What banks are actually looking for in a teller

Banks hire tellers based on cash handling accuracy, customer service ability, and trustworthiness — not on prior banking experience. Most banks will train you on their systems and procedures if you can demonstrate you can count money without mistakes, stay calm with customers, and pass a background check. The job itself involves receiving and paying out money, processing deposits and withdrawals, selling basic products like cashier's checks, and answering questions about accounts.

What matters most to hiring managers: whether you've worked a register or handled cash before (retail, grocery, restaurant), whether you can pass a background check without issues, and whether you can show up reliably. Banks run on schedules — tellers work set shifts, often including Saturdays, and absences create real problems for the branch. A clean record and consistent employment history matter more than a degree.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks require a high school diploma or GED, no prior banking experience, and the ability to pass a background check.
  • Cash handling experience from retail, grocery, or restaurant work counts as relevant experience and makes your application stronger.
  • You apply directly through the bank's careers website or in person at a branch; large banks like Chase and Bank of America post openings online.
  • The hiring process typically takes two to four weeks from application to start date, with a phone screen, in-person interview, and background check.
  • Starting pay varies by location and bank size, but entry-level tellers generally earn between $24,000 and $32,000 annually depending on region.

Where to find open teller positions

Large national banks post openings on their own careers websites. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all have dedicated job portals where you can search by location and job title. Search "[Bank Name] careers" and look for "Teller" or "Bank Teller" in the title. These sites let you filter by state and city, so you can see what's available near you right now.

Regional and community banks often post on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor before they post on their own sites. If you have a preferred bank in your area, call the branch directly and ask whether they're hiring or when they expect to hire. Many branches post notices in the window or at the customer service desk. Credit unions also hire tellers and often have lower application volume than big banks, making your chances stronger.

Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn let you set alerts for "bank teller" in your city, so new postings come to your email. This is useful because banks hire continuously as tellers move to other roles or leave.

What to include in your application and resume

Your resume should lead with any cash handling experience, even if it was years ago. If you worked a register at Target, a grocery store, or a restaurant, put that first. Banks want to see you've handled money and balanced a drawer. Include the dates, the employer name, and a one-line description: "Operated cash register, processed transactions, balanced drawer daily."

List any customer service roles next — retail associate, customer service representative, receptionist. Banks care that you can talk to people and solve problems. Include your high school diploma or GED; if you have some college or a degree, include that too, but it's not required.

In the cover letter or application notes, mention if you have a clean background and are available to work the schedule the branch needs. Many teller positions require Saturday hours and some evening shifts. If you can work those, say so. If you've never had a job, focus on volunteer work, school projects where you handled money or worked with groups, or any responsibility that shows reliability.

The interview and what banks ask

Most banks start with a phone screen lasting 10 to 15 minutes. They'll ask why you want to work there, whether you can work the posted schedule, and whether you have transportation to get to the branch. They may ask a scenario question like "A customer is upset because they were charged a fee. How would you handle that?" They're listening for whether you stay calm and try to help.

If you pass the phone screen, you'll be invited for an in-person interview at the branch, usually with the branch manager or a senior teller. Dress in business casual — slacks or a skirt, a button-up shirt or blouse, closed-toe shoes. Bring a copy of your resume, your Social Security number, and a photo ID. The interview lasts 20 to 30 minutes and covers your work history, why you want the job, how you handle stress, and your availability.

Banks often ask about a time you made a mistake and how you fixed it, or a time you had to work with a difficult person. Answer honestly and show you learned something. They also ask whether you're comfortable selling products — banks want tellers to mention savings accounts or credit cards to customers. You don't have to be a salesperson, but you should be willing to mention them when it fits.

Background check and what disqualifies you

After the interview, the bank will run a background check. This includes a criminal history search, a credit check, and verification of your employment history. Most banks care about felonies and financial crimes — theft, fraud, forgery, embezzlement. A misdemeanor from years ago usually won't disqualify you, but a recent felony conviction will.

A poor credit score alone won't stop you from being hired, but banks do check it. If you have unpaid debts, collections accounts, or a bankruptcy, disclose it if asked. Honesty matters more than a perfect score. Banks are more concerned about criminal history than credit.

Employment verification means the bank will call your previous employers to confirm you worked there and the dates match your resume. Make sure your resume is accurate. If there are gaps in your employment, be ready to explain them — school, illness, caregiving, job searching. Gaps are normal and not disqualifying.

Training and your first weeks on the job

Once you're hired, banks provide training that lasts one to three weeks depending on the bank's size and complexity. You'll learn the bank's computer systems, how to process different types of transactions, compliance rules, and security procedures. You'll practice counting cash and using the cash drawer. Most training happens in the branch with a senior teller or trainer watching you.

Your first few weeks you'll work alongside an experienced teller who watches your transactions and corrects mistakes in real time. Banks are strict about accuracy — your drawer is counted at the end of every shift, and you're responsible for any shortages. This sounds stressful, but most tellers get comfortable within a month.

You'll also learn about the bank's products and policies. Banks expect tellers to mention checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards to customers when appropriate. You won't be expected to sell aggressively, but you should be able to explain what products exist and hand off interested customers to a banker.

Pay, hours, and advancement from the teller role

Entry-level teller pay varies by location and bank size. In rural areas and smaller banks, starting pay may be $24,000 to $26,000 per year. In major cities and at large banks, it's often $28,000 to $32,000. Some banks offer shift differentials — a small bonus for working evenings or Saturdays. After one to two years, raises are typical, and experienced tellers can earn $30,000 to $38,000.

Most teller positions are full-time, 35 to 40 hours per week. Schedules include at least one weekend day, usually Saturday, and some branches are open until 6 or 7 p.m. on weekdays. Part-time teller roles exist but are less common; full-time is the standard.

The teller role is often a stepping stone. After one to three years, tellers move into customer service representative roles, loan processing, or operations positions. Some become assistant branch managers. Banks prefer to promote from within, so being a teller is a way to get your foot in the door and learn the business. If you want to stay in banking, this is a solid starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to become a bank teller?

No. Most banks require only a high school diploma or GED. Some prefer some college coursework, but it's not required. Cash handling experience and reliability matter more than education level.

What if I have a criminal record?

Felonies, especially financial crimes like theft or fraud, will likely disqualify you. Misdemeanors may not, depending on how recent they are and what the offense was. Be honest on the application; banks run background checks and will find out anyway. Some banks have specific policies about how old a conviction must be to not disqualify you — call and ask before you apply.

How long does it take from application to starting work?

Typically two to four weeks. The phone screen happens within a few days of applying, the in-person interview within a week or two, and the background check takes another week or two. Once cleared, you may start within days or a week.

Can I work part-time as a teller?

Part-time teller positions exist but are uncommon. Most branches staff tellers full-time because the role requires consistent presence and training. Ask about part-time when you apply, but expect full-time to be the standard offer.

What happens if my cash drawer doesn't balance at the end of my shift?

If you're short money, you're responsible for it — you may have to pay the difference out of your paycheck, depending on the bank's policy. If you're over, the bank keeps it. This is why accuracy matters. Most tellers balance correctly most days; small mistakes happen and are usually caught and corrected during training.