This is my 2nd review for Fremont bank. This time for the Union City location. I had the pleasure of working with Community Lending Manager, Lorie Dunn. From our initial phone call to get my home pre- approval letter, Lorie was professional, courteous and provided a great deal of information about the details of receiving a loan for a home purchase. Lorie would return my calls or emails promptly and always made sure to check in with me to see if I had any questions. When I finally received an accepted offer on my new home, Lorie and the team went above and beyond the call of duty to make this process run so smooth and seamless as possible. We did have a small problem and delay toward the end that was all my fault but I can tell you, these folks are true professionals and know how to handle any issues that you may run into during your closing process. With that being said, we still closed on time (within my 30 close date - yippee!!) I don't have all of the names of others from this location/operation center that assisted in this process but I want to personally thank them as well. You all made this experience a dream come true. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Fremont bank, well I can but I think I should end it here - lol. Happy banking! read more

Steer clear of this branch there is a bank teller lady there that always has an attitude. She's always acting snarky and rude. Gives me sad divorced mid life crises cat lady vibes. I have been a member with Fremont bank for 20+ years with more than 100k+ in the account. Spoke with the manager who helped absolutely zero. Never go here. read more

Working with Fremont Bank on the purchase of a new car they were very helpful despite the fact they had to place a hold on my money that I had transferred from one account to another, Reshmi Deo greatly assisted on Maneuvering through the red tape to allow me to process my payment to the dealer. Thank you read more

I like my bank in union city - they know me and help me with everything I need from a bank. Small and nimble .. I like the mobile app

****do not got to Fremont Bank for mortgages*** this has by far the worse customer service I have ever had w any lender. We did the loan completely online to purchase a condo. Loan agent Jacob Spillner was very nice initially. But all the sudden disappears from communication and sends an email for underwriter manager, jasmine Madison and processor Minh Pham. We get a list of conditions last minute and frantically run around to gather all documentation and sent them in... and wait... and wait...and wait. No response. Phone call to Jacob Spillner says he's out of the office and doesn't not get emails or vm's. Whoa???? Customer service? Jasmine keeps asking for the same things after emailing her twice. Finally I asked her to read the email and documents in it's entirety because everything she ask was there over a week again... only if she would read her email. One week AFTER we were suppose to close... jasmine tells us Minh is our processor and can help us. Well, where is he? Why isn't he responding to his customers. This is still going on.... as of now... we don't know when we re going to close. This is not the Fremont Bank we are use to some years ago in the last refi boom. Please close shop if you are not going to service your customers. Do not tie us up! We would be happy to go some where else. Do not go there until there is some major changes there!!! Fremont bank is going downhill! read more

Easy to get people on the phone to try and help you. That's a plus in this day and age of long hold times being the norm. However the fact that I have to call so much to do routine business is insanely frustrating. Their website is terrible. The mortgage loan system seems to be separate from the checking system and the systems don't work well together. Trying to coordinate payments from one account to the other is a nightmare. read more

We've been customers for over a decade. Efficient bank with a local feel. Customer service is always top notch. Raksha in particular always goes above and beyond to ensure that customers are taken care of. She's super helpful and proactive! read more

This bank is horrible!! Their customer service is terrible. An associate by the name of "Lana" called me about my account. My account was opened for my teenage daughter to cash a work check in 2016. I left an balance of $1.50 in this account. I selected no overdraft and online billing. I have not used the account in over an year. However, the associate called and stated that I am $70.00 over drawn. I explained that I have not used this account and there is no way I could be overdrawn. The associate stated because I was charged $2.00 for a paper bill. I explained that I never signed up for this and to close my account. The associate told me she could not close the account and to call Customer Services 800 number and hung up on me. I called back to speak with an Manager, she sates they do not have a manager or anyone available with more tenure than herself. 30 mins later I received an call from Head of Security. He stated that his associate stated that I made threats to her. THIS NEVER HAPPENED. When I explained everything to the security, he understood and stated that there has been no activity on this account for over an year. Long story short, he closed my account and reversed all fee's. I will never bank with this bank again. I will keep my Patelco Credit Union account because at least they care about their customers. I have been banking with them for over 15 years. read more

You need to push a button in order for the door to be unlocked. It took me few minutes to locate the button on the side of the door. It was quite small and hidden from me. The service is great. I come here all the time to pay my utility bills. All the tellers are friendly and pleasant. Even the customers are friendly and does not seem to be in a state of agitated hurry. read more

