Personal Banker vs. Bank Teller: What Are the Differences?

A career in banking can offer many opportunities for growth and development. Two common positions in this industry are personal banker and bank teller. Though both roles are important in the operation of a bank, they have different duties and responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast these two positions, and we offer advice on how to choose the right role for you.

What is a Personal Banker?

A Personal Banker is a financial professional who provides banking services to customers at a bank or credit union. They open and maintain customer accounts, process transactions, provide customer service and resolve account issues. Personal Bankers also provide guidance on products and services that can help customers meet their financial goals, such as savings accounts, loans and investment options. In some cases, Personal Bankers may also sell insurance products. They typically work in bank branches, but may also work in call centers or travel to meet with customers in their homes or workplaces.

What is a Bank Teller?

Bank Tellers are responsible for providing excellent customer service while accurately processing customer transactions. They must maintain a high level of accuracy to avoid errors that could cost the bank money. Bank Tellers greet customers entering the bank and direct them to the appropriate staff member or teller window. They process deposits, withdrawals and loan payments. They also sell money orders and cashier’s checks. Bank Tellers answer customer questions and provide information about bank services. They may also refer customers to other bank staff members for more complex transactions.

Personal Banker vs. Bank Teller

Here are the main differences between a personal banker and a bank teller.

Job Duties

Bank tellers and personal bankers share some of the same job duties, like processing transactions for customers. However, there are differences in the types of transactions each role handles. Bank tellers handle financial transactions for a large number of different customers on a daily basis. They often process payments for things like ATM withdrawals, credit card purchases, deposited checks and other transactions.

Personal bankers work with customers who have more extensive banking needs. These customers may have complex financial situations that require personal attention from their banker. Personal bankers also help customers with things like applying for loans and developing financial plans.

Job Requirements

Bank tellers typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the field, though some employers prefer candidates with some college experience. Many banks offer on-the-job training for new tellers, which can teach them about the bank’s policies and procedures. Some tellers also pursue voluntary certifications through organizations like the American Institute of Banking (AIB) to demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

Personal bankers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. They might major in finance, accounting or another business-related subject. Many personal bankers start their careers as tellers before being promoted to personal banker positions. Banks often provide training for personal bankers as well, teaching them about products, services and compliance regulations.

Work Environment

Bank tellers and personal bankers work in different environments. Personal bankers typically work in a bank’s private client services department, which is often located on the same floor as the executive team. They may also travel to meet with clients or attend events where they can promote their bank’s products and services.

Bank tellers usually work in a branch location of their bank, interacting with customers who come into the bank for transactions. Tellers may work during regular business hours, but some banks have 24-hour locations that employ tellers to provide customer service around the clock.

Skills

There are several similarities in the skills needed for personal bankers and bank tellers. Both need to have excellent customer service skills to build relationships with clients and provide them with the best possible experience. They also need to be able to handle money responsibly and accurately, as well as keep track of various financial transactions. In addition, both personal bankers and bank tellers need to be able to effectively communicate with clients, whether it is providing them with information or answering their questions.

There are also some differences in the skills needed for these two positions. Personal bankers typically need to have a more in-depth knowledge of banking products and services so that they can advise clients on which products would be best for them. They also need to be able to sell products and services to clients. Bank tellers, on the other hand, do not usually need to have as much product knowledge. They primarily focus on processing transactions, such as deposits and withdrawals.

Salary

Personal bankers earn an average salary of $46,367 per year, while bank tellers earn an average salary of $35,830 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the location of the bank, the size of the bank and the level of experience the employee has.