I recently left one of the big banks downtown with the hope of supporting a small local bank. But every few weeks I continue to be highly disappointed with Mechanics Bank. 1) On those days when I need to speak with a Teller, more times than not I've got an unreasonably long wait (15 minutes). Last week there was 1 Teller working behind the desk at lunchtime. 2) When I make a deposit at their ATM it often takes days to post to my account. 3) It seems like half the time I try to log onto their website their site is down, and their Customer Service person can never give me any kind of idea when it will be up again. Come on I don't think I'm asking for much here. read more

I hate this branch sums it all. They could learn a thing or two from the Oakland branch on Harrison. ALL the tellers at the Berkeley location are slow as molasses. They have no sense of urgency whatsoever. Even if the only person in the branch is you. I mentioned this to the manager at the Oakland branch and they said that there was no reason for them to take as long as they do. With the exception of an older gentleman and a female teller all the other male tellers are unfriendly. They look at you with a blank stare and monotonously go thru the motions. And OHHH so SLOW it makes you want to SCREAM!! I am not fan of BOA but at least their tellers are friendly and fast. read more

Dear god I have hated working with this bank. Their online systems are a nightmare. Their transfer fees are a nightmare. Our attempt to use a joint account through them was a nightmare. They're like a regular big bank for all the trying to rip you off, but without any of the service, support, or online banking design of a big bank. Sadly, we're going back to a big bank. read more

This review is more about Dylan Gano who makes you feel very important. He is professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and punctual I've been with Citi Bank since 1991 but as of 2013 I moved my personal and business accounts to Mechanics Bank. Dylan Gano is Branch manager but he is everywhere to help clients and I'm glad I met him the day I went there. He is an amazing person he always there to answer me if I have any financial concerns. He made me to contact my entire circle of influences and telling them if you don't already have Mechanics bank have one, you should definitely go to his branch and open an account. Ask for Dylan Gano read more

After nine years of patronage, I closed out my accounts w/ you today, never to return. In 2012, after my divorce, I started a checking account w/ Mechanic's Bank and expected to bank with you for the rest of my life but, no more. The last few years of banking with you has felt reminiscent of being in a relationship with a narcissist. First, you closed down your Sacramento branch creating a hardship for all your Sacramento patrons. Whenever I'd have to do business at a "local" branch, I'd either have to drive 22.5 miles up to Roseville -a trip which takes anywhere from 35 minutes to an hour depending on the god awful traffic Roseville incurs on a daily basis- or drive 25.5 miles up the hill to the El Dorado Hills branch -a trip which takes 28-45 minutes, depending on traffic. You have been promising to open up a new brick and mortar in Sacramento for the last three years. THREE YEARS! If I can afford rent in Midtown, so can you! Making promises you never intend to keep is called Future Faking. It's a tactic narcissists use to keep stringing their partners along. Another issue is your online banking, or lack thereof. I have been trying for MONTHS to sign up for your online banking but it NEVER goes through. I've even wasted HOURS of my precious life sitting on the phone w/ your people trying to see if they could sign me up over the phone, only to be told time and time again that your "systems are down". Even my friends would ask me, "Why are you still banking w/ them? They sound like such a hassle" & I'd defend you. No more! The last straw was when YOU cancelled my ATM card b/c of a one cent fraud charge and wouldn't overnight me a new card for free. I explained to your staff that I was in the middle of a move and didn't have the time to deal w/ having to drive to A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CITY to get a new card issued to me. After nine years of patronage, NINE YEARS, you still said I had to pay $50 (FIFTY DOLLARS!?!?) if I wanted a card to be overnighted to me. Not once had I ever, in our entire nine year relationship, required you to overnight me anything and yet, you couldn't do this for me, knowing that YOU had deactivated my card & YOU had shut down my local branch. It's been fourteen days and I STILL haven't received my replacement card!! Banking w/ you was like being in an abusive relationship and I would recommend you to no one. read more

