I Used To Be a Bank Teller: 8 Bank Mistakes You Should Watch Out For (2024)

I Used To Be a Bank Teller: 8 Bank Mistakes You Should Watch Out For (1)

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Ever wonder what really goes on behind those teller windows? Turns out, even the folks handling your cash can slip up sometimes.

Rachael P. used to be a bank teller and is spilling the tea on some common bank blunders that could impact your wallet. So, grab your reading glasses (or maybe just squint at your phone screen) and get ready for some insider info that’ll have you checking your account faster than you can say “direct deposit.”

Here are eight mistakes banks can make that you should watch out for.

Whoops, Wrong Account

You’d think getting money into the right account would be Banking 101, but Rachael’s seen her fair share of misplaced moolah.

“It’s wild how often deposits end up in the wrong place,” she shared. “I once saw a huge business deposit accidentally land in some college kid’s account. Fun for the kid, not great for everyone else!”

Pro tip: Always double-check your balance after making a deposit. That extra zero might not be a lucky windfall.

Fee Frenzy

Banks love their fees more than we love pizza, but sometimes they go a little overboard.

“I’ve seen overdraft fees slapped on accounts that had plenty of cash,” Rachael said. “It’s like the computer just decided to have a bad day and take it out on someone’s checking account.”

Keep an eye on those pesky charges and don’t be afraid to speak up if something looks fishier than last week’s sushi.

ATM Drama

ATMs: convenient when they work and a total headache when they don’t.

“ATMs can be annoying sometimes,” Rachael explained. “They might say they gave you $100, but your account shows $80. This is extremely rare, but I have seen it happen. Always keep those receipts!”

Déjà Vu Transactions

Ever feel like you’re living the same day twice? Your bank account might be doing the same thing. It’s like Groundhog Day, but with your money.

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I Used To Be a Bank Teller: 8 Bank Mistakes You Should Watch Out For (7)

“I’ve seen plenty of duplicate charges,” said Rachel. “There are more safeguards in place for this lately, but sometimes they slip through.”

Keep tabs on your transactions, especially those recurring payments that like to play repeat offender.

Interest(ing) Mistakes

Savings account interest might be lagging right now, but you still want every penny you’re owed.

“Don’t be shy about asking how your interest is calculated,” Rachael shared. “It’s your money, and you deserve to know if it’s actually growing … Plus, you might just hear about an account with a better rate.”

Stop Payment? More Like ‘Oops’ Payment

When you say “stop,” the bank should listen. But sometimes, they need a hearing aid.

“Stop payments can be tricky,” Rachael said. “I once had a customer who’s check still went through because their computer didn’t save.”

Always follow up on stop payment requests. Trust, but verify.

The Case of the Vanishing Account

Imagine waking up to find your account has pulled a Houdini. It happens, and it’s about as fun as realizing you’re out of coffee on a Monday morning.

“I’ve seen active accounts get closed by mistake,” said Rachael. “It’s like the bank decided to play a really unfunny prank.”

If you suddenly can’t access your money, don’t panic – but do call your bank ASAP. Your funds aren’t gone; they’re just playing an expensive game of hide and seek.

Typo Trouble

True story: Even bank employees make typos.

“One wrong number in an account transfer is all it takes to send your rent money to someone else,” Rachael warned. “Although banks have safeguards in place, it pays to always double-check those digits.”

The Final Word

Rachael’s has five tips to make sure every one of your dollars is accounted for:

  1. Channel your inner financial detective and scrutinize your monthly statements looking for mistakes.
  2. Set up alerts – your phone will ping you more often, but it helps you keep track.
  3. Keep records like you’re prepping for an exam – only this time it’s your finances.
  4. Don’t be shy – if something looks wonky, speak up! Your bank won’t know there’s a problem if you don’t tell them.
  5. Know your bank’s “oops, we goofed” policy. It’s like a safety net for your money.

“At the end of the day, we’re all human,” Rachael said. “We make mistakes.”

By staying on top of your accounts and not being afraid to ask questions, you can catch these slip-ups before they turn into something bigger. Your money deserves a good home – make sure your bank is treating it like the VIP that it is.

