Short Story: They bounced (returned) a check for $370k after being told in person that it was legitimate and there was plenty of funds to cover it. Long Story: I am the trustee for a trust. I went into the San Ramon branch on 11/7, the day after the final deposit (wire) into the trust checking account. The money was already in the account and ready to be distributed. I told the staff that there would be 2 checks (debits) coming in to that account for ~$370k each. I told them who they were for and, since there would be no more income for the trust, to close the account when both checks cleared and the balance was zero. I told them that I was heading out of the country in 2 days and wouldn't be available for a week. I asked if they needed anything more and was told they put the notes into the account and all was set. I was then called the next day to approve one of the checks. I told them I already did that and there would be one more check and make sure it is processed. Then, while I was out of the country and no phone access, I received an email from my office saying that Fremont Bank needed to talk to me. I had to pay $30 for a phone connection. It was after hours and they don't have an answering machine or service. So, called again the next morning and was told they bounced (returned) the check already because I wasn't immediately available to confirm the check. These people are incompetent. While I had phone service I called the corporate headquarters and filed a complaint. I was promised someone from HQ and San Ramon would call me back. No one ever did. When I returned, I spent another $30 to wire the money to the beneficiary (they didn't want me to do that but now had no choice). I used the Danville branch this time. It took about 30 minutes to get the wire handled and was assured that they would close the account as soon as the wire went through. Today, I received a call from the San Ramon branch demanding that I make a deposit or they would close the account. I would use a stronger word than incompetent but Yelp would likely not allow my review. Don't use Fremont Bank unless you want to waste your time. read more

Fremont Bank - Proof of bounce and adequate funds. - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - San Ramon, California

I went in to this branch on October 18 2024 to close a cd, open another 1 and get cashier checks. Bijal, Grace, Natalie, Mona and Gabe were all fast efficient and friendly and made all the transactions very smoothly. They Also were very patient as well. Thank you to the staff and I would recommend this place. read more

Very friendly and courteous. Extremely helpful. I owned a small business and Manger Dominique and Matt helped me with my county paperwork and submit. They offered personal and business banking services with dedication. They even went to the county to file. Going way above and beyond when comes to helping customers. All other staff Mona, Rachel, and Natalie, as well as new staff members, are Bijal and Grace also provide very professional customer service. I am extremely lucky to have them as my banker. read more

Excellent customer service and good location. Office hours are good Mondays-Saturdays 9-5. No downside yet.

After having refinanced, I am a new Fremont Bank customer. Although I did not apply for my loan or close it at this bank, I have come here several times for the convenience to do my banking. The parking is better than other Fremont Banks and the staff seem to be very open and friendly. I will update as time goes on, but so far so good. read more

I terrible experience with Fremont Bank home loan department My loan officer Tanganika FAILED to tell me before I paid my $750 application fee that I would need more reserves money. I originally had enough for their requirement, but then was told by her that I needed a new heat source in my home to meet the appraisers requirement. We spoke over the phone and I asked her if dipping 15% into my reserves to pay for my heat source would be a problem and she said no. A month later as my loan is about to close she emails me saying my loan was denied because of not having enough reserves. I tried to contact her multiple times via phone and email for over a week but no response. Another loan officer Justin contacted me and said "my loan could not go though and sorry for the inconvenience" Regardless of whether these loan officers are new to the field, is cost me a lot of time and money for them not being forthcoming with the rules up front. I jumped through multiple hoops and followed all of their guidelines to be mislead then dismissed. I will NEVER use or recommend their loan services. read more

Wow, am I really the only one to review this bank so far? I enjoy supporting the local companies so here I am. This branch is located very conveniently next to a hard liquor store. I took a look inside earlier today and it seems they only have 2-3 employees at the front most of the time. They are very friendly but seems like they don't have very much to do compared to like BoA or Wells Fargo. I see their ATM being used fairly a lot by people wandering in and out of the next shop (Liquor Store)! I've used their ATM a few times myself when I need some quick cash to grab a bite to eat at the places nearby. read more

Now that we've closed the loan, I just want to update this review with even more praise Ron Wise. Mr. Wise is straight up and accessible throughout the underwriting and loan processing with Fremont. He acts as a true fiduciary and liaison between the document gathering and underwriting teams. I am really glad that Nicole Reams put me in touch with Ron Wise. He's by far been the best loan officer in my multiple mortgage financing transactions with Fremont Bank read more

We just refinanced with Fremont Bank and opened a checking account. The experience was superb and far surpassed our expectations. We went into it a bit worried because their rates were much lower than anything else we could find, so we thought there might be a trick somewhere. There wasn't. And, service was so friendly and good natured. The entire refinance process took just over two weeks, which was a record for us (and we've done a number of refinances with other providers). Granted, our time in the bank was about an hour but they have coffee set up, offer cold water and generally provide a generous service environment. It almost made me want to return to paper banking! But, I was glad to know that they also offer many online options, so we opened a checking account as well. A big shout out to Ron, Leanna and Nancy!! read more

