EverydayAdvanced
Opening a bank account in English (advanced)
Advanced English for opening a bank account. Key line: “Hi, I'm hoping to set up a checking account today.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, I'm hoping to set up a checking account today.
Them
Sure—do you have your ID and proof of address with you?
Lin
I do, actually, and I was wondering whether there's a minimum deposit.
Them
No minimum, luckily; we just need some paperwork and your signature here.
Lin
Great, because my signature gets a little creative whenever I'm nervous.
Them
That happens more than you'd think; I just need two signatures—they don't need to match perfectly.
Lin
Perfect—I'll try to keep it from turning into abstract art today.
Them
Works for me—if it looks abstract, we'll just call it your official style.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Open account
✓ set up a checking accountTo open a checking account
set up is more natural than open
Address
✓ proof of addressShows where you live
Banks often ask for this
Polite
✓ I was wondering whether...polite way to ask if...
A polite, natural question
Requirement
✓ minimum depositMoney needed to start
Used to ask requirements
Quick answers
Open account: what to say in English
Say “set up a checking account” — to open a checking account. set up is more natural than open.
Address: what to say in English
Say “proof of address” — shows where you live. Banks often ask for this.
Polite: what to say in English
Say “I was wondering whether...” — polite way to ask if. A polite, natural question.
Requirement: what to say in English
Say “minimum deposit” — money needed to start. Used to ask requirements.