normal. Most tellers reach normal speed after four to six weeks of independent work.

Daily tasks and what the work actually involves

Your main job is processing transactions. A customer walks up, tells you what they need, and you use the bank's computer to complete it. A deposit means you take their check or cash, verify the amount, and record it in their account. A withdrawal means you count out the cash, verify their identity, and record the transaction. You might also process transfers between accounts, sell cashier's checks, or help customers open new accounts.

You will verify customer identity on every transaction. You check their ID against their account, confirm their address, and watch for signs of fraud — a customer trying to withdraw a large sum from an account they just opened, or someone with a fake ID. If something looks wrong, you ask a manager before proceeding.

You will balance your cash drawer at the end of each shift. You count the money in your drawer, subtract what you started with, and make sure it matches the total of all transactions you processed. If it does not match, you recount and look for the error. Most tellers balance within a few dollars; if you are off by more than $20, the manager will help you find the mistake.

You will also sell bank products — suggesting a savings account to a customer making a large deposit, or mentioning a credit card offer to someone applying for a loan. This is not high-pressure sales; you mention it once, and if they are not interested, you move on.

Pay, benefits, and room to advance

Starting pay for bank tellers ranges from $24,000 to $32,000 per year for full-time work, depending on the bank's size, your location, and local cost of living. Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes pay slightly more than large national banks. Part-time tellers usually earn $15 to $18 per hour.

Most full-time tellers receive health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off — usually one to two weeks of vacation per year plus sick days. Some banks offer tuition reimbursement if you want to take college courses.

After one to two years as a teller, you can move into other roles. Head teller positions supervise other tellers and pay slightly more. Customer service representative roles involve helping customers open accounts and answer questions about bank products. Loan processor positions handle the paperwork for mortgages and personal loans. Branch manager positions are possible after several years and additional training. Many tellers use the job as a stepping stone to these roles or to other careers entirely.

Common challenges and how to handle them

The most common complaint from new tellers is that the work is repetitive and the pace is fast. You will process hundreds of transactions in a day, and each one requires focus. If you like variety and problem-solving, this job may feel boring after a few months. Some tellers stay for years; others move on after a year or two.

Difficult customers are another challenge. Some people are rude when they have to wait in line, or angry about fees, or suspicious of the bank. You will be trained to stay calm and professional, but it can be stressful. Most branches have a manager nearby who can step in if a customer becomes abusive.

Balancing your cash drawer can be frustrating if you make mistakes. New tellers sometimes count wrong or forget to record a transaction, and then spend 15 minutes finding the error. This gets faster with practice, but it is a source of stress early on.

Scheduling can also be tight. Banks need tellers during peak hours — lunch time, Friday afternoons, and the first and last days of the month — so you may be asked to work those times even if you prefer not to. Part-time tellers often have less control over their schedule than full-time ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to use a computer before I apply?

No. Banks teach you their specific computer system during training. You should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard and willing to learn new software, but you do not need prior banking or computer experience. If you have never used a computer, mention this during the interview so the trainer knows to spend extra time on it.

What happens if I make a mistake and give a customer the wrong amount of money?

If you discover the mistake before the customer leaves, you correct it immediately. If you find it later when balancing your drawer, you report it to the manager, and the bank contacts the customer to fix it. Occasional small mistakes are normal and expected during training. Repeated large mistakes or intentional theft will get you fired.

Can I work as a bank teller if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the crime and how long ago it happened. Banks are more concerned about fraud, theft, and forgery than other offenses. If you have a record, be honest about it during the background check process. Some banks will hire you; others will not. It is worth applying to several banks to see who will consider you.

How long does it take to become a head teller or move into management?

Most banks require one to two years as a teller before promoting you to head teller. Management roles (branch manager, assistant manager) usually require three to five years in banking and sometimes a college degree or management training course. The timeline varies by bank and your performance.

What is the difference between working at a bank branch and a credit union?

Credit unions are smaller, member-owned financial institutions. Teller work is similar, but credit unions often have fewer customers per teller, more flexible scheduling, and sometimes better pay and benefits. The training may be shorter because the systems are simpler. If you have a choice, credit unions can be a good place to start.