Banking jobs range from teller positions that require a high school diploma to analyst roles that need a degree, and the path depends on which type of work interests you
Banks hire for dozens of different roles, and the entry point varies. A teller is the most common starting position—you handle customer transactions, verify deposits, and process withdrawals. Most banks require a high school diploma or GED and will train you on the job. Customer service representatives answer phones and handle account questions; these also typically require a diploma and no prior banking experience. If you have a bachelor's degree, you can move into analyst or loan officer roles, which involve reviewing financial data or assessing loan applications. Some positions—like compliance officer or risk manager—require specific certifications or graduate degrees.
The hiring process at banks is more standardized than at many other industries. You will fill out an application, pass a background check (banks run these on everyone), take a basic skills test, and interview with a manager. Some larger banks use online assessments to screen for attention to detail and customer service aptitude before you ever speak to a person. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks from application to job offer.
Key Takeaways
- Teller and customer service roles require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training; analyst and loan officer roles require a bachelor's degree.
- All banking positions require a background check, and banks will verify your employment history and check for criminal records.
- Banks use online applications and skills assessments before interviews, so submitting a complete, error-free application matters more than at many other employers.
- Certifications like the Series 7 (for investment products) or loan officer licensing can open doors to higher-paying roles, but most banks will pay for these after you are hired.
- Community banks and credit unions often have faster hiring timelines and more flexible requirements than large national banks.
Where to find banking job openings
Most large banks post jobs on their own career websites first. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and regional banks like PNC and US Bank all have dedicated job portals. Go directly to the bank's website, find the "Careers" link (usually at the bottom of the homepage), and search by location and job title. This is faster than using general job boards because you are applying through the bank's system, and hiring managers check these portals daily.
General job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor also list banking positions, but they pull from the bank's own system anyway—you are not getting an advantage by applying there instead. The one exception is LinkedIn: if you build a profile showing banking-related skills or education, recruiters at banks sometimes reach out directly. Credit unions and smaller regional banks may only post on Indeed or their own websites, so check both.
Staffing agencies that specialize in banking and finance can also place you, especially for temporary or contract roles. These agencies have relationships with banks and can sometimes move you through the hiring process faster. The downside is that temporary positions do not always lead to permanent jobs, though they can be a way to get your foot in the door.
What banks look for in applications and interviews
Banks care about accuracy and trustworthiness above almost everything else. On your application, spelling errors, gaps in employment history, or inconsistencies between your resume and application form will disqualify you before an interview. Banks assume that if you are careless with an application, you will be careless with customer money. Fill out every field, double-check dates, and make sure your resume matches what you wrote in the application form.
During interviews, banks test your customer service skills and your ability to follow rules. For teller and customer service roles, expect questions like "Tell me about a time you handled an angry customer" or "How would you explain a fee to someone who did not understand it?" They want to hear that you stayed calm, listened, and solved the problem. For analyst or loan officer roles, you will answer questions about how you would handle data, spot errors, or make decisions with incomplete information.
Banks also ask directly about your background. Have you ever been arrested? Do you have unpaid debts? Have you ever been fired? Answer honestly. Banks run thorough background checks anyway, and lying on an application is grounds for immediate rejection or termination. If you have a criminal record or financial problems, some banks will still hire you depending on the role and how long ago the issue occurred—but dishonesty will end your chances.
Education and certifications that help
A high school diploma or GED is the minimum for most entry-level banking jobs. If you have some college coursework or an associate degree, mention it on your resume—it shows you can complete long-term commitments. A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or economics opens doors to analyst and management-track roles, but it is not required for teller or customer service positions.
Certifications matter more in banking than in many industries, but most banks will pay for them after you are hired. The Series 7 (General Securities Representative Exam) and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam) are required if you sell investment products. The Loan Officer Certification is required in most states if you originate residential mortgages. Banks will cover the exam fees and study materials once you are in a role that needs the certification.
If you want to stand out before you are hired, getting a Certificate in Banking from the American Bankers Association or a similar organization shows initiative. These are self-paced online courses that take a few weeks and cost between $200 and $500. They are not required, but they signal that you are serious about a banking career.
