There are 3 major types of financial
institutions:
A bank
A credit union
A thrift
People Who Work at a Financial
Institution
Because many banking services are
automated, you might not be able to get to know the people who work
in a financial institution. Try not to be intimidated! The people
who work there want to do business with you and are dedicated to
helping you with your banking needs.
Understanding the jobs of the people
who work in a financial institution will help you know whom to talk
to.
Security Guard
Is stationed in the lobby or front
door to protect the vault, money and other valuables from theft
Protects employees and customers
from someone intending to commit a crime
Teller
Stands behind counter and takes money,
cashes checks and answers questions
Refers you to the person who can
help you with specialized services
Customer Service Representative
Is seated at a desk in the
lobby and helps you open an account, explains services and answers
questions
Refers you to a person who can help
you with other services
Loan Officer
Takes applications for loans and
helps you fill them out
Provides written information explaining
loan products and answers questions
Branch Manager
Supervises the operations
Helps fix problems that other employees
can't solve
Just Ask
When you're visiting a financial
institution, feel free to ask questions to get what you need.
If you don't know who to talk to,
ask for help. Someone will take you to the right person.
If you speak another language, ask
for an employee who speaks your language. Many financial institutions
employ multilingual staff.
Ask questions until you really
understand all the information. Don't sign anything you don't understand.
Ask for written materials to take home with you. If you speak another
language, request the materials written in your language. Many written
materials are also published in Spanish, for example.
Choosing a Financial Institution
Use this checklist to help you choose
a financial institution and the account that's right for you.
Name of financial institution
Does
it offer the services I need?
Is
it close to home?
Does
it have reasonable hours?
Does
it have ATMs? If so, are they located near where I live, work or shop?
If
I am choosing a credit union, am I eligible?
Do
any employees speak my language?
What,
if any, fees will be charged?
How
are complaints handled?
Is
this financial institution insured?
Look for financial institutions
that employ bilingual staff, especially if you feel more comfortable
speaking your native language. Also ask your friends and relatives
about financial institutions they enjoy doing business with.
Banking services
