What Does a Bank Teller Do?
A bank teller is a frontline financial professional who assists customers with routine banking transactions, such as deposits, withdrawals, payments, and account inquiries. They serve as the first point of contact at a bank branch and play a key role in delivering customer service, maintaining accurate records, and safeguarding financial information.
Bank tellers handle cash, balance drawers, verify identities, and ensure each transaction complies with internal and regulatory standards. In addition to handling financial operations, they may introduce customers to banking products and refer them to specialists for more complex needs.
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Bank Teller Core Responsibilities
- Greet customers and assist with deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and payments
- Verify customer identity and ensure accuracy of all transactions
- Balance cash drawers and reconcile discrepancies at end of shift
- Answer questions and resolve basic account issues or concerns
- Identify opportunities to refer customers to banking products or specialists
- Maintain confidentiality of financial data and follow fraud prevention procedures
- Operate teller software, cash counters, and other banking tools
- Comply with all banking regulations, security protocols, and internal policies
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Basic math proficiency and cash handling accuracy
- Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) or teller transaction systems
- Understanding of financial products and basic banking regulations
- Ability to follow security protocols and verify identity documentation
Soft skills
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication
- Strong attention to detail and reliability
- Ability to work efficiently in fast-paced, high-traffic environments
- Professional demeanor and problem-solving ability
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
Bank Teller Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in customer service, retail, or cash handling roles
- Bilingual or multilingual communication skills
- Familiarity with basic banking concepts or financial institution operations
- Comfort using digital systems or mobile banking tools
National Average Salary
Bank teller salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Bank Teller is:
$34,550
Sample Job Description Templates for Bank Tellers
Entry-Level Bank Teller
Position Overview
An entry-level bank teller processes basic financial transactions and supports customers under the guidance of experienced staff. This role is ideal for individuals beginning their careers in banking or customer service.
Entry-Level Bank Teller Responsibilities
- Handle deposits, withdrawals, and check cashing accurately
- Greet customers and provide courteous service at the teller line
- Verify identification and maintain confidentiality of customer data
- Learn and follow bank procedures and compliance guidelines
- Support branch operations with administrative tasks as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic math and cash handling ability
- Familiarity with computers and point-of-sale systems
Soft skills
- Dependable and eager to learn
- Customer-friendly communication and professionalism
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Retail or customer service experience
- Comfortable learning financial products and terminology
Mid-Level Bank Teller
Position Overview
A mid-level bank teller independently manages customer transactions and assists with more advanced banking services. This role requires prior teller experience and strong attention to detail.
Mid-Level Bank Teller Responsibilities
- Process financial transactions with accuracy and speed
- Resolve routine customer issues and escalate when appropriate
- Balance cash drawers and maintain transaction logs
- Explain basic banking services and products to customers
- Assist in training junior tellers as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in using teller platforms and banking software
- Strong cash handling and verification procedures
Soft skills
- Effective communicator and team collaborator
- Attention to compliance, privacy, and security protocols
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of teller or cashier experience
- Exposure to fraud prevention and cross-selling opportunities
Senior Bank Teller
Position Overview
A senior bank teller oversees daily teller operations, supports branch goals, and mentors less-experienced staff. This position requires expert-level customer service, risk awareness, and operational leadership.
Senior Bank Teller Responsibilities
- Manage complex customer transactions and approvals
- Open/close branch with vault balancing and cash ordering
- Monitor transaction accuracy and troubleshoot discrepancies
- Support branch audits and regulatory compliance
- Train and guide entry-level and mid-level tellers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert in branch systems, check processing, and vault operations
- Strong grasp of transaction risk and fraud detection
Soft skills
- Leadership and coaching ability
- Exceptional attention to detail and multitasking
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of teller experience
- Experience supporting branch operations or audits
Floating Teller
Position Overview
A floating teller travels between multiple branch locations to provide teller services as needed. This adaptable role requires quick learning and strong interpersonal skills.
Floating Teller Responsibilities
- Perform teller duties at assigned locations on a rotating basis
- Adjust quickly to varying team workflows and customer volumes
- Deliver consistent service regardless of location
- Follow all compliance and security procedures across branches
- Maintain accurate transaction records and balance drawers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficient with banking systems and adaptable to branch-specific tools
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Soft skills
- Flexibility and confidence in new environments
- Quick learner with strong service focus
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior teller or cashier experience
- Familiarity with multiple bank platforms or policies
Part-Time Bank Teller
Position Overview
A part-time bank teller handles financial transactions and customer interactions during limited branch hours. This role is ideal for students, retirees, or professionals seeking a flexible schedule.
Part-Time Bank Teller Responsibilities
- Process deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments
- Assist customers with account inquiries and basic product knowledge
- Maintain accurate cash drawer balances
- Support full-time staff with peak-hour service
Requirements
Hard skills
- Cash handling and basic banking knowledge
- Familiarity with teller systems and data entry
Soft skills
- Reliable and punctual with flexible availability
- Strong interpersonal and listening skills
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous cashier or banking experience
- Comfortable working weekends or evenings
Retail Bank Teller
Position Overview
A retail bank teller works in a branch setting, supporting the daily financial needs of walk-in customers. This customer-facing role combines transaction processing with product referrals.
Retail Bank Teller Responsibilities
- Manage transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and account transfers
- Provide exceptional service and build rapport with customers
- Promote bank products such as checking accounts or credit cards
- Respond to account inquiries and escalate complex issues
- Maintain security and follow anti-fraud protocols
Requirements
Hard skills
- Cash handling and POS terminal knowledge
- Understanding of core banking products
Soft skills
- Friendly and professional demeanor
- Sales awareness and relationship-building
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Sales or customer-facing retail experience
- Product knowledge in consumer banking
Bilingual Bank Teller
Position Overview
A bilingual bank teller provides teller services in multiple languages to support diverse customer communities. They ensure clear communication and inclusive service delivery.
Bilingual Bank Teller Responsibilities
- Conduct teller transactions in both English and another target language
- Translate product and account information for non-English-speaking clients
- Assist with forms, applications, and customer support in both languages
- Promote language-accessible resources and banking tools
Requirements
Hard skills
- Fluency in English and a second language (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin)
- Competence in teller systems and data entry
Soft skills
- Cultural sensitivity and inclusive service mindset
- Excellent verbal and written communication
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a bilingual customer service role
- Knowledge of community-based banking needs