Investigators say the man walked into the WSFS Bank at 1600 West Newport Pike around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The man gave the teller a note that demanded cash and implied he was armed, though no weapon was displayed.
As the teller was putting money in a bag, however, the suspect fled the bank empty-handed.
No one was hurt during the failed holdup.
The suspect is described as a black male about 30 to 35 years old standing about 5'8" to 5'10" tall. He had a medium build, a dark complexion and a goatee. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap and a black t-shirt over top of a black long sleeve shirt, and blue jeans.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have any information to contact Troop 2 robbery detectives at 302-834-2630 ext. 6.