Learn about your training options for becoming a bank teller, such as earning a degree or completing on-the-job training. Review the qualifications for earning the Certified Bank Teller credential. Get more information on the typical job duties and responsibilities of bank tellers.
What Is a Bank Teller?
Bank tellers provide face-to-face customer service for bank patrons, assisting with deposits, withdrawals, payments and even opening a new account. When you go into a bank to deposit or withdrawal money, make a payment or check your balance, a bank teller is the employee that will likely handle these tasks for you. The bank teller may also help you open a new account.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>About the Career</b></td><td>Bank tellers assist customers at banks with deposits, withdrawals and other transactions</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Requirements</b></td><td>High school diploma or equivalent, some employers may prefer training or customer service experience</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Programs</b></td><td>Single courses and short certificate programs are offered at several schools and online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>While not required, a bank teller certification distinguishes individuals with proven bank teller skills</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td>$32,620 (<i>for all bank tellers</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 15% decline (<i>for all bank tellers</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---DoINeedADegree">Do I Need a Degree?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that you don't need a college degree to become a bank teller. You'll need a high school diploma or a GED and you may be required to pass a drug test and background check. You'll get much of your training on the job. However, there are training programs offered by community and technical colleges that may help you prepare for a career as a bank teller. A bank teller is an entry-level position in the banking industry, so if you are looking to advance into a different department of banking, you may want to complete a degree program in a field related to banking, such as accounting or finance.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTrainingIsAvailable">What Training Is Available?</h3><p>As an entry level job, the bank that hires you will provide your training and you will learn many of your job duties by interacting with customers. You can also complete a training program either online or in person. Program details and requirements vary by institution, but all include instruction in basic banking practices, customer service skills and technical applications, like banking software.
</p><h3 id="section---IsThereAProfessionalCertification">Is There a Professional Certification?</h3><p>The American Bankers Association (ABA) offers a bank teller certification. You are eligible for this certification if you have at least six months of job experience working as a bank teller and if you have completed the American Institute of Banking's bank teller certificate program, which can be found online. You will also need to provide letters of recommendation and successfully pass a background check in order to meet all of the ABA standards for certification.</p>
