In this lesson, we are looking at what to say when you are going to the bank.

Here is some useful vocabulary that you can use when you are at the bank:

An account: this is where you would take your money from or put your money into at the bank.

Account number: the number the bank gives you for your account

Interest: the extra money the bank will pay you if you have money in your account

Deposit: to put money into your account at the bank

Withdraw: to take money out of your account at the bank

Exchange: when you want to change money from one country into money from another country

Bank card: the card that you can use in shops to pay for items and also in machines to withdraw money

Bank teller: the person who works behind the counter at the bank

Bank manager: the person that runs the bank

ATM (also called ‘cash machine’): a machine where you can withdraw money from your account using your bank card

ID (also ‘identification’): a document or card with your name and other details printed on it. Your passport or driving licence is often used as ID.

PIN number: Your pin number is the number (normally 4 digits) that you use when you want to withdraw money from an ATM.

Currency: Anything used to buy or sell something is currency. For example, The United States dollar is a currency; the British pound is a currency.

At the bank – example conversation #1

Teller: Good morning. Can I help you?
Customer: Yes please – I would like to open an account here.
Teller. OK. Do you have any ID?
Customer: I have my driving licence – is that enough?
Teller: Well, we need two forms of ID and something with your home address.
Customer: OK, well I also have an electric bill with my name and address on it.
Teller: That’s fine – just give me a few minutes to open your new account.

At the bank – example conversation #2

Teller: Hello. Can I help you?
Customer: Yes please. I’d like to deposit this cheque into my account.
Teller: Certainly. Do you have your account number?
Customer: No, but I do have my bank card – is that enough?
Teller: Yes, that’s fine….OK, that’s all done!
Customer: Thanks!