ESL Podcast 537 – Types of Bank Accounts

Luiz: Where are you going?

Iona: I’m going to the bank to open an account.

Luiz: What kind of account: a savings¹ account, a checking account, or a CD?

Iona: Um, I’m not sure, but I’m sure someone at the bank can help me decide.

Luiz: You’ll also need to decide if you want an interest-earning account or not, and don’t forget to ask for free checking. Pick a bank that doesn’t have monthly service charges.

Iona: Okay, thanks…

Luiz: And make sure you know if there’s a minimum balance required, because if the account dips below that minimum, you’ll be charged a fee.

Iona: Yes, right, I’ll be sure to do that. Well, I’d better get going…

Luiz: You probably want to open a checking and a savings account, so make sure you link those accounts. That should give you overdraft² protection, in case you ever bounce a check.

Iona: Okay, I’ll definitely keep all of that in mind. I’d better go. Samil is waiting for me.

Luiz: Are you thinking of opening a joint³ account with your boyfriend?

Iona: We’re considering it…

Luiz: Pool your money and open a CD. That way, you’ll lock in a good interest rate and neither of you can touch the money until the CD matures.

Iona: We’ll think about it. Thanks.

Luiz: Oh, and…

Iona: Would you like to come with us to the bank and help us open our accounts?

Luiz: Really? But I don’t want to interfere⁴.

Iona: You, interfere? I can’t imagine you ever trying to interfere.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 savings   

n.存款，储蓄

参考例句：

• I can't afford the vacation,for it would eat up my savings.我度不起假，那样会把我的积蓄用光的。
• By this time he had used up all his savings.到这时，他的存款已全部用完。

2 overdraft   

n.透支，透支额

参考例句：

• Her bank warned that unless she repaid the overdraft she could face legal action.银行警告她如果不偿还透支钱款，她将面临诉讼。
• An overdraft results when a note discounted at a bank is not met when due.银行贴现的支票到期而未能支付就成为透支。

3 joint   

adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合

参考例句：

• I had a bad fall,which put my shoulder out of joint.我重重地摔了一跤，肩膀脫臼了。
• We wrote a letter in joint names.我们联名写了封信。

4 interfere   

v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰

参考例句：

• If we interfere, it may do more harm than good.如果我们干预的话，可能弊多利少。
• When others interfere in the affair,it always makes troubles. 别人一卷入这一事件，棘手的事情就来了。