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I Used To Be a Bank Teller: 8 Bank Mistakes You Should Watch Out For (2024)

FAQs

What are the common problems faced by bank tellers? ›

Fraudulent lotto winnings, counterfeit money, or checks and fake identifications are problems tellers often face, according to the Bank Training Center website. Additionally, banks often employ auditors either inside or outside of the company to check the tellers' performance.

What is the hardest part of being a bank teller? ›

High-Stress Environment: Bank tellers face demanding and fast-paced work, including managing long queues, cash transactions, and strict security protocols. Strong organisational and time management skills are essential for success.

Can bank tellers make mistakes? ›

Bank tellers are responsible for processing deposits, withdrawals, and other financial transactions. However, mistakes can happen, and when they do, it's important to address them promptly and professionally.

What annoys bank tellers? ›

Never berate a teller because things don't go as you'd like. This includes condescending, “talking down,” or loud, abusive language. If you have a problem with the service or the teller, ask to speak to a manager.

Why are banks getting rid of tellers? ›

The number of tellers needed to staff a branch is about half, regional bank leaders said. Bankers are fewer, too, because many of the customer-service tasks they used to do can now be handled online. “Years ago, our stores were primarily transaction driven.

What is the most important skill for a bank teller? ›

What are the top skills of bank tellers?
  • Mathematics and numeracy.
  • Finance rules and procedures.
  • Knowledge of bank standards and processes.
  • Cash drawer maintenance.
  • Accuracy.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Written and verbal communication.
  • Interpersonal skills.
Aug 1, 2023

How old are most bank tellers? ›

Demographic information on Tellers in the US. The workforce of Tellers in 2022 was 282,843 people, with 83% woman, and 17% men. The average age of male Tellers in the workforce is 28.8 and of female Tellers is 37.4, and the most common race/ethnicity for Tellers is White.

Which bank pays tellers the most? ›

Top Paying Companies
1Cathay General Bancorp$47,890
2JPMorgan Chase & Co$47,356
3Citi$47,282
4Citibank$46,378
5Navy Federal Credit Union$45,953
5 more rows

What is the personality of a bank teller? ›

They must be friendly, helpful, and patient. They must be able to understand customer needs and explain service options to their customers. Detail oriented. Tellers must be sure not to make errors when dealing with customers' money.

Is bank teller a risky job? ›

Security Concerns. Working with large sums of money and sensitive information places bank tellers in a position of high responsibility and potential risk.

What is the rule of a bank teller? ›

Tellers are responsible for handling customer transactions and helping with account related inquiries at banks. This most typically includes processing account deposits and withdrawals for a variety of account holders.

What do banks look for in a teller? ›

Capable tellers have excellent active listening skills, effective verbal communication skills and the ability to satisfy customers while adhering to all bank procedures and standards. Highly efficient and accurate performance is a basic expectation of the job.

What is the hardest job at a bank? ›

Wealth managers and Private Bankers are stressful jobs in finance. Finishing near the top on some surveys and further down on others, wealth managers and financial advisors deal with one particular vehicle for stress: they eat only what they kill. Wealth managers get fired nearly as often as they get hired.

How to pass a bank teller interview? ›

Highlight your ability to provide exceptional service, handle customer inquiries effectively, and demonstrate strong communication skills. Familiarize yourself with cash handling procedures, including counting, verifying, and maintaining accurate records of cash transactions.

Are bank teller jobs going away? ›

The number of teller jobs is greatly decreasing, projected to fall by 15% by 2032 – that's about 53,000 positions. Why? This could be for multiple reasons. For one, the pandemic shifted more Americans to lean on digital banking to avoid physical interactions.

What are the risks of being a bank teller? ›

However, teller operations also face various security and risk management challenges, such as fraud, theft, errors, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

What is your strength and weakness as a bank teller? ›

Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker and I'm always willing to take on more responsibility. I'm also very detail-oriented and I'm good at following instructions. I think my biggest weakness is that I sometimes get too caught up in my work and forget to take a break.

Is it stressful to be a bank teller? ›

Bank Tellers often face a fast-paced environment, managing financial transactions with precision while providing excellent customer service. Stress can arise from handling large sums of money, adhering to strict security protocols, and dealing with diverse customer needs.

What is a disadvantage of a teller? ›

Working as a teller in a bank or any other financial institution involves handling large amounts of money, which makes this job role an attractive target for criminals. Tellers could potentially be subjected to robberies and other physical threats, which can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety.

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