I had a great experience refinancing my mortgage here with loan officer Lorie Dunn. I got the rate that I expected, which was exactly as advertised when I used their website to search rates and compare the different programs they offered. Almost everything seemed to happen in a timely fashion. Lorie's loan fulfillment specialist, Lorena Perez, was really on top of things - getting back to me right away and with all the paperwork. There were a couple of hiccups when the underwriter returned my file back a couple of times and had some questions, but it was no big deal. I don't expect to be treated like a king by my bank, only to get what I'm looking for and what they advertise/tell me over the phone - and that's what I got. I had a much better experience compared to when I was shopping around with big banks, where I had been given the cold shoulder a couple of times. Currently, there's a promotion where if you open a new checking account and pay your mortgage account with it, you can get a total bonus of $350! Free coffee and bottles of water whenever you come is a nice touch. read more

The service is great here. It's fairly private because you have to ring the doorbell before coming in.. and it makes you feel safe. I don't personally have an account here, but when I have to make runs for my parents, I'll go here if I'm in the neighborhood. read more

I went here the other day to open a savings account because my supposedly banker never emailed me back. The customer service is really plain, my experience with them was so boring. I mean, I get it, it's a bank, nothing exciting. But the lady who opened my account really seemed like she didn't even like her job. I expected a little side conversation here and there, you know? I used to bank with Wellsfargo and customer service was always A+. The bankers usually ask you questions to try to figure out ways to help you with your finances like, "Are you going to school?" "Do you need loans?" "How's your living situation?" or just anything. ALSO the lady didn't even bother introducing herself, I read her name tag but she was so boring that I didn't even bother remembering it. I do remember her saying, "Let me sign up an application for you for a credit card." then "Do you have good credit?" RANDOMLY. WHAT THE FUCK. Why would I share my info with you if you're a stranger to me. She didn't even ask me if I needed one or how my financial situation is. She kind of just made the decision for me. How would she know if I need one if she knows nothing about me? I feel like bankers are supposed to make you feel like you're bestfriends to make you feel comfortable in terms of sharing with them your financial situations. Idk, if im gonna pick a place to help me handle my finances this place would definitely not be the one. I'm thinking about going back to Wellsfargo. read more

Fremont bank needs to get Rid of PHYLLIS GRIGSBY, the notary at the Alvarado branch location and then things should continue to operate smoothly for customers. She is rude, disrespectful and lies. Also, does not know the meaning of "Customer is always right" In summary Phyllis Grigsby is Unprofessional especially when not able to order around and control customer during a signing of loan documents. tries to rush through and gets angry if you have questions. Also, not accommodating at all, which is a true value for us customers read more

Worked with Luchie on setting up a business account. She made the entire process such a smooth transition. Her follow up was great. Our business has 5 members. So it was a little difficult getting everything needed from all the members in a timely manner. She was more than patient and let in contact through the entire process. She explained everything so perfectly and made sure we got set up correctly. She was able to get us set up so quickly. Got our checks ordered and business credit card ordered promptly. She did everything right and made it such a pleasant experience. If you are looking for a smooth process with setting up a business or personal account. Fremont Bank is it. Not a lot of unnecessary hassle and straight to the point. They are super professional and have an amazing team that works together to get your paperwork through and approved with any long delays. I highly recommend Fremont Bank and if you get Luchie even better because she will get things done correctly and in a timely manner. read more

I attempted to refi with them as well this year. They never locked in my rate, even after a month of charging my $400 application fee. They are so slow, and have demented policies regarding flood insurance. Basically, this bank tempts you with their "no closing costs" scheme but they'll hardly ever close the loan. They charge you the $400 application fee, which they say will be refunded when the loan closes. However, they will then attempt to find every reason to deny the loan, or make it incredibly difficult every step of the way. They won't lock the rate until everything is approved, or when the rate jumps high enough that you won't want to refinance anyway. Just my 2c about my experience with them for refinance. They might be different with everyday banking. read more

