What a bank teller does and what you need to start
A bank teller handles customer transactions at the counter or drive-through window — deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, and account inquiries. Most banks hire tellers with a high school diploma or GED and no prior banking experience. The job requires accuracy with money, the ability to work a cash drawer, and comfort talking to customers all day. You do not need a college degree, a banking license, or special certification to begin.
Banks train new tellers on the job. You will learn their specific procedures, their computer systems, and how to spot counterfeit bills and suspicious transactions. The training period usually lasts two to four weeks, though some banks extend it to six weeks depending on complexity. During training, you are typically paid while you learn.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and a drug test before hiring.
- You do not need prior banking experience or a college degree to start as a teller.
- Banks provide on-the-job training lasting two to six weeks, and you are paid during this period.
- The hiring process usually takes one to three weeks from application to your first day.
- Teller positions are entry-level roles that can lead to supervisor, loan officer, or management positions within a bank.
Education and basic requirements
You need a high school diploma or GED. That is the standard minimum across nearly all banks. Some banks will consider candidates without either if you have significant customer service experience, but this is uncommon and depends on the individual bank's policy.
Beyond the diploma, banks require a background check and a drug screening test. The background check looks for criminal history, and banks pay particular attention to financial crimes, theft, or fraud convictions. A clean record is not always required — many banks will hire people with older misdemeanors or minor offenses — but you should expect the bank to investigate. The drug test is typically a urine test done at a lab the bank directs you to, and you cover no cost.
You will also need a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number to complete the hiring paperwork. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still work as a teller if you have work authorization (a green card, visa, or other valid employment document).
How to find and land a teller position
Banks post teller openings on their own websites, on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, and through local employment agencies. Start by checking the careers page of banks in your area — large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo hire tellers constantly, as do regional banks and credit unions. Credit unions often have lower turnover and may offer slightly better pay or benefits, so do not overlook them.
When you apply, tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, cash handling (if you have it), and reliability. If you have worked retail, food service, or any job involving a register or customer interaction, mention it. Banks care about whether you show up on time and treat people well more than they care about banking knowledge.
The interview is usually straightforward. Expect questions about why you want the job, how you handle stress, and what you would do if a customer complained. Banks also test your math skills — you may be asked to count cash, make change, or solve simple arithmetic problems. Practice counting bills quickly and accurately before your interview.
The hiring timeline and what happens next
From application to job offer usually takes one to three weeks. After you submit your application, the bank screens resumes and calls candidates for phone or in-person interviews. If you pass the interview, the bank moves you to the background check and drug test phase, which takes another week or two. Once those clear, you receive an offer letter with your start date.
Your first day, you will complete paperwork, receive your employee handbook, and meet your manager and coworkers. Training begins immediately or within a few days. You will shadow experienced tellers, practice on the computer system, learn the bank's policies, and gradually take on real transactions under supervision. By the end of training, you should be able to handle most routine transactions independently.
During your first 90 days, most banks put you on a probationary period. This means the bank can let you go without cause if you are not a good fit. After 90 days, you move to regular employment status. Some banks offer benefits like health insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off starting on day one; others have a waiting period of 30 to 90 days.
Skills that help you succeed as a teller
Accuracy is the most important skill. You handle other people's money, and mistakes cost the bank time and money to fix. You need to count carefully, enter numbers correctly into the computer, and catch your own errors before a customer leaves the window. Many banks test your accuracy during training and may require you to pass a certain threshold before you work unsupervised.
Customer service matters just as much. You will interact with dozens of people per shift — some friendly, some frustrated, some in a hurry. You need to stay calm, listen, and solve problems without getting defensive. If a customer is upset about a fee or a transaction, you listen and either fix it or explain why you cannot. Banks value tellers who keep customers happy and reduce complaints.
Speed and efficiency are also important. Banks measure teller productivity by how many transactions you complete per hour. You do not need to be the fastest person on day one, but you should work toward meeting the bank's standards. This usually takes a few months as you get faster with the computer system and more confident with procedures.
Pay, hours, and what comes after
Bank teller pay varies by location, bank size, and experience. Entry-level tellers typically earn between $24,000 and $30,000 per year, though this varies significantly by region. Large cities and banks with higher cost of living pay more. Credit unions sometimes pay slightly higher than national banks. You can research specific banks and locations on sites like Glassdoor or PayScale to see what people report earning.
Most teller positions are full-time, though part-time roles exist. Full-time tellers usually work 35 to 40 hours per week, often including Saturday mornings. Some banks offer evening hours or Sunday shifts, which may pay slightly more. Expect to work holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, though banks are closed on federal banking holidays like Independence Day and Thanksgiving.
Teller is an entry-level position, but it is a real stepping stone. After one to two years as a teller, you can move into roles like head teller, customer service representative, loan processor, or branch operations. Some tellers go on to become loan officers or branch managers. The job teaches you how banks work and connects you with people who can mentor you into other roles.
Common obstacles and how to handle them
If you have a criminal record, be honest on your application. Banks do background checks, so they will find out anyway. Many banks will hire people with older convictions or minor offenses, especially if you can explain what happened and show you have moved forward. Lying on your application is grounds for immediate termination, even after you are hired.
If you fail the drug test, you will not be hired. Some banks offer a second chance if the test was a false positive, but this is rare. If you use prescription medications that might show up on a drug screen, tell the bank before the test and bring documentation from your doctor.
If you do not pass the math or accuracy test during training, ask your manager for extra practice time. Most banks will work with you if you are trying hard. If you consistently fail to meet accuracy standards after several weeks, the bank may let you go during the probationary period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become a bank teller?
No. A high school diploma or GED is the standard requirement. A college degree can help you move into management roles later, but it is not needed to start as a teller.
How long does it take to become a bank teller?
The hiring process takes one to three weeks. Training on the job takes two to six weeks. You can be handling transactions independently within a month or two of your start date.
Can I work as a teller if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and how long ago it happened. Banks do background checks and pay close attention to financial crimes and theft. Older misdemeanors or minor offenses may not disqualify you, but you should be honest on your application. The bank will find out anyway.
What is the difference between working at a big bank and a credit union?
Credit unions are smaller and often have lower turnover, which can mean more stability and slightly better pay. Big banks offer more locations, more advancement paths, and sometimes better benefits. Both hire tellers with the same basic requirements.
Can I move into other banking jobs after working as a teller?
Yes. Teller experience is a common path into roles like loan processor, customer service supervisor, and branch operations. Some tellers move into lending or management after a year or two. The job teaches you how banks work and gives you connections inside the organization.