Bait & switch with our refi rate, plus an endless stream of paperwork, document uploads, and other assorted hoops through which we needed to jump that always seemed to be marked as "time sensitive" made this a very unpleasant experience, but we had already been dealing with trying to refinance for months and took it all just to be done with it. read more

I love this bank! I've been here about 6 months -- I picked them because they have branches close to both work and home, but I've ended up loving them for a whole bunch of other reasons: First, they don't really charge fees for anything. And the savings account has an interest rate over 2%, which is better than you'll get in most money markets these days. So financially it's a good pick. They also give you some cash back on card purchases, and refund ATM fees from other banks so you can get cash anywhere. Also, unlike my previous bank, they were able to set up my personal and business accounts in one portfolio so I can transfer money easily from business to personal, instead of having to walk into the bank with a paper check like I did in the last place. Best of all, the customer service is awesome! They've taken care of everything I need, quickly and cheerfully. They'll call you personally if you make a mistake, and cut you a little slack if you go below zero in the account for a day or so before a deposit comes in. I actually *like* going to the bank. The staff makes a point of getting to know customers, and they'll greet you by name and talk for a bit if you have time. Usually they offer me coffee or cookies or a bottle of cold water when I go in. Their hours are good too, open a little later than some banks. All in all an A+ so far. read more

Ok I am on a Small Business kick today. Went to Leader Bank in East Arlington and bought two Arlington First Gift Certificate good at any of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce members business. What a great idea especially around the holidays. Love that my friendly East Arlington Branch had them and was participating in this awesome gift idea. Mm should I use one to go The Capital Theater ? read more

I've been with Leader for my business operating accounts for 5 or 6 years. I have always dealt with Mackenzie Bigelow. Her service is phenomenal. I've never had a problem that she wasn't able to correct within one or two business days, even while traveling extensively. The benefits of dealing direct with a professional and knowing someone at a small bank who can take care of you can't be overstated. I highly recommend Leader and specifically dealing with Mackenzie for your business banking. read more

Worked with Leader Bank for our mortgage per recommendation from our realtor. They did great work to help us get through a difficult sale, but then we were immediately moved to a different company for all our payments. This new company has a garbage website that works infrequently, poor to non-existent communication and has been horrible to deal with. We didn't ask enough questions, but had we known we'd just be pushed aside immediately after closing - we would not have worked with Leader Bank. Work with someone else on your mortgage. read more

Some may note this is my 2nd Leader Bank review. Different location, whole different experience. I had been with the Central Sq location, left due to relocation from the area. I'm back and now much closer to this location. After a horrid experience with Citizens Bank I opened an account with good ole Leader again. Sadly I'm going to have to be closing it. Less than 6 months of having my account they're significantly altering the requirements to meet the higher yield APR on the Zuegma (which, has to be said, has an 'icky' sound to it, no matter what spin you try to spin) Checking/Savings account package. I am and have been making the transition between banks slowly in case something just like this occurred. I feel both baited and obviously switched, not something I like in anything, let alone my bank. Just a letter saying get ready, in a month this is happening. A MONTH**. Not end of year, not hey for new accounts, but you, a new account, someone whom we should be attempting to put our best foot forward for. Its sad too as this was going to be my go to bank (literally, I was going to make a call on Monday to begin the mortgage pre-approval process, sweet timing with your letter on Friday). Accounts will be closed and I guess I'll start the process all over again, what a disappointment to have done the research and truly felt like I'd supported a local option that would be mutually beneficial. Second star is still leftover goodwill from my previous experience I guess. **well if we want to get technical I've got a month and a week and yes I'm counting. read more

2 friends of mine recently purchased their houses and they both got the mortgage from leader bank. They recommend loan officer " Elbert Baquero" to me when we are in the process of buying a condo in the city. We absolutely love Elbert Baquero. He is the BEST , most professional loan officer we have ever known. ( during the condo purchase process, we worked with a few mortgage officers , so we have a good number of people to compare). Leader bank has the most knowledgeable loan officer Elbert Baquero, and the lowest rate. Elbert is always on top of things and he keeps on communicating with us and keep us updated on all the status. we feel very comfortable working with him and we trust him 100% during the whole process. Also, due to the special situation of our mortgage, it requires a lot more effort than regular loan application, Elbert put in great deal of effort and helped us closed the deal successfully. If any friend of mine thinks to purchase a home , I will absolutely tell them Leader Bank - Elbert Baquero, is their best choice. They won't regret. And if we buy another place in the future, Leader bank is defietely the place we will go. Thanks again. read more

For mortgages: Awesomely awesome! I am a serial refi guy, and Dave McV. of Leader Bank was right on the job. He did not press when I did not want to be pressed; he got all my paperwork in order electronically, and when I said "yes" to the lock, it was done. Just... done. The real estate lawyer let out a low whistle when I went for the closing: it was the lowest no/no (no points, no closing costs) he'd seen. Smooth. Friendly. Efficient. My former go-to refi-er was American Interbanc, but they have been replaced by Leader Bank. Feels good to do business locally too. read more

The one bank that worked with me to make my mortgage work when other's would not. They look beyond the #s and exemplify true relationship banking. Diane Harrington worked tirelessly to make my mortgage work on the house I really wanted so that I did not need to settle. On the business banking side of things they are even better, Paul Mitchell and his whole team take the time to truly listen and understand not only where our businesses are but where we are going. I never thought I'd write a Yelp review of a Bank but the whole team at Leader is a step above. read more

