How to Practice Proper Bank Etiquette

When you go to the bank, you want to get in and out as quickly as possible. After all, you have other things to do. The amount of etiquette, or lack thereof, that other customers have can have an effect on your experience. The next time you visit a financial institution, follow proper "bank manners."

Instructions

1. Have your paperwork ready before you get to the teller. If you need to deposit money, have it all written out and ready to go. Standing at the window and writing it out will probably annoy the teller and make the other customers have to wait.

2. Call ahead of time to see what type of paperwork you will need. If you are planning on opening an account or you are doing anything else regarding an account, chances are you need personal paperwork for verification purposes. If you go there without the papers that you need, you waste your time and that of the customer service representative that is helping you. Call your bank ahead of time, tell them what you want to do and ask them what you need to bring.

3. Stand away from someone using the ATM. Give him his space to do what he needs to do. No one wants to feel uncomfortable thinking that you're standing so close because you're trying to get his personal information.

4. Stay in the proper line in the drive-through. Chances are the bank has multiple drive through lanes. If there is a stop line before the lanes, stop at that line. If there isn't a stop line, get in one lane and stay there, don't put your car in two lanes to see which line moves faster.

5. Don't cut in front of other customers. They want to get in and out as quickly as you do. Usually there's only one line at the bank that branches out to various tellers, so stay in the line and go in order.

Tips & Warnings

• Have proper ID with you. There are times when you want to do a transaction and a teller needs your ID. To save yourself the hassle of having to go and get it, then go back to the bank, always carry your ID with you whenever you go.

• Don't scream at the teller if there is an error. Chances are that it's not the teller's fault if there is a mistake with your account. If it is that person's fault, then there are ways that the problem can be rectified without yelling. Instead of screaming at someone, calmly talk to a customer service representative that has a chance of being able to help you.