How background checks work in banking
Every bank runs a background check on every hire, regardless of position. The check includes a criminal history search, employment verification, and a credit check. Banks use third-party companies like First Advantage or Sterling Talent Solutions to run these checks. The process takes five to ten business days, and the bank will tell you it is underway after you receive a job offer.
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. Banks look at the type of crime, how long ago it occurred, and the role you are applying for. A felony conviction for theft or fraud will likely end your chances for any position. A misdemeanor from ten years ago may not. A DUI or drug possession charge is handled differently depending on the bank and the role. Be honest about your history during the interview—banks respect transparency more than they fear a record.
Credit checks are standard because banks want to know if you manage your own finances responsibly. If you have unpaid debts, collections accounts, or a very low credit score, some banks will still hire you, especially for entry-level roles. However, if you are applying for a position that involves handling large sums of money or accessing customer accounts, a poor credit history can be a problem. If your credit is damaged, focus on teller or customer service roles first, build a track record, and move up from there.
Starting as a teller and moving up
Teller is the traditional entry point into banking. You work at the counter, handle cash, process deposits and withdrawals, and answer basic customer questions. The pay is typically $28,000 to $35,000 per year depending on location and bank size. Most banks promote tellers into customer service supervisor, branch operations, or loan officer roles after one to two years if you perform well and show interest in moving up.
To move up from teller, let your manager know you want to advance. Ask what skills or certifications would help. Some banks have formal tuition reimbursement programs—they will pay for college courses if you commit to staying with the bank for a set period. Others offer internal training programs for supervisory roles. The key is showing that you are reliable, accurate, and interested in learning more about the business.
If you do not have a degree, many banks will support you getting one while you work. Community colleges offer two-year degrees in accounting or business that are affordable and flexible. Some banks have partnerships with specific colleges and offer discounts or tuition reimbursement. Working as a teller while pursuing a degree takes time, but it is a realistic path to analyst or management roles.
Differences between large banks, regional banks, and credit unions
Large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have formal hiring processes, longer timelines, and more competition for each role. They hire hundreds of people per year, so they can afford to be selective. The upside is that they offer clear career paths, tuition reimbursement, and benefits. The downside is that you are a number in a large system, and advancement depends on formal credentials and performance metrics.
Regional banks and community banks hire fewer people but often move faster. The hiring process might take one to two weeks instead of four. Managers have more flexibility in who they hire, so if you have relevant experience or show strong customer service skills, you can stand out. Regional banks also tend to promote from within more aggressively—a teller at a community bank has a better chance of becoming a branch manager than at a large bank.
Credit unions operate differently from banks and often have more relaxed hiring requirements. Many credit unions are smaller and hire based on fit and attitude rather than strict credentials. Pay is sometimes lower than at large banks, but the work environment is often less formal. If you are early in your career or have a non-traditional background, a credit union can be an easier entry point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to work in banking?
No. Teller and customer service roles require only a high school diploma. Analyst, loan officer, and management roles typically require a bachelor's degree, but you can work as a teller first, earn a degree while employed, and move up. Many banks offer tuition reimbursement to help with this.
What happens if I fail the background check?
The bank will contact you and explain what came up. If it is a minor issue—an old misdemeanor or a credit problem—you can often explain it. If it is a serious crime or a major discrepancy in your employment history, the bank will withdraw the offer. You can ask the bank which specific issue caused the problem so you know what to address for future applications.
How long does it take to hear back after applying?
Large banks typically respond within one to two weeks if you pass the initial screening. If you do not hear back in three weeks, the position may have been filled or your application may not have passed the automated screening. You can follow up with the bank's HR department, but do not expect a response if you were not selected.
Can I work at a bank part-time while in school?
Yes. Many banks hire part-time tellers and customer service representatives, especially at branches in college towns. Part-time positions typically offer the same benefits as full-time roles, though hours are limited. This is a good way to get banking experience while finishing your degree.
What should I wear to a banking interview?
Business formal or business casual. For teller and customer service roles, business casual (dress pants or skirt, button-up shirt, closed-toe shoes) is standard. For analyst or management interviews, business formal (suit and tie or equivalent) is safer. Banks are conservative about appearance, so err on the side of more formal rather than less.