What banks actually look for when hiring tellers
Banks hire tellers based on a combination of customer service skills, cash handling accuracy, and basic math ability—not on a specific degree or certification. Most banks will train you on their systems and procedures once you're hired. What they screen for in the hiring process is whether you can handle money responsibly, stay calm under pressure, and follow procedures exactly.
The typical bank teller job requires a high school diploma or GED. Some banks will hire without it if you have relevant work experience, but this varies by institution and location. You do not need prior banking experience, though retail or customer service work helps because it shows you can handle transactions and difficult customers.
Banks use background checks as a standard part of hiring. They will look at your criminal history, credit report, and employment history. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you—banks care most about financial crimes, theft, and fraud. A poor credit score raises questions but is not always a dealbreaker; what matters more is whether you can explain it honestly.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank teller positions require only a high school diploma or GED and no prior banking experience.
- Banks conduct background checks including criminal history and credit reports, with the most weight on financial crimes and theft.
- The hiring process typically includes an process, phone screening, in-person interview, and a math or cash handling test.
- Teller pay ranges widely by bank size and location, but entry-level positions usually start between $24,000 and $32,000 annually.
- Once hired, you will complete training on the bank's systems, security procedures, and compliance rules before working independently.
The hiring process from process to first day
The process usually follows this order: online process, phone screening, in-person interview, skills test, background check, and job offer. The entire timeline typically takes two to four weeks, though some banks move faster and others slower depending on how many positions they're filling.
When you explore online, you will fill out a form with your work history, education, and personal information. Banks use automated systems to screen applications, so make sure your dates and job titles are accurate and match what's on your resume. If you have gaps in employment, be ready to explain them in the interview—banks see these and will ask.
The phone screening is usually brief: 10 to 15 minutes with a recruiter who confirms you meet basic requirements and asks why you want the job. They are checking that you can speak clearly and that you're not explore to 50 banks at once with no real interest. Be specific about why you chose that bank if you can.
The in-person interview typically involves one or two managers asking about your customer service experience, how you handle mistakes, and what you'd do in specific scenarios (a customer is angry about a fee, you notice a coworker isn't following procedure). They want to hear concrete examples from past jobs, not general statements about being a good person.
After the interview, most banks give you a math and cash handling test. This is not difficult—it covers basic addition, subtraction, and counting money quickly and accurately. Some banks do this on the spot; others send it online. You usually have a few days to complete it.
The background check comes next. Banks use third-party companies to pull criminal records, credit reports, and employment verification. You will be asked to authorize this in writing. If anything comes back that concerns them, they may ask you to explain it before making a final decision.
Documents and information you'll need to prepare
Have these ready before you start explore: your Social Security number, a valid photo ID, your employment history with dates and job titles, the names and phone numbers of at least two references (former managers are best), your education history, and your current address.
If you have gaps in employment longer than a few months, write down a brief explanation for each one. Banks will ask, and having a clear answer ready shows you're organized. If you were laid off, say so. If you took time off for family reasons, say that. Vague answers raise more questions.
Some banks ask for a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate during the process or interview. Have a photo of it on your phone or a PDF ready to send. If you're still working toward your GED, tell them during the interview—many banks will still consider you if you're close to finishing.
Where to find bank teller job openings
Most banks post openings on their own career websites first. Go directly to the bank's website, look for a "Careers" or "Jobs" section, and search for "teller" or "entry-level." Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank post dozens of openings at a time. Regional and local banks often have fewer openings but less competition.
Job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor aggregate bank teller postings from many employers. You can set up alerts so new postings come to your email. These sites also show you salary ranges and employee reviews of the bank, which helps you decide whether to explore.
Staffing agencies that specialize in banking and finance sometimes fill teller positions. They can move faster than explore directly to the bank, and they may have relationships with hiring managers that help your process get noticed. The downside is that the agency takes a cut of your pay or the bank's hiring budget.