I think this is my 3rd review on Yelp in the 2-3 years that I am a member. this merits a 1 or a negative star. In terms of lending, they have some very unethical tactics-at least to gain an application fee, if not a loan. My mom had a conversation with a representative and confirmed that she would get her principal refinanced at a locked rate of 4.375%. Under this verbal agreement, she agreed to move forward and the representative charged her an application fee of $395.00--PLEASE NOTE THIS ALL OCCURRED AROUND 5 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE--SOMEONE WAS TRYING TO MAKE QUOTA!!!! When the documents came in to sign, it was a floating rate. Even if she did not sign the documents and did not want to move foward with the loan, Fremont Bank still benefitted from the $395 in application fees. VERY DECEPTIVE. We are in the process of trying to get this fee back. I will provide updates. BEWARE! read more

People are always pleasant each time I enter this place. It might be a local Bank, smaller than the average Corporate Banks in the bay, but the Customer Service treatment always count on my list. Great job and keep up the good work! read more

I just finished a refi with Fremont Bank. The whole process took about 3.5 weeks from initial application to funding. The day after submitting the online application, a loan officer called me. He explained the process, and e-mailed a copy of the GFE and Truth-in-Lending disclosure. He explained quite clearly that the application fee, should I decide to proceed, would be non-refundable under any conditions (I received preliminary approval based on information submitted in my app), but that the "loan lock" fee would be refundable if my application was ultimately turned down. The key to a smooth process, I think, is providing accurate AND verifiable information. I had no problem closing the loan, having my rate locked (the same day I paid the loan application fee), and getting funded. I can only surmise that a few other negative reviews are a product, perhaps, of not being able to verify information in the application. Now I have a 4.375% loan and I paid no closing costs or fees. This was really a great deal. UPDATE: Did a second refi. Lowered my rate to 3.75%. Second time was as smooth as the first. read more

I am in the process of a refinance with Fremont Bank right now. The process has been painful because Myra, the loan specialist, is never available to answer calls, ever. It doesn't matter what day or time you call, it always goes to voicemail. When I ask questions on her voicemail, she calls back and never addresses the question I asked. Sometimes I wonder if she understands anything I am saying. Does she even pay attention? When time is of the essence in order to lock in a good rate, this is extremely frustrating. In retrospect, I wish I had gone with Eloan again. I will update if Fremont Bank ever manages to finish the process. read more

Always heard about this place being robbed living in UC in the past. always looked dark and old. Finally went inside to make sure my mom was safe when I visited back home, there's a bell at the door to let you in and free coffee/espresso for you to drink. read more

Friendly branch staff with some nice customer perks in a convenient plaza. I went in to open a checking account, but I had a lot of questions since it was a local community bank. I tend to be a very inquisitive customer. They answered my questions in a polite, helpful manner. For example, what if I need to use an ATM and there is no Fremont Bank nearby? Good to know I don't have to pay an extra fee to use my own money. :P In terms of plaza convenience, where else can you bring your dog in to see the vet, grab a starbucks, get lunch, and open up an account at the same time. :) And the kicker for me was the convenient coffee pod system for customers and the local city newspaper. I'm a sucker for free coffee (that's not stale) and sitting for a moment of quiet on a comfortable chair. read more

I just refinanced with Fremont Bank and it was a total disaster from the start. I finally signed yesterday after over 2 months. The loan agent who took my income info took it incorrectly...when I told him it wasn't right, he responded "it doesn't matter". I ended up having to write them a note explaining why my income was different than the application. Other info on the application never was correct. The first time I was going to sign the papers, they said I owed them $3,490! I refused to sign, and they came back with $1,450 after applying all the outstanding payments I had made. Even that was way too much and I got a $900 refund. Then the papers came with the wrong interest rate...should be 4.25 and it was 4.375. The rate went up because of a low appraisal, but no one bothered to tell me. I told the loan officer I would contest the appraisal (which had incorrect information) if it was going to affect the loan but she told me she didn't think it would matter...and never bothered to let me know when the appraisal increased the rate. All in all, very sloppy work and it required constant monitoring and corrections on my part. read more

This location by far is the best. The staff here are very friendly and quick to get what you need done. They are all very knowlegable and always offer the right products and services for your needs. Also, the free goodies on Friday mornings isn't bad either. You can relax and sip on a cup of coffee with whatever goodies they provide. There's ample parking and the tellers are quick to help the line if any. read more

Gina, Maria and their staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. You truly feel appreciated and valued at this branch. If you visit the branch often enough they will recognize you and call you by your name. I would highly recommend banking with Fremont Bank especially at this branch. read more

