Banking Issues (Advanced)

Practice on Your Own

Imagine you want to call your bank or go to the bank to take care of some business which may include making a payment, challenging a transaction, making a transfer…

• Think of the terms that are used in banking conversations such as bank account, account number, payment, transfer, mistake, savings account, checking account, credit card, debit card…
• Imagine different scenarios for which you come up with conversations, questions and answers.
  • You: Hello. This is Ashley Smith calling regarding my checking account.
  • Bank Employee: Hello. Can you confirm some information? Your date of birth, your bank account number, your address…
  • You: I have a question regarding a transaction on June 12th. I did not buy anything on that day, but…
  • Bank Employee: I see. Let me check on it for you. Please stay on the line…
• Think of a phone conversation to report the loss of your credit card. What should you do? When are you going to get your new card? What can you do in the meantime?
• Write an email or letter asking to close your bank account. You are not happy with the services. Write about your dissatisfactions.

Practice in Conversation Session

• Discuss the banking system in the country/ies where the language is spoken. How is it different from the U.S. banking system?
• Role play calling the bank to challenge a transaction. You could also do this role play as a conversation in the bank instead of a phone call.
• Now make a phone call to report a lost or stolen credit card. What questions are you asked to confirm your identity? What are the steps? What should you do while you wait to receive your new card?
• Read the email or letter you have written asking to close your bank account. Focus on the reasons of dissatisfaction with the bank’s services.