Explanations

Part III

1. Current account. This is a bank account which enables a customer to make payments by means of cheques. Interest is not paid on money deposited in such an account. In fact a service charge may be levied if the monthly balance in the account is not up to a specified minimum.

2. Sales proceeds. This is money collected from sales at the shop.

3. Fixed Deposit Account. This is a bank account into which a customer can deposit a sum of money for a fixed period of time in return for interest. Generally, the longer the period of deposit, the greater will be the rate of interest.

4. Overdraft. This is one way of borrowing money from a bank. The borrower is permitted by the bank to issue cheques for an agreed amount in excess of his funds, for a specified period. Interest is payable by the borrower and it is calculated on a daily basis for the amount overdrawn.

Exercises

I Answer the following questions.

1. What type of bank account will the owner of a company open on commencement of a business?

2. What will the manager of a company deposit into the Current Account?

3. How will the company pay its bills?

4. Who will check the correctness of each bill?

5. What can a manager do with surplus funds?

6. How does a bank often help a businessman?

II Give the meanings of the following words.

1. Commencement. 2. Surplus. 3. To withdraw. 4. To depend. 5. To expand.

III Give the word that fits the description.

1. An organisation for the safe keeping of money and valuables.

2. Work relating to buying and selling.

3. Income from commercial ventures.

4. One who has the power to do something.

5. Money charged or paid for the use of money belonging to others.

6. To examine again.

7. To cross out.

8. The money used in a country.

9. Aid or circumstances which make it easy to do something.

Conversation at the bank

Part I

Mr Smith. Good morning. Could I purchase a bank draft?

Bank Clerk. Yes, certainly.

Mr Smith. A bank draft for two hundred American dollars, please.

Bank Clerk. Please fill in this form.

Mr Smith. How much do I have to pay in pounds?

Bank Clerk. At today’s rate of exchange it will be one hundred and twenty

two pounds.

Mr Smith. Thank you. What should I do with the bank draft?

Bank Clerk. You should keep the duplicate for your reference and post the

original to your friend in San Francisco.

Mr Smith. How will he use the bank draft?

Bank Clerk. He will deposit it into his account.

Mr Smith. When will he be able to get his money?

Bank Clerk. A day or two after he presents the bank draft.

Mr Smith. How is this possible?

Bank Clerk. Our bank has a branch in San Francisco. His bank will therefore

be able to verify the bank draft almost immediately with our

branch.

Mr Smith. How should I send this bank draft?

Bank Clerk. For extra safety, it’s best that you post it by registered mail.

Mr Smith. Thank you for your advice. Now can I cash the cheque?

Bank Clerk. Please present it to the teller over there.

Mr Smith. Good morning. Can I cash this bearer cheque for me?

Teller. Yes, of course.

Mr Smith. Could I have ten pound notes and some coins, please.

Teller. Certainly.

Mr Smith. What are your rates of interest for fixed deposits?

Teller. The current rates are 4% for 6 months and 5% for a year.

Mr Smith. Where can I get the application form?

Teller. Please see the clerk over there.

Mr Smith. Thank you.