Stay Away! Philip Z. sent me the disclosure documents and said that our house would easily be appraised at least $450K. I even have an initial disclosure where they put in $500K in the house value. To move forward, they want $395 on the spot. Next step - appraisal. Fremont bank gave us a very low appraisal value on our house (about $385K vs. Zillow at $450K) and "counter offered" at a higher interest rate. I asked them why they excluded some property in their appraisal (by Tech) and Indira T. said I could appeal by providing a comparable house that sold for more. I did & then she said I had to provide a total of 3 new comps. I found another comp for a total of two and asked them to substitute or add to the appraisers. They would not and stated they have "conservative" appraisals. They kept my application fee, I believe $395. Bait and Switch! read more

I have been a regular direct deposit customer for about three years. Generally I am pleased with the bank. There seems to be a turnover in tellers. I went in on 1/30 to a deposit money order for $40 into my checking account. The m.o. was made out to PGE. I had my ID and bank card. The teller seemed be new and he asked another teller about it.The other teller told me I could not deposit the $40 and that I would have to take the money order back to where I purchased it for a refund. I was asked where I purchased it and I honestly could not remember. I knew this was wrong and asked why I couldn't cross out PGE, sign my name or make out to cash, initial and deposit into my checking account. The teller abdamently repeated the same misinformation. Fortunately the bank manager was there and intervened explaining that indeed I could make the m.o. out to myself, initial, endorse the back and deposit it into my account. I made the deposit with the first teller. The second teller who directed me to return the money order where I purchased it, left the area and did not give me an apology. I feel that it was a gross error to tell a regular customer that they needed go through an unnecessary process elsewhere to access $40 on a money order. Mistakes happen and when they do a face to face apology is in order. I appreciate the manager's intervention. read more

Great experience at a local bank! These days sometimes the big banks leave the customer service behind but I had a great experience at the branch on Alvarado in Union City. People here take the time to be courteous and provide you banking at the same time. What a concept! Big banks take note! read more

Love customer service, friendly staff, always there to help you with all our needs, like coffee station where we can get coffee while we wait for the service or to see the officer, I always recommend all my friends to bank with this branch only not only it is easy to get to and as large parking area as well as drive thru service. When I was there last time I need some special care their officer Ms Raxaben Patel helped us and she was very professional and helpful in every way and our work was done on time and quickly read more

Zero. Based on years of negative experience both with rude and un knowledgeable tellers and Loan officers I add another. I have to constantly catch errors such as double billing my HELOC loan for service fees of $75. The other day after over a year of having trouble with their online service, the teller sent me to the loan officer. She had no name tag or desk i.d., and I was constantly telling her to adjust her mask, it was hanging down to her upper lip! She justified saying it was really old and laughed! wtf? She didn't even know how to tie in two accounts. Eventually she sent me to another who didn't help either and had me try at the desk online myself! I thought eventually it took but my other bank said they declined their attempt to verify ability to transfer online. Constant battle with untrained staff on the Loan side. bTW both HELOC over the years I had to call them out on gross errors and omissions in their contracts. Don't trust them. But the fact that all this happens and they don't require and supply enough masks and safety usage instructions....I will not be going back inside branch and look fwd to ending my ties with them soon. Zero stars read more

My parents just finished their refi with Fremont Bank, and I was confused reading all these previous reviews because my parents had a very pleasureable experience. They were aware of the options to lock or float their rate up front, they had prompt responses from all those who worked on their loan, and all the docs were correct. I've heard that there is a high turnover rate of employment in the loan department...maybe one should take all the other reviews with a grain of salt and chalk it up to a few bad apples. I imagine that these individuals are no longer with the bank considering customer service is one of their top prioroties. I've also had one friend refinance and one friend purchase with Fremont Bank, and both of those experiences were pleasant as well. read more

I just successfully completed a refinance with Kathy Ng and a few other loan agents who helped me out with the process. I will have to say that many of my documents got lost several times and I had to resubmit them over and over. But at the end, Kathy Ng was able to get my loan in order and processed. Overall, I'm very happy with Fremont Bank for making it easy to refinance and its low rate. read more

