At a Bank
Lesson Plan- At a Bank
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. Below are some common expressions heard at a bank.
English Expressions- At a Bank
Expression Response
I want to (… cash a check)? Certainly, do you have an ID?
I would like to (… make a deposit Please complete this deposit
into my checking account). slip.
I need to withdrawal $500 from my Of course. Do you have
savings account. your passbook?
I would like to apply for Please see the woman at the
(… a bank huarantee card). accounts desk over there.
Who would I talk to You will have to see Mr. Ellison
(…about a car loan)? 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 the bank account
Withdrawal- Money taken out of the 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deposited and withdrawn and interest charged or accrued)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.
Not all countries use checks. However, checks are a common method that
Americans use to purchase things and pay bills, instead of using cash or a
credit or debit card. Below is a typical check used by millions of American
consumers. Usually a store will also require that the customer to have a
picture ID card (such as a driver’s license or passport) and a bank
guarantee card before they will accept the check.
Dialogue- At a Bank
Teller: Next please. How may I help you?
Customer: Yes, I’d like to make a withdrawal from my saving account and cash
a check.
Teller: Certainly sir. Please complete this withdrawal slip, with your
name, account number and amount of withdrawal.
Customer: There you go.
Teller: Thank you. How would you like that?
Customer: Could I have two hundreds, two fifties, and the rest in twenties.
Teller: Here you are. I need you to endorse the back of the check you want
to cash and I’ll need to see an ID.
Customer: No problem.
Teller: Here you are. Will that be all today?
Customer: Yes, that will do it. Thanks.
Teller: Thank you. Have a pleasant day.
Conversation Activities- At a Bank
1. Pair Work- discussion
Do you have an account at a bank? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion below.
Your partner should ask questions to get more information.
what is the name of the bank
how often do you go
what kind of account do you have
what do you like or dislike about dealing with the bank
do you have any problems with banks (other than not enough money)
do you do a lot of transactions at the ATM
have you ever taken out a loan from the bank- what for
2. Pair work- role play
Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below
The roles: A bank teller, a customer
The situations: At a bank making the transactions below
A. Deposit money into a savings account
Teller should fill in the deposit slip
Customer should supply the following information:
• name • account number • amount to deposit
B. Cash a personal check
Teller should ask for an ID card and a bank guarantee card
Customer should tell the clerk how he wants the money
(in $5’s, $10’s, $20’s etc.).
C. Withdraw money from a savings account
Teller should fill in the withdrawal slip
Customer should supply the following information:
• name account number • amount to withdraw
D. Open a savings account
Teller should inform the customer of the minimum amount for an initial deposit, complete the paperwork
Customer should tell the clerk how he wants the money and ask the customer for the following information
• address • place of employment
• an ID • amount of initial deposit
Customer should supply the requested information
E. Apply for a loan for a new car
Teller should complete the paperwork and ask the customer for
the following information:
• name • address
• place of employment • length of time at present job
• average monthly salary • average monthly expenses
• an ID name of person for reference
• name of a person to act as co-signer
Customer should supply the requested information
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