Total rip! I am a business owner and the bank manager suggested I get their c/c processing. I got a machine that didn't even work with my building and was charged hundreds of dollars. I even tried to return the machine a week after having it. They bank simply said they had nothing to do with it. This account costs me $3,000 debt because some bank rep and c/c sales dropped the ball. Won't ever do business here again! Bad merchant experience! read more

I would thank Susan Munkner and Ryan Lepore for helping my family and I achieve a great dream of being a home owner. I am very glad that we met and through everything I had gone through she was able to be our light to the dark. I am a long time customer with Wells Fargo and I believed with my loyalty and status would have had a smooth experience, nothing close to that. I was very upset with the way I was treated and really had lost hope of what the future held. When Susan came in from Fremont Bank, I was reminded that there are GREAT people out there. She was very kind and available for any questions. I highly recommend Susan to everyone who is looking for a mortgage loan bank. Go see Susan at Fremont Bank, she knows her stuff! Thank you again Susan and Ryan Lepore (and Fremont Bank) for making a dream a reality! Mesfin Tadesse read more

I cannot tell you how much Susan Munker and Josie G. Has done for me. With my 30 day notice in with my landlord and a full "approval" with a date to close set, the lender that I was working with decided that I wasn't worth the risk. My realtor called me at 10 pm on the evening of the denial and said that she knew of a lender in the bay and she felt it was at least worth a try to send my file over. Good thing we did because tomorrow, I get the keys to my brand new home! My husband and I are eternally grateful for Susan and her team! I am convinced that no one could have gotten this done. She got this done in 2 weeks! Do yourself a favor and work with the best. read more

This experience was amazing for me. They went out of their way to help me and personalize the experience. I couldn't be more grateful and I doubt I could find anyone who was as helpful and responsive. My Family thanks Josie and Susan for everything. read more

My family has been with Fremont Bank for several years, and as I was in the homebuying process, I ultimately decided to go with them after shopping around interest rates. Susan and Dante made a great team and helped me through the closing process. Because I was going to be gone on a work trip during the closing date, I asked if we could expedite the process. We closed in 16 days. That has to be a record somewhere. Susan and Dante were so quick to respond to my questions (and still are), so I have to thank them for the assistance and getting me into my first home! Highly recommend them! read more

I was dreading the loan process and Susan Munkner made it a breeze. I would highly recommend her to anyone. She knows her stuff & was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Excellent communication the whole way through. read more

I was referred to Fremont Bank by my friend to get a mortgage for my second home and HELOC on the first. I absolutely recommend as they are highly professional and honestly put clients first. Echoing comments by other posters here, I have never seen someone like Virgil B (the branch manager), Susan Munkner and Ryan Lepore who helped me every step of the way with both loan applications, explained every question and anticipated ahead of time what has to be done. It is rare to see people like them who are people friendly and have a good grasp on the technicals. The three of them make this a great business to work with and I would not be going anywhere else for my banking needs. read more

I recommend Susan Munkner and her team. She was pro-active at every step of the process. In addition, she was very professional, kind and patient as I had a million questions. I never felt like I was a bother but always treated like a valued customer. Fremont Bank should feel proud to have her on their staff. read more

I was referred here by a friend and I absolutely thank her. My experience was great since the moment I stepped in there . The teller Angelica Gutierrez greeted me and helped me open a checking's account and also helped me apply for a credit card. You can tell she is passionate about her work there , she had answers for everything I asked. A couple days later she took the initiative to call me to see how everything was going with my checking account that was so sweet of her . I never had any other bank do that for me. I will for sure be recommending this place to everyone I know because of her. read more

I cannot beging to tell you how incredible the customer service is with Fremont Bank! Virgil at the San Ramon (formerly at Livermore branch) branch is the epitome of EXCELLENT customer service!! Virgil and his team have been super helpful to me and my family the past several years. Nadia at the Livermore branch also has outstanding customer service!! They both deserve merit raises!! I no longer live in the East Bay Area, however I remain a Fremont Bank customer simply due to the fantastic service I always receive (in person and via phone). Thank you so much Fremont Bank!!!!! read more

The staff at the San Ramon branch of Fremont Bank provides THE BEST customer service. They have always provided extremely friendly service. Each customer is greeted, often by name, and made to feel that the business they bring to Fremont Bank is important. The staff is efficient, always aware that the customer's time is valuable. I can say that this is the best service I have ever experienced at any bank. Thank you staff of San Ramon Fremont bank. read more

Worked with Susan and Ryan, both very knowledgeable and helpful. Worked with us within our hectic timeline and got us our loan for our home on time! Would definitely recommend them. read more

