LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: AT THE BANK 1
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Credit score = A score, based on someone's credit history, that is used to determine how "credit-worthy" that person is
Teller = Bank employee who deals with customers' transactions
Window = The area in the bank where a teller serves customers
To wire = To transfer (usually money)
Statement = A record of all transactions in an account (often by month)
Balance = The amount of money in an account
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST:
Choose the most natural-sounding answer to complete each sentence.
1. I'd like to open a ____________ account.
Correct answer: checking
2. This is the only _____________ that I have.
Correct answer: identification
3. What is the minimum _____________ required to open this account? = How much money do I have to put into the account at the beginning?
Correct answer: deposit
4. What is the monthly ______________ for this account? = How much money do I have to pay every month to keep this account?
Correct answer: charge
5. I would like to ______________ ( = to take out) fifty dollars.
Correct answer: withdraw
6. I'd like to ________________ money from my checking account to my savings account.
Correct answer: transfer
7. A _________________ card is used to take money out of your account from an ATM (bank machine). You can also use it to buy things when shopping.
Correct answer: debit
8. Is there a _____________ ( = another location of the same bank) closer to where I live?
Correct answer: branch
9. I'd like to _____________ this account.
Correct answer: close
10. My credit card _____________. I'd like to get a new one.
Correct answer: expired
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THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
You have to activate this card before you can use it. = You have to verify some information about yourself (usually online) before you can use this card.
We need to see picture ID. = We need some form of identification with your photo on it.
Your credit card is maxed out. = You have reached the spending limit on your credit card.
We'll wave the fee. = You won't have to pay the fee.
Your loan application was not approved. = The bank decided not to loan you money (give you a loan).