The term in English “bankers’ hours” refers to a time of day when banks are open, or at least when they were traditionally open.  “Bankers’ hours” are the hours between 10:00am and 3:00pm.  Today in the United States banks are generally open more hours of the day, usually from 9:00am to 5:00pm, like most other businesses.  But the term “bankers’ hours” is still used to describe a job with good hours – wouldn’t you like to work from just 10:00am to 3:00pm each day?  An example of how this phrase is uses is: ‘Have you heard about Arnold’s new job? Yes, I heard he has a job with bankers’ hours.  I would like to find a job like that.’

If you are going to go to the bank, you are going to need to know more that just the hours of the bank.  Here is some banking vocabulary that will help you the next time you go to the bank.

ATM (automated teller machine) – a machine at a bank or other location that allows customers to perform basic banking tasks when the bank is closed
cash – money in coins or paper bills, different from checks, money orders, or credit cards
checking account – an account with a bank in which money is deposited and then paper checks can be written and used like cash
deposit slip – a small form used by banks that must be filled out before making a deposit in order to keep track of what money is going where
loan – a sum of money that is given to a person or business by a bank that is expected to be paid back with interest
money order – a printed order for payment (like a check) for a specified sum that is issued by a bank or post office
PIN (personal identification number) – a unique (usually 4-digit) number used by a person to validate electronic transactions
safety deposit box – a fireproof metal strongbox used for storing valuables
savings account – a bank account that money is put in to save to be used at a later time, money in this account usually earns a small amount of interest
teller – a person who works at a bank and helps customers with transactions
withdrawal slip – a small paper form that is filled out in order to take money out of a bank account

Here is a small dialog that uses some of this vocabulary, so you can see it in action.

Customer: I’d like to deposit this in my savings account.
Teller: All right.  Please print your name on the deposit slip.
Customer: Oh. Did I forget to put my name on the slip?  Sorry.
Teller: No problem.  Is there anything else I can do for you?
Customer: Yes, can you tell me the balance in my checking account?
Teller: Yes, just enter your PIN in the machine there and I will pull up your account.
Customer: Thank you.

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