Walking into a bank branch and asking to speak with the manager about job openings still works, especially at smaller banks. Bring a resume and dress professionally. This shows initiative and gives the manager a face to remember when they're reviewing applications.
What to expect in your first weeks on the job
Your first week is usually classroom training: learning the bank's computer systems, security procedures, compliance rules, and how to process different types of transactions. You will learn about fraud prevention, how to spot counterfeit bills, and what to do if something doesn't add up. This is mandatory and non-negotiable—banks are heavily regulated and every employee has to know the rules.
In your second and third weeks, you will work alongside an experienced teller who watches you handle transactions and gives feedback. This is called shadowing or on-the-job training. You will process deposits, withdrawals, and transfers under supervision. Mistakes at this stage are expected and part of learning.
After that, you will work independently but with a supervisor nearby. Your drawer will be counted at the end of each shift to make sure your cash matches your records. Small discrepancies happen and are usually not a problem if they're rare. Repeated large shortages or overages will get you retrained or, in serious cases, fired.
Most banks require you to pass a probationary period of 60 to 90 days. During this time, you can be let go without cause. After that, you have more job security and may become may be able to access for benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
Pay, benefits, and advancement from the teller role
Bank teller pay varies significantly by bank size, location, and cost of living. Entry-level tellers at small regional banks might start at $24,000 to $26,000 per year. Large national banks typically start at $28,000 to $32,000. Cities with higher costs of living pay more. These are base salaries; some banks add small bonuses for sales or performance.
Benefits vary by employer and whether you work full-time or part-time. Full-time tellers at most banks receive health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and employee discounts on banking products. Part-time tellers may get limited benefits or none at all, depending on the bank's policy.
The teller role is often a stepping stone. After one to two years, you can move into positions like personal banker, loan officer, or branch operations specialist. These roles pay more and involve less cash handling. Some banks promote from within; others expect you to explore for the new role like an external candidate. Ask about advancement opportunities during your interview.
Common reasons banks reject teller candidates
A felony conviction for theft, fraud, or financial crimes will almost certainly disqualify you. Misdemeanors are handled case-by-case; the bank will look at how long ago it happened and what it was. A DUI from 10 years ago is different from a theft conviction from last year.
A very poor credit score (below 550) raises red flags because banks worry about financial desperation leading to theft or fraud. This is not an automatic rejection, but it will be discussed. If you have a low score, be ready to explain what happened and what you've done to improve it.
Gaps in employment that you can't or won't explain, inconsistencies between your process and resume, or references that don't return calls will slow down or stop your hiring. Banks are cautious about background and history because they handle money and customer information.
Failing the math or cash handling test is rare but possible. If you struggle with basic arithmetic or counting quickly, practice before taking the test. Some banks will let you retake it if you fail the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to use a computer to be a bank teller?
You need basic computer skills—opening programs, using a mouse and keyboard, typing at a reasonable speed. You do not need to know banking software; the bank will train you on that. If you've used email or worked a retail job with a point-of-sale system, you have enough to start.
What if I have a criminal record?
It depends on what the crime was and how long ago. Theft, fraud, and financial crimes are serious obstacles. Other felonies or misdemeanors may not disqualify you if enough time has passed and you can explain what happened. Be honest during the background check process; lying about it will definitely get you rejected.
Can I work as a bank teller part-time?
Yes, many banks hire part-time tellers, especially for weekend and evening shifts. Part-time positions usually offer less pay per hour and fewer benefits, but they work well if you're in school or have other commitments. The hiring process is the same as for full-time roles.
How long does the background check take?
Usually three to seven business days. The bank will tell you when they've ordered it and when they expect results. If something comes back that needs explanation, they will contact you before making a final decision. This can add another week or two.
What should I wear to a bank teller interview?
Business casual or business formal: dress pants or a skirt, a button-up shirt or blouse, closed-toe shoes. Avoid jeans, t-shirts, and heavy perfume or cologne. Banks are conservative environments and your appearance signals whether you understand that. You don't need a suit, but you should look like you take the job seriously.