Wow, I love Mechanics Bank! They provide real personal service--they recognize people's faces and respond like human beings! They are also knowledgeable and take care of (in my case) transfers to foreign banks. I am so grateful to call up and talk to someone who knows me when my card has been misplaced, and who can take appropriate action (a little complicated in this case) and even offer good wishes for my family's health. Also, they are a local bank, don't engage in hellish high financial shenanigans, have good ethical standards, help to support the local community, and pay any fees other banks charge to give me cash when I'm out of the area. Love this bank. read more

Do I have to give them even one star? They just stole almost $500 from me. They seem to have a policy of not letting you talk to a manager when you have a problem, even when you ask to see one. The teller goes back to talk to the manager and then delivers the manager's insulting and incomprehensible message. I have experienced this twice with them now; teller repeatedly refusing to let me talk to a manager though I asked several times. I am actually a long-time customer of this bank--probably more than 20 years. But they lost my business today. I actually had two accounts there, my personal checking account and a very small account I managed for a group I belong to. I was assured when I opened the small account that the accounts would not get mixed up. But in January I lost my ATM card and had to have it replaced. When the new card came I used it to deposit my paycheck as I always do, and I wrote checks to pay my bills against my personal checking account (yes, my banking practices are old fashioned). Then I started getting calls from my creditors saying checks had bounced. I couldn't figure out what was happening, because when I looked at my balance with my ATM card, it said I had plenty of money in the account. I had trouble getting onto my online account to see what was happening. My username and password were OK, but I kept getting a message that I seemed to be logging on from a new computer (I wasn't) and asking me to verify with a code they sent me through my email. But when I tried to verify, I just got the same message. When I finally did get onto my online account, I saw that my paychecks had been going to the wrong account. Instead of going to my personal checking account, they were being put into small account I managed for the group. So all my deposits were going into an account that was not the account I write checks against. There was no money at all in my personal checking account, so of course a large number of checks had bounced. I also saw that the bank had charged me almost $500 in overdraft fees. I realized that the bank had replaced the ATM card that was linked to my personal account with one that was linked to the other account. I was relieved to find out what had happened, and I thought if I just went down and explained what happened I could transfer the money into the right account, and that I could get the bank to forgive the overdraft fees because the problem was the result of their error. Well, that was naive. I did manage to transfer the money, of course. But the first thing the teller did when she looked at my account was tell me that the ATM card I had lost was just for an ATM and could not be used as a debit card. From this answer that had nothing to do with the matter at hand, but seemed to be an attempt to turn things around on me in some vague way, knew things were not going to go well. She went back to speak to her invisible manager, and came back saying that technically this was not bank error because of the number of overdraft charges. Again the answer was beside the point; the overdrafts were the result of their error, the number didn't make any difference as to whose fault it was. But there was no appeal from the decision of the invisible manager and her teller-messenger. The teller refused to let me talk to the manager, saying at one point that this was something she could handle herself. Two more things: when I first started getting calls about bounced checks, I got a voice message on my home phone from someone named Ava at Mechanics Bank. I tried to call her back twice, but was always told she was in a meeting. I left all my work number and cell phone number and asked her to call me back, but she never did. Also, when I deposit my checks, I write on the back the number of the account they are supposed to go to. But apparently no one was checking. In my book these people aren't bankers. They are just thieves. I hope they enjoy their stolen money; it's all they are getting out of me from this day forward. Apparently $495 is worth more to them than a loyal customer. Well, I know what I'm worth to them now. Enjoy your money, crooks. This was the Mechanics Bank in Pinole by the way. Stay away from them. read more

The reps are always welcoming and they make it a point to remember you if you have visited the bench before. I come all the way from Sacramento and they still remember me. Great service read more