I have the fortunate opportunities to work with Ms. Lorie Dunn on several new loans and refinancing at Fremont Bank. Lorie is the Community Lending Manager in the Alvarado branch. She is very knowledgeable and takes the time to respond to our questions regarding regulations, qualification requirements and market rates patiently and promptly. Lorie is an exceptional bank officer and handles the business professionally and effectively. She informed us the exact documents required up front and facilitated quick loan closing along the whole process. My friends are amazed at the smoothness and quickness of our loan transactions compared to their tiresome experiences working with other banks. She is dedicated and truly cares about customers' success. Most recently, we required a bank letter to submit an offer for a property that was only made available for an unbelievable short period. She went extra miles and delivered the letter and enabled us to submit the offer in time. (We ended up not getting the property, blame on those cash buyers who don't need banks :) Ms. Dunn is the best banker among the dozens of loan officers and banks that I have encountered over the years. She is the one that customers would love to meet when they need bank financing. Highly Recommended. read more

I've banked here for years and I usually like going to this bank, because it's quick and easy. But the lady opening accounts today took forever opening this one guys account. I waited for half an hour before someone asked me what I was waiting for. When I said I wanted to talk about student loans, she gave me a pamphlet and told me to apply online and went back to helping the other guy. I had gone in because their student loan website wasn't working. I had already tried the same url that was on the pamphlet before coming in and it kept saying that the page couldn't be found. So I tried it again and it still didn't work. When I tried to explain that to her, she didn't pay attention and just said to do it online. I would have loved to have avoided coming in, if the url had worked the first hundred times I tried it. I even went through the whole website and couldn't find student loan services anywhere on there. In the end, i went to wells fargo and got everything done. The customer service in this bank is starting to go down hill. It was much better when I first switched to this bank from Wells Fargo. I think I might switch back, because at least the people at Wells Fargo take the time to listen to what I have to say. read more

I had an excellent refinancing experience with Lorie Dunn. She is professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and she got me a good rate. The whole process took less than 3 weeks, I believe. It helped that my appraisal came in high, too. Lorie did not jerk me around or mislead me. I've had some bad experiences with other prospective lenders. The whole Fremont Bank mortgage team was professional, and I'm very satisfied with my service from Lorie and the team. I got a fair deal and that's the best compliment. read more

Maria and her team are very helpful and always provides a great banking experience. I highly recomend this team. read more

The customer service is second to none. My senior citizen mother loves to come with me all the time to this bank because of the tellers and customers are always friendly to her. No problem ringing the bell before they let you in, this makes you feel safer, but isn't this profiling? There are better system out there that bigger banks are doing that protects employees and customer as well. Management has to reconsider changing this system. read more

Okay these guys are great! I don't think I could go back to a huge bank, as I am treated with such care here. We have worked with Fremont bank as small business owners for a few years now and I just had to take a moment to talk about the group at the Livermore Branch. First, it's nice to see very little turnover, as getting to know everyone you bank with really helps our overall family and business. When things get hectic trying to run your business and keep up with life, it's nice to know they truly look out for us at this branch! They call us when we need to make a deposit, they go out of their way every single time we ask for help. My husband and I were effected during the very difficult time with our economy and the financial difficulties it caused so many people were difficult times for many of us. They have worked with us to re-build our business as much as they possibly can...mainly they make us feel like they believe in us , knowing where our business was and having to work so hard to reestablish it all. I want to personally thank them for treating me, my husband and our boys with such care and dignity. They are all a really special group of people(: Most Sincerely, The Hernandez Family read more

Wish I had read this before I tried to refi with Fremont bank. I have a manufactured home on a foundation on 10 acres which only a few lenders will finance even though it meets FHA codes. Fremont was recommended. Before I paid the almost $400 application fee I asked are your sure this is going to pass. He said unless the appraisal is under 285,000. The appraisal came in under 198,000. I called another company and was refi within 20 days with an appraisal of 310,000. I am retired and I am going to go after my application fee. I have more time then money. I am tired of being taken advantage of by shysters. James S, eldorado, ca james_eldorado_ca AT yahoo DOT com read more

Fremont Bank is a great place to bank. The people are nice and service-oriented. And if you are looking to finance or re-finance your mortgage, look for Lorie Dunn. She will take good care of you, and she is very knowledgeable about the first-time home buyers' program in California. Thank you for the quick and painless re-finance of my mortgage and the application for the re-issuance of my mortgage certificate credit. Excellent work, Lorie. read more

The 1 ATM machine this branch has is not working. AGAIN. Been banking here for about 1 year. Machine is broke or being updated all the time. Branch has a regular teller that sucks. Not going to front. If I see her working, I skip the bank. No ATM = LINE! 1 shady teller = bad trip! Need to get with times Fremont Bank. Seriously. read more