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Phrasebook

English Phrases at the Bank

Banking words are very specific, and a small mistake can cause confusion. These phrases cover what you need at the counter, at the ATM and on the phone to your bank.

33 phrases · By LearnLingo Team · Updated

Tap to hear a phrase. Levels follow the CEFR scale. American English is the default; British variants are noted.

Opening an account

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I'd like to open an account, please.

A2
Hesap açtırmak istiyorum, lütfen.
  • Sure. What kind of account?
  • Do you have an appointment?

I'd like to open a checking account.

B1

UK: "current account".

Vadesiz hesap açtırmak istiyorum.
  • Do you have a photo ID?

I'd also like a savings account.

B1
Bir de birikim hesabı istiyorum.
  • Of course. Let me explain the options.

What documents do I need?

A2
Hangi belgeler gerekiyor?
  • Your passport and proof of address.

Here's my passport and proof of address.

B1

Proof of address is often a utility bill or bank letter.

Buyurun, pasaportum ve adres belgem.
  • Thank you. I'll make copies.

Is there a monthly fee?

B1
Aylık bir ücreti var mı?
  • No, this account is free.
  • Yes, but it's waived if you keep a minimum balance.

Can I manage the account online?

A2
Hesabı internetten yönetebilir miyim?
  • Yes, you can use our app.

Deposits and withdrawals

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I'd like to deposit some money.

A2
Para yatırmak istiyorum.
  • Into which account?

I'd like to withdraw some cash.

B1

"Withdraw" means take money out.

Biraz nakit çekmek istiyorum.
  • How much would you like?

Could I have it in small bills, please?

B1

UK: "small notes".

Küçük banknotlarla alabilir miyim, lütfen?
  • Sure. Twenties and tens okay?

I'd like to deposit this check.

B1

UK spelling: "cheque".

Bu çeki yatırmak istiyorum.
  • Please sign the back.

What's my balance?

A2
Bakiyem ne kadar?
  • Let me check that for you.

Could I have a receipt, please?

A2
Dekont alabilir miyim, lütfen?
  • Here you go.

Transfers and exchange

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I'd like to transfer money to another account.

B1
Başka bir hesaba para transferi yapmak istiyorum.
  • Do you have the account details?

I need to send money abroad.

B1
Yurt dışına para göndermem gerekiyor.
  • Do you have the IBAN and SWIFT code?

How long does an international transfer take?

B1
Uluslararası transfer ne kadar sürer?
  • Usually one to three business days.

What's the exchange rate today?

B1
Bugün döviz kuru ne kadar?
  • Let me check the current rate.

I'd like to change some dollars into euros.

A2

Also: "exchange dollars for euros".

Biraz doları avroya çevirmek istiyorum.
  • How much would you like to change?

Are there any fees for this?

A2

Always ask before you transfer or exchange.

Bunun için herhangi bir ücret var mı?
  • There's a small fee for international transfers.

Cards and the ATM

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

Where's the nearest ATM?

A1

UK: "cash machine" or "cashpoint".

En yakın ATM nerede?
  • There's one just outside.

My card was declined.

B1
Kartım reddedildi.
  • Let me look into that for you.

The ATM kept my card.

B1

Also: "The machine swallowed my card."

ATM kartımı yuttu.
  • Can I see some ID? We'll get it back for you.

I've lost my debit card.

A2

Report it quickly so the bank can block it.

Banka kartımı kaybettim.
  • I'll cancel it right away.

I'd like to cancel my card.

A2
Kartımı iptal ettirmek istiyorum.
  • Can you confirm your date of birth?

I forgot my PIN.

A2

Never tell anyone your PIN, not even bank staff.

Şifremi unuttum.
  • We can send a new one by mail.

When will my new card arrive?

A2
Yeni kartım ne zaman gelir?
  • In five to seven business days.

I'd like to apply for a credit card.

B1
Kredi kartı için başvurmak istiyorum.
  • Let's check your eligibility first.

Problems and questions

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

There's a charge on my account that I don't recognize.

B2
Hesabımda tanımadığım bir harcama var.
  • Let's look at it together.

I think I was charged twice.

B1
Sanırım iki kez ücret alındı.
  • I can see that. I'll refund one payment.

Could you explain this fee, please?

B1
Bu ücreti açıklayabilir misiniz, lütfen?
  • That's the monthly account fee.