STAY AWAY!! I was hoping that the experience would be better than a large bank. At least the large banks warn you before they take your money. My first ATM experience with these guys was when I tried to use the ATM. I had gotten warning from the BIG BANKS whenever a hold was going to be placed on an account. Not this bank. They take your deposit and let you start writing checks. 4-5 days later I got a message saying a 2 week hold (2 WEEKS) was being placed on my account. $140 in NSF fees later they say oops, sorry but that's our policy and now it's our money too! Ooops it's actually MY money and I will take it elsewhere! read more

I had a great experience working with Fremont bank as Susan Munkner and Josie Giustiniani worked to help my wife and I re finance our home. Susan and Josie were in constant communication with us and helped us understand the process every step of the way. Very professional and patient with me as I no doubt bugged them for updates just about every day. Thank you all so much read more

Updated I steel give 1 star for the San Ramon branch But I need to give 4 star for the Fremont branch one phone call and Brian took care of the problem the same day good job Brain Thanks for the quick respond for. DO NOT BANK @ San Ramon branch Awful bank. Awful bank. Awful bank. I have been banking with Fremont bank for more the 10 years and until last month (August) I have been satisfied with the service I got. Then start the bank mistake charged me for something was already cancelled I pointed this out to the bank and the assured me that in two day I will see the charge reversed that was on 08/19/13 I waited until Sept 02 an nothing went back to the Bank and again talked to the teller and also to the Manager on the phone he wasn't there I guess he doesn't work on Saturday for San Ramon branch Walt Trembley, He assured me that all will be taken care by Sept 4 well today is Sept 16 and steel not taken care and when I went back to talk to the teller they told me that I had to wait for the Manager . Well is on vacation until the Sept 23. This place has the WORST customer service I have experienced no one @ the San Ramon branch care about the customers Very sad.I guess I need to get the Fremont brank to fix the mistake that the San Ramon makes Why have a manager if he can fix e simple mistake read more

Agape Villages Foster Family Agency has banked at Fremont Bank for many years. They are always courteous and helpful with whatever we need. Adriana Cordova, Assistant Branch Manager, always goes out of her way to meet our needs. Great job, Fremont Bank. read more

We just refinanced at Fremont Bank. Staff was accommodating and helpful. Wonderful Saturday hours! And the notary came in on Saturday too! We tried other banks but we didn't get the service that we got here. Thank you Laura for all your help! read more

I am not an easy, ideal customer; I have a few self inflicted credit flaws, such as disputes with Verizon and other unethical, sleazely businesses, with whom I will never deal again. Unfortunately, these small disputes negatively reflect disproportionately on the credit report and the most important number known to man and God, the FICO score (live and die by FICO). But I have successfully contracted for mortgage loans for over 40 years. I am a strong borrower with flaws, like many people in the population. I revealed and discussed with Susan all my flaws, so there were no surprises, before starting the process, so Susan could use her creativity to figure out how to handle the problems (my flaws). She uses her knowledge and skill to cast a customer's "facts" into a scenario which reaches the goal of granting a mortgage (secured) loan. Customer is happy and her employer (Fremont Bank) can pay the commission she earned. And everyone lives happily ever after! Susan has handled more than 8 loans for me over the past 5 or so years. When the rates drop, to provide me a reduction of interest rate and payment, Susan reaches out to me as well as her complete customer list, to help reduce rate/payment as the rates ratchet down. If the customer reveals all, Susan will do her damndest to craft an honest, customer package which will meet everyone's needs, including underwriting! In contrast, many loan agent​s quote the best case, then under deliver when it is so too late for the customer to pursue other options. Susan under promises and over delivers, in contrast, as any good salesman does!​ I am a big fan of no-cost loans, because they provide flexibility which is valuable to most of us. No cost loans allow customers to ratchet down their interest rates, if rates drop, with NO penalty! Typically a point in up front loan cost reduces the note rate by about 1/4 percent. IMHO, it is better for most of us to take the slightly higher note rate and avoid the upfront costs, permitting flexibility. Most of us will not keep a mortgage for 30 years, which is a common amortization period. Susan has helped me reduce my loan costs over 4 or 5 years by refinancing each time the rates drop by a fraction of a percent. Few of you remember 16% mortgage rates (think the peanut farmer from Plains, who is a good man), but the current rates are lifetime lows even for my parents. These rates won't go on forever, so lock them in now, for the duration. Susan has a competent, helpful, caring team supporting her, including processing, underwriting, and signing/funding. The loan status function is very useful, as a customer can follow the progess of the loan by providing loan #, zip code, and last 4 of SSN. Document signing is very convenient, as well, bringing the documents to a location convenient to the borrower. I personally have signed in all west coast states, depending on where I was temporarily located. If you got this far, through my verbosity, I encourage the reader to look at non recommended reviews, particularly at the Fremont Bank main Mowry page. There is a lot of insight and thoughtful comment, as well as some ranting and raving. read more