Nosey bank tellers

[funnygirl]

It really annoys me when I go into my bank and the teller starts bugging me about the money I have in my account.
"what plans have you got for this money?"
"Are you going on holiday?"
"Why don't you buy an ISA?"
Why the hell don't they mind their own business?
Aren't banks meant for saving money in and even if I had great plans, I am not about to tell a complete stranger over the counter!!

[redcrx]

they are trying to sell you things, be it travel insurance, and ISA, a credit card, a loan. All the questions are to help them get a conversation going to then ask you if youve thought about a high interest account or a consolidation loan etc etc etc.

[Pippa68]

They are paid to sell the deals available at their bank..pure & simple. Annoying or not, they are just doing their job.

Do what I do ~ smile sweetly & just say 'no thanks'!

[dzug]

Well yes it is annoying but it is their business to sell you financial products and they are probably on commission.

Personally I deal with machines rather than tellers - a lot less hassle.

[CheekyChops]

Could be differerent reasons.

If it is a largish sum of money that is not usually seen paid into your account, it is all to do with money laundering regulations.

Otherwise (and most probably), all cashiers are targeted for sales each day and if they can sell you a savings account or travel insurance or an ISA then they hit their target!

[chitchat]

Cheekychops - if large sums of money are paid into any account, customers are not questioned about its origin! Yes the tellers are expected to sell but generally they will know what products they can offer and that the account you have it in may not be the best option or have the highest rate of interest for you.

Its about giving the customer good service and your money is their business because thats what banks do -look after your money!

[Pippa68]

I must add that there is sometimes a higher member of staff lurking around to make sure the cashiers ask/tell customers about what to do with their money/products etc.

If they don't ask they will undoubtedly get a bo11ocking!

[jedimistress]

The bank staff don't enjoy it either. Their jobs have changed from bankers to salespeople because their companies and shareholders tell them to. And like Pippa says, there is someone behind them with a stick saying sell sell sell.

It annoys me too but I know they are not being nosey. Though nowadays under the guise of "terrorism" and money laundering, they are obliged to ask you where large sums come from. I recently had a mortgage and the solicitors wanted to know where the money for the deposit camer from and all sorts. Now that really got my goat. The government spies.

[CheekyChops]

Well I beg to differ there chitchat, I worked for a bank for 17 years and we DID question customers as to the origin of money if we were suspiciious.

Not in a 'Where have you had this from?' kind of way, just trying to start a general conversation as has been mentioned.

We were then expected to complete a money laundering form to report any suspicious or unusual transactions. All this without making the customer aware of our suspicions!

[legend1751]

Would you rather let us leave your money in an account paying little or no interest? Yes its there job to get you to see people like me to then help you make the most of your money. Im sure that if you had never been asked these questions you would be upset that we hadent helped you and the bank is rubbish blah blah blah.......

Also money laundering is part of every day life if we (as the bank) want to question you about your account we can and that includes where your money came from.

[goldmember62]

Agreed! Bank tellers usually ask questions that I feel is an intrusion on my privacy. Things like, "Going shopping?" "Are you traveling somewhere?" "Did you grow up here?" Dear Bank Managers and Bank Tellers: STOP THIS. We don't like it.

If there is information that is required to process the transaction, that's fine. If it is not, don't ask for it. Simple as that.

As far as selling us services, that's fine too, but it seems I get asked the same question every time: "Would you like to open a (different) account with us?" After I say no, I think it should be flagged that I shouldn't be asked each time I go into the bank for the next ten years. That isn't an exaggeration. My bank has been asking me the same question for over ten years! I barely like the existing account I have with your bank...why would I want another? LOL!

[goldmember62]

Agreed! Bank tellers usually ask questions that I feel is an intrusion on my privacy. Things like, "Going shopping today?" "Are you traveling somewhere?" "Did you grow up here?" Dear Bank Managers and Bank Tellers: STOP THIS. We don't like it.

If there is information that is required to process the transaction, that's fine. If it is not, don't ask for it. Simple as that.

As far as selling us services, that's fine too, but it seems I get asked the same question every time: "Would you like to open a savings account with us?" After I say no, I think it should be flagged that I shouldn't be asked each time I go into the bank for the next ten years. That isn't an exaggeration. My bank has been asking me the same question for over ten years! I barely like the existing account I have with your bank...why would I want another?

If the bank didn't annoy me so much with these practices, I would see them as a partner rather than a necessary evil.