I'd like to make an appointment with an advisor.

B1
Bir danışmanla randevu almak istiyorum.
  • Is Tuesday morning okay?

Can I speak to someone in person?

B1
Biriyle yüz yüze görüşebilir miyim?
  • Yes, please visit any branch.

I'd like to set up a direct debit.

B2

US often says "automatic payment" or "autopay".

Otomatik ödeme talimatı vermek istiyorum.
  • Sure. Who is the payment to?

Sample dialogues

Opening an account

Clerk
Good morning. How can I help you?
Günaydın. Size nasıl yardımcı olabilirim?
Customer
Hi, I'd like to open a checking account, please.
Merhaba, vadesiz hesap açtırmak istiyorum, lütfen.
Clerk
Of course. Do you have a photo ID and proof of address?
Tabii. Fotoğraflı kimliğiniz ve adres belgeniz var mı?
Customer
Yes. Here's my passport and a utility bill.
Evet. Buyurun, pasaportum ve bir fatura.
Clerk
Thank you. Would you also like a debit card?
Teşekkürler. Bir de banka kartı ister misiniz?
Customer
Yes, please. Is there a monthly fee?
Evet, lütfen. Aylık ücreti var mı?
Clerk
Not for this account. Your card will arrive in about a week.
Bu hesap için yok. Kartınız yaklaşık bir hafta içinde gelir.
Customer
Great. Can I manage the account online?
Harika. Hesabı internetten yönetebilir miyim?
Clerk
Yes, you can download our app today.
Evet, uygulamamızı bugün indirebilirsiniz.

The ATM kept my card

Customer
Excuse me, the ATM outside kept my card.
Affedersiniz, dışarıdaki ATM kartımı yuttu.
Clerk
I'm sorry about that. Can I see some ID, please?
Bunun için üzgünüm. Kimliğinizi görebilir miyim, lütfen?
Customer
Sure, here you go.
Tabii, buyurun.
Clerk
Thanks. We'll open the machine this afternoon.
Teşekkürler. Makineyi bu öğleden sonra açacağız.
Customer
Should I cancel the card?
Kartı iptal ettirmeli miyim?
Clerk
No need. It's safe inside. You can collect it after three.
Gerek yok. İçeride güvende. Saat üçten sonra alabilirsiniz.
Customer
Okay, thank you for your help.
Tamam, yardımınız için teşekkür ederim.

Common mistakes Turkish speakers make

I want to pull money from the bank.

I'd like to withdraw some money.

"Para çekmek" is "withdraw" in banking English. "I'd like" is also more polite than "I want".

What is my password for the card?

I forgot my PIN.

For bank cards English says "PIN", not "password". Turkish uses "şifre" for both.

I want to put money to my account.

I'd like to deposit money into my account.

The verb is "deposit" and the preposition is "into", not "to".

Can you change this money to euro?

Could you change this into euros?

Currency names take a plural "s" and the preposition is "into".

My card is broken, the machine ate it.

The ATM kept my card.

The card is not broken. "Kept" or "swallowed" describes the problem clearly.

Quick quiz

Eight questions to check what you remember. Pick an answer to see if it is right.

  1. 1. "Para çekmek" at the bank is...

  2. 2. In British English, a checking account is a...

  3. 3. The 4-digit code for your card is your...

  4. 4. Complete: "I'd like to deposit money ___ my account."

  5. 5. Your card did not work in a shop. You say...

  6. 6. What is the British word for "bills" (paper money)?

  7. 7. Which question asks about extra costs?

  8. 8. "The ATM kept my card" means...

0 of 8 answered

Show all answers
  1. withdraw
  2. current account
  3. PIN
  4. into
  5. My card was declined.
  6. notes
  7. Are there any fees for this?
  8. The machine did not return my card.

See what the B1 English course covers, or test your level first.

People also ask

What is the difference between a debit card and a credit card?+

A debit card takes money directly from your bank account. A credit card lets you borrow money and pay it back later, often with interest.

What do I need to open a bank account in the US or UK?+

Banks usually ask for a photo ID such as a passport and proof of address. Requirements differ between banks, so check with the bank before you go.

Is "PIN number" correct?+

People say it all the time, even though the N already means "number". Both "PIN" and "PIN number" are understood.

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?+

Call your bank or use its app to block the card immediately. Then ask for a replacement card and check your recent transactions.

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