Been a customer for well over 10 years, originally out of convenience since I worked near a branch in San Francisco. Now, although I live in the city, I rarely make it to a branch. I've had stellar service over the years with far greater customer service than with any other bank I've used (and I have more than one bank account). I like them, they are very helpful and I do most of my stuff online. The only problem I have ever had has been, since I live in SF, there is only one branch in the city and sometime ago, they closed this branch for Saturday hours. That was a disappointment, but for now I haven't been too impacted by not being able to bank in person. read more

The dependance of costumer service or costumer satisfaction is non existent at the branch(2301 Shuttuck Ave). They are more into move as slow as they can, never smile, and most importantly; get you out the bank at all costs, even if it included losing the branches integrity. I explained my problem to the teller (my account had been magically closed), he shook his head and exhaled as if the task was the end of his life. Basically, he told me everything that i wanted to hear (problem resolved), and yes i did leave happy. Satisfied, i went home. Perhaps i was gullible, because nothing he had told me had happened. The next day, i was stuck and stranded when i found out that my atm card was still not in service. I went to another branch, got the help i wanted and my atm card was working perfectly. I spent five minutes in the Berkeley branch but ended up unsatisfied. At the other branch i stayed for about 20 minutes, but the issue was solved and got excellent service. I've been to many of the branches, had gotten excellent service and was always satisfied. This specific branch reminded me how gullible a person can get. I guess Five Stars on the life lesson part, but costumer service wise, they need to remind or re-train their employees how to honestly serve their costumers. Maybe one day i will get treated like a regular person and not feel like a second class citizen or even get lied to at the berkeley branch. read more

CRB Auto/Mechanics bank was nothing but terrible customer service. Every month I tried putting some extra money to help pay principal which typically resulted in writing them several emails and a phone call or two. I would have to write them an email specifying exact amounts for both the monthly payment and whatever I wanted towards principal. If one piece of there lengthy criteria was missing I received an email telling to call them. After going through prompts and waiting 10-30 minutes for a call back, they would then run through my information that they already had and would tell me why my principal payment would not have gone through. This was something they couldn't fix over the phone, I would have to write another email to them with the corrections. The last time I got an error was because I stated I wanted to a certain amount to go towards my "monthly" payment. It was flagged because I didn't specify which month even though my monthly payment was due in a week. I even told one of the customer service representatives how unhappy I was and they simply said they get a lot of similar complaints but have done nothing about it. Glad to say I refinanced with a better rate but honestly I would have gladly paid a little more as long as the process was easier and the customer service treated me better. read more

Sexism-Racism or Coincidence? I have had accounts with this bank for many years but don't often go into this branch. Here is what I have experienced lately at this branch: Today, I (a female) stood in line for 5 minutes while two tellers were busy with other customers. One bank employee was at a desk in the area of the teller windows, she saw me waiting so I just assumed she wasn't a teller. Shortly after I was being helped a white man walks in, the third teller hops up from her desk and opens a window, he didn't even have to wait in line. Hmm. A couple of months ago a very similar situation. There were 5 or 6 people in line, all women and men of color. The line was going very slow and there were other employees in the teller area but not helping customers. A white guy walks in and gets in line and all the sudden they open up more teller windows. This really does not seem like a coincidence to me. It reeks of sexism and racism. read more

I was a account holder at Rabobank. This was a great bank. Had no problems with them. They were honest and genuinely helpful and new what customer service meant, especially since they were handling peoples money. But ever since Mechanics Bank purchased them, I have had nothing but problems. I am not even sure how Mechanics Bank made it this far in the banking world. They are continuously losing my deposits. Every time I make a deposit it does not show up in my account. I have to hound them for days before they will post it. They recently moved to the new website for Rabobank customers and basically lost almost every deposit but had every bill payment or withdrawal. When I got on them about it I just got some generic statement about how it takes 24 hours for it to show up. How could it take 24 hours when it showed up fine in Rabobank's online banking? I am starting to dislike this bank more and more daily. They are becoming worse than Bank of America. I will be moving my accounts as soon as possible. I suggest if you are not a customer of this bank, stay as far away as possible. If you are a customer of this bank be cautious. Do not trust this bank with your money. read more

