Knowing English phrases used at a bank is essential since most people, at one time or another, have dealings with banks. Individuals may have savings or checking accounts, need loans for the purchase of autos or homes, or seek advice and assistance with investment options. Companies and entrepreneurs need banking services to conduct their businesses. Tourist may need banks to cash travelers checks or get cash against credit cards.
| Take a look below at some common English expressions and short conversations used at a bank. Customer: I want to (… cash a check)? Teller: Certainly, do you have an ID. |
| Customer: I would like to (… make a deposit into my checking account). Teller: Please complete this deposit slip. |
| Costumer: I need to withdrawal $500 from my savings. Teller: Of course. Do you have your account. passbook? |
| Customer: I would like to apply for (… a bank guarantee card). Teller: Please see the woman at the accounts desk over there. |
| Customer: Who would I talk to ( … about a car loan)? Teller: You will have to see Mr. Ellison in the loan department. |
| Banking Vocabulary Automatic deposit- A bank service that allows employers to deposit employees wages directly into the employees bank accounts. |
| Saving account- Money put in the bank for long term saving |
| Checking account- Money put in the bank to be taken out periodically for purchases or bills |
| Loans- Money given to you by the bank which you pay back over time |
| Collateral- Something of value as a guarantee for a loan |
| Interest- Charges for using the banks money or money given to depositors for the use of their money by the bank |
| Check- An instrument issued by banks to its customers that allow them to make purchases instead of using cash. |
| Mortgage- A loan for a house |
| Deposit- Put money into a bank account |
| Withdrawal- Take money out of a bank account |
| Teller- A bank clerk |
| Deposit/withdrawal slips- Forms that are filled out when depositing or withdrawing money |
| Bank guarantee card- A bank card that assures payees that a check is good |
| Monthly statement- A financial listing of your banking activities (money deposited and withdrawn and charged or accrued) |
| Open an account- To start a bank account |
| Close an account- To end an account |
| Travelers check- A prepaid check used by tourists issued by a bank that can be cashed in banks or businesses world wide. |
Practice Activities
Find a partner and role play conversations at a bank and practice using the above vocabulary and situations (getting a loan, making a deposit, etc).
Other Links for at a Bank
XXXBank Expressions
XXXBanking Role Play
XXXAt a Bank
To find other conversation activities and dialogues for
English at a bank take a look at:
Conversation Made Easy OR Talk, Talk, Talk
For other books about English visit EFL e-books.