Scenario 1 - Teacher

Bank Teller Roleplay

Use this page to run the teller side of the bank transactions activity. Learners should move through the errands in order and ask a different teller for each transaction.

Bank client action sheet

Bank Transactions

You are a bank client and you have a list of errands to do at the bank today. Go through the list in order. Your teacher will give you a bank card, some ID, three bills and two checks. Make sure you go to a different bank teller for each transaction. Get the teller's signature when you are finished.

Teacher answer guide

Use these answers when the learner asks the bank teller about opening an account for work.

1. Best account for work and rent

Student asks: “Which account is best for a worker/new arrival?”

Teller answer: “An everyday transaction account is best for wages, rent and daily spending. I’d recommend a no-fee or low-fee everyday account.”

2. Account-keeping fees

Student asks: “Does this account have an account-keeping fee?”

Teller answer: “This option has no monthly account-keeping fee. Some accounts may charge fees, so it’s good to check before you choose.”

3. Debit card and online banking

Student asks: “Is a Visa debit card included? Can I use internet banking, BPAY and tap-and-go?”

Teller answer: “Yes. The account comes with a Visa debit card, internet banking, the mobile app, BPAY and tap-and-go payments.”

4. ID documents

Student asks: “What ID do I need?”

Teller answer: “You’ll need your passport, visa details and proof of address. If you have an employer letter or contract, bring that too.”

5. Pay details for employer

Student asks: “What is the BSB and account number I should give my employer?”

Teller answer: “Your BSB and account number are the details your employer needs to pay your wages. You can find them on your account summary or in the banking app.”

6. Debit card delivery time

Student asks: “How long until the debit card arrives?”

Teller answer: “The card usually arrives by post in about 5 to 7 business days. You may be able to use the app sooner for some payments.”

7. ATM fees

Student asks: “Will I be charged if I use another bank’s ATM?”

Teller answer: “Many everyday accounts do not charge a bank fee for Australian ATM withdrawals, but some ATM operators may charge their own fee. Always check the screen before you accept.”

8. Failed payments and overdrawing

Student asks: “What happens if a payment comes out and I don’t have enough money?”

Teller answer: “The payment may be declined or reversed, and the bill company may charge a late fee. Keep enough money in the account before rent or direct debits are due.”

9. International transfer fees

Student asks: “How much does it cost to send money overseas, and is the exchange rate shown before I pay?”

Teller answer: “International transfers can include a transfer fee and an exchange-rate margin. Check the total cost, exchange rate and arrival time before you confirm.”

10. Wages not received

Student asks: “If my pay does not arrive, what should I check first?”

Teller answer: “First check that your employer has the correct BSB and account number. Then check the payment date. Some payments can take one business day depending on how they are sent.”

11. Rent payment record

Student asks: “What is the best way to pay rent so I have a record of the payment?”

Teller answer: “A bank transfer or scheduled payment is good because your statement shows the date, amount and reference. Put your name or rent address in the payment description.”

12. Lost card or unknown payment

Student asks: “What should I do if I lose my card or see a payment I did not make?”

Teller answer: “Lock the card in the banking app straight away, then call the bank. We can cancel and replace the card and help you dispute payments you did not make.”

13. Scam safety

Student asks: “How can I tell if a bank message or phone call is a scam?”

Teller answer: “A bank will never ask for your full password, PIN or one-time security code. Do not click suspicious links. If you are unsure, hang up and call the bank using the official number.”

14. Low-balance and bill alerts

Student asks: “Can I get alerts when my balance is low or when a bill is due?”

Teller answer: “Yes, you can set up app notifications or email alerts for low balance, card spending and some upcoming payments. Alerts help you avoid missed bills.”

Sample dialogue

A = Bank teller B = Customer

A: Good afternoon. How may I help you today?

B: Hi. I'd like to...

cash this check. deposit this money into my account. withdraw $500.00 from my account. change this into American money. pay this bill.

A: Can I have your bank card please?

B: Ok. Here you are.

A: And, I'll need some picture ID as well.

B: Is my driver licence OK? / passport

A: That'll be fine. Thanks.

Teller counts money or writes a receipt.

A: Here is your ID and here is your money / receipt.

A: Will there be anything else for you today?

B: No, that's all thank you.

A: Have a nice day.

B: You too.

Talk it through answers

Use these expected answers to check the learner's understanding after the roleplay.

Why ask about monthly account-keeping fees?
Different accounts have different fees. A worker should ask for a no-fee or low-fee account for wages and everyday spending.
How can a Visa debit card and online banking help?
A debit card helps with shopping and tap-and-go payments. Online banking helps with BPAY, rent, transfers and checking the balance.
What ID or documents might be needed?
Passport, visa details, proof of address, and possibly an employer letter or work contract.
What bank details does an employer need?
The BSB and account number, and sometimes the account name, so wages can be paid correctly.
Why ask about ATM and international transfer fees?
Extra fees or exchange-rate costs can reduce the customer's money, so they should check before using the service.
What if there is not enough money for rent, a bill or direct debit?
The payment may fail or be reversed, and the bill company or bank may charge a fee. The learner should keep enough money before due dates.
Why use bank transfer or BPAY for rent and bills?
It creates a clear payment record on the bank statement with the date, amount and reference.
What should the learner do if a card is lost or a payment looks wrong?
Lock the card in the app, contact the bank immediately, cancel or replace the card if needed, and dispute unknown payments.
What can you use for an extra follow-up question?
Try the At the Bank Level 2 Role Plays page and ask learners to discuss another bank scenario in their own words.

These points help learners understand the basics of the bank and what to ask for clarity.

Roleplay checklist answers

Use these answers when the learner works through the checklist steps in the roleplay.

Check the fees
For wages and everyday spending, a no-fee or low-fee account is usually best. Ask whether there is a monthly account-keeping fee before choosing.
Check the account features
Look for a Visa debit card, internet banking, the mobile app and tap-and-go payments so the account is easy to use for shopping and bills.
Check your ID
Bring your passport, visa details and proof of address. An employer letter or work contract can also help if the bank asks for extra documents.
Check your pay details
The employer needs your BSB and account number so wages go to the right account. The account name can also help confirm the details.
Check the extra fees
Ask whether another bank’s ATM charges a fee and whether international transfers have a transfer fee or exchange-rate margin before you use them.
Check what happens if money is low
If there is not enough money in the account, a payment may fail or be reversed and the bill company may charge a late fee. Keep enough money aside before due dates.
Check how to pay rent and bills
Bank transfer, scheduled payment or BPAY can give you a record showing the date, amount and reference. That makes it easier to prove you paid.
Check what to do if something goes wrong
Lock the card in the app right away, contact the bank, cancel or replace the card if needed, and dispute any payment you did not make.
Check your alerts
Set up low-balance and payment alerts in the app or by email so you know before you run out of money or miss a bill.

Teller prompts

  • Ask for the customer's bank card before processing the transaction.
  • Ask for picture ID when cashing checks or withdrawing money.
  • Confirm the amount before counting money or writing a receipt.
  • Give the customer back their ID, card and receipt.
  • Sign the learner's sheet once the transaction is complete.

Signature checklist

1. Cash first check
2. Deposit money
3. Cash other check
4. Pay telephone bill
5. Withdraw $600.00
6. Pay electricity bill
7. Change $200 into American money
8. Pay gas bill
9. Deposit remaining money
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