Setting Up an Account

(The scene opens with MAYA approaching the counter. She looks a little nervous. The BANK TELLER smiles warmly at her.)

BANK TELLER: Hello! How can I help you today?

MAYA: Hi. I would like to open a... a **checking account**? I'm not sure. I'm a student, and I just need a place to keep my money.

BANK TELLER: That's a great start! A checking account is perfect for your day-to-day spending. It lets you write checks, use a **debit card**, and pay bills easily. Do you also want to open a **savings account**?

MAYA: A savings account? What's the difference?

BANK TELLER: A checking account is for money you'll use often. A savings account is for money you want to save. It usually earns a little bit of **interest**, so your money grows over time. We can set up both for you, so you can easily move money between them.

MAYA: Oh, that sounds good. Let's do both then. What do I need?

BANK TELLER: Great! To open the accounts, I just need to see a few things. Do you have your passport and your student ID? Also, a document with your address on it, like a utility bill or a school letter.

MAYA: Yes, I have my passport and my student ID. For the address, I have my acceptance letter from the university. Will that work?

BANK TELLER: Yes, that's perfect. Do you have an initial **deposit** you'd like to make today?

MAYA: Yes, I have some cash. Is that okay?

BANK TELLER: Absolutely. You can make your first deposit with me right now. Once we're done, I'll give you your new debit card, and you'll be able to use it immediately. I'll also give you some information about **online banking** and the bank’s **mobile app**.

MAYA: Thank you so much! This is a little confusing for me, so I really appreciate you explaining everything.

BANK TELLER: No problem at all. We're here to help. Welcome to the bank!

(The Teller begins to process Maya’s paperwork. Maya smiles, looking relieved. FADE OUT.)

Checking account 🔊 /ˈtʃɛkɪŋ əˈkaʊnt/ (n.): A basic bank account that lets you easily deposit and withdraw money for daily expenses, often with a debit card and checks. Example: I use my **checking account** for paying rent and groceries.
Debit card 🔊 /ˈdɛbɪt kɑːrd/ (n.): A card issued by a bank that lets you pay for things directly from your checking account. Example: I used my **debit card** to pay for lunch.
Savings account 🔊 /ˈseɪvɪŋz əˈkaʊnt/ (n.): A bank account where you keep money that you want to save. It often earns interest. Example: She puts money in her **savings account** for her vacation.
Interest 🔊 /ˈɪntrəst/ (n.): Money paid to you by the bank for keeping your money in a savings account. Example: My savings account earns 2% **interest** per year.
Deposit 🔊 /dɪˈpɒzɪt/ (n.): An amount of money that you put into a bank account. Example: He made a large cash **deposit** at the bank.
Teller 🔊 /ˈtɛlər/ (n.): A person who works in a bank, dealing with customers and handling transactions. Example: The **teller** helped me withdraw money.
Online banking 🔊 /ˈɒnlaɪn ˈbæŋkɪŋ/ (n.): The process of performing transactions and managing your accounts over the internet. Example: I paid my bills using **online banking**.
Mobile app 🔊 /ˈmoʊbaɪl æp/ (n.): An application for a smartphone or tablet that lets you access your bank account. Example: The bank’s **mobile app** is very easy to use.

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Vocabulary List