Great community-oriented independent bank. Staff is tremendously helpful and accommodating. I had some long term things that had due dates and maturities come up while I was out of state and they were very willing to work with me. This bank actually cares about their clientele. Although I no longer have any accounts with them, I highly recommend Leader to anyone in their area. read more

Leader bank is a shining example of why I always use local banks. Every time i go in there they know my name and are extremely helpful and friendly. Not to mention that there are zero fees and easy to use online banking. Anytime I have a problem or need some help Jay Kansakar makes time for me and Im in and out in 15 minutes. read more

Marcus Sohn - closed a mortgage in less than a month over Christmas. So great to work with - incredibly responsive. Our rate was so good that a competing company thought it was a scam and/or had hidden points. Neither was the case, and we love our new home. read more

Terrible experience with this bank. After my husband initiated the discussion, the loan officer we were referred to refused to respond to my phone messages or emails until my husband finally sent an email requesting that he please respond to my questions. After that, we asked very specific questions about rates, requirements, etc., and provided detailed information about our own financial situation and what we were looking for in a HELOC. The loan officer tried a total bait and switch approach with me (because I'm a woman? Who knows?!) and tried to tell me that we didn't qualify for the rates he had quoted. We had literally just closed on a mortgage refi less than a month prior and got the best rate available, so we knew he was not being honest. We proceeded to finance a HELOC with Rockland Trust and it was a smooth and painless transaction! read more

Unfortunately we had a terrible experience getting a mortgage. It started with Marcus Sohn asking me to sign a loan application where most of the info was filled out incorrectly (wrong employer, checkboxes saying I owned apartments that I didn't own etc). I pointed out these mistakes and was still asked to sign... I didn't... so Marcus actually quit over email and passed me to another banker- Sean Valiton. Sean was at least professional, however, he asked for so much paperwork, and then came back and asked for even more. This was after weeks had passed by and I urgently needed my commitment letter. The joke is that I put down almost 50% and have perfect credit. Yet they asked me to write a letter explaining why a single car payment more than 5 years ago (in 2013) was late one time? Seriously? I observed on the paperwork that I was given that Leader Bank planned to sell my mortgage to another bank. When I questioned them I was told "TD bank," a few days later, after signing the loan application I was told another bank (Northern Massachusetts bank?). A few days later, at the closing of my home, Sean sat across from me while I signed paperwork saying my mortgage was through TD bank. Hours after my closing he was sending us text messages that his paperwork was wrong. He sold my mortgage to yet another bank that I've never heard of. A week after closing I was still chasing after them because they still hadn't sold my mortgage, nor did they provide me with the bank I needed to send my payment to. In short, I have no idea why I chose to work with Leader bank. I guess I thought I was supporting a local business. It was a huge mistake with very amateur personnel, who have absolutely no attention to detail. I didn't appreciate Sean accusing me of leaving a bad review while we were sitting at my closing. It wasn't me! Other customers feel the same way! This should be a wakeup call. Here is the 1 star review you guys deserve. Bottom line: BAAAD service, from beginning to end, and even AFTER closing! If I could do it over again I would have gone through a big bank like TD or Chase. read more

Worst customer service experience ever with their loan servicing department--bordering on harassment.

I have worked with Helen at leader she is great, I have all of my accounts with them(5). If you use another ATM they pay the fee. Love to feel like I am appreciated by my bank! Keep up the good work! read more

It's been nice to be dealing with a small bank that Really Wants my business. They're on the SUM network, which means free ATM service in many places outside their own area. Free coin counting is a nice convenience, since one of the primary things I'm using this account for is to deposit piles of pocket change and random checks. Leader remembers that they're a BANK, and their business is local savings and loans. In my opinion that makes the a better choice to do business with than the banks who think they're investment houses. Among other things, they're still small enough that customer relations and word-of-mouth matters to them. Dunno if I'm quite "a fan", but I like 'em. So far, better than average. read more

Leader Bank and their entire staff is supreme. Everyone, and I mean everyone I have dealt with, truly demonstrates on how they care about their customer. Personal level in every aspect is what separates them from the rest, whatever it's loans or deposits, I know if you need impecable service then investing your money in Leader is a no-brainer. T&T Electrical Contractors, Inc. Local 103 I.B.E.W. read more

Leader bank pays for your ATM fees that other banks charge and has great online banking!

I have my mortgage and checking/savings with Leader for about 6 months now. First impression: excellent customer service, very accessible and helpful staff. On top of that the Zeugma savings is the best deal I've seen among brick and mortar and online banks. I used to bank with TD bank and ING but now do all my banking with Leader and haven't looked back. I highly recommend. read more

I left a bigger bank to join Leader, because (1) I wanted to support local business, (2) I want to be recognized and greeted by name at the institution that holds my money, and (3) I want to be served without constantly being solicited to sign up for other services. Every time I enter Leader Bank, I'm greeted with friendly smiles, and Nicki greets me by name. I feel like a person, not just an account, and the staff help me get my business taken care of efficiently and enjoyably. I feel well taken care of there, and I highly recommend them. read more