This bank sucks! My mom went there the other day to get a letter to help her straighten out her Social Security. Long story short, they wouldn't give her the letter and my mom called crying because one of the manager's, Ruth, was so rude to her (and extremely insensitive about the fact that my father had just passed away). I asked to speak to Ruth so that I could see what could be done to rectify the situation without upsetting my mom further. She wouldn't even get on the phone with me. I called to speak to her supervisor, the Area manager, he still hasn't called me back. I think that something is said about how horrible your service is when you don't value your customers enough to call them back and you make they cry. read more

I have been with mechanics bank for many years and generally had an acceptable experience. But this last time was one of the worst. I went into the bank looking for business equipment financing. I spoke to a banker named Melanie who walked me through the process. She quoted me a price and a number of years. I had her email me the quote. I agreed then signed the paperwork and was given the check for the equipment. I received my first bill and saw that it was not what Melanie had quoted me. It was triple the payment. I complained to her superiors who gave me no resolution. I went all the way to the vice president of the bank who did little more then send me an email offering to refund the fees on the loan if I could find another bank to refinance. I am so disappointed in the customer servics and the response to an error on there part. Please be warned to not trust anything these bankers say. Trust comes back to bite you. Ill most likely be taking my business to a bank that actually values my business. I just felt a need to share my experience with mechanics bank. read more

This is a bank. It can only be but so "good." However, the folks here are consistently kind, interested and responsive, in my 15 years as a customer. In a world of frequently changing and "expendable" staff, it's a pleasure to walk into this bank and hear Dan talking about something, anything. He's been there forever, and is a very sweet man. He knows a little something about almost everything and if you want, he'll have a fun, pleasant conversation with you that will brighten your day and make you feel glad you had to run that bank errand. From international politics to late 70s R&B....all from a bank customer service rep! I have had people over the years make mistakes at this bank, and they are not very generous with their loan policy for individuals, but in the final analysis I'd say they were prudent. In the long run, this is important for them to remain a community asset. I've also had negative experiences with them holding checks for a long period of time. But I suppose that I'd rather that they be a bit more cautious than to be reckless in their policies. In the main, Mechanics is old-fashioned (n a good sense), old-time banking--people know you, they're friendly and will almost always help whenever and however they can. Of course there are variations in this, but over 15 years I can safely say that for a bank, this is an excellent institution. read more

So, I've stuck with Mechanics now for several years, despite my frustration at their archaic deposit hold policies. I really like having a local bank and can work around the fact that they're more parochial about things. I love the ATM fee refund policy, and that I can get someone on the phone quickly to get anything resolved. But when you open an account, make sure you don't need quick turnaround on your deposits! read more

The Business Banking here is pretty much the best deal around. And I like supporting a local business. It's sometimes hard to get someone on the phone (their phone system seems old) and they did mess up my checks when I first opened the account. But other than that, it's all good! read more

Best bank I have done business with over something like 30 years. Extremely friendly yet professional staff, usually short wait, all services I need. They even answer the phone when you call them! read more

I agree with Brian. ("I can't believe some of these reviews!") I've been there eight years, have three accounts including my business account, and always get pleasant, immediate service if there is a question. Even though they were purchased by Ford Financial, they still feel like a local bank. read more

I don't want to rate this branch at all!!!! Believe it or not but I was waiting for personal bank assistant for about an hour, to be precise 48 minutes. They did not let me know about customers parking lot and they did not mention for how long I should wait. Basically, two sentences could change my opinion about Shattuck branch, but they preferred ignorance. read more

i was looking forward to supporting a local bank, highly rated by the folks at "moveyourmoney.org". however, my experiences with the people working at the branch on shattuck completely turned me off. i hate to admit it, but i found the bankers at my local bank of america to be more diligent, friendly and competent than here. everything seemed fine, i opened my business money market account with james. then a few days later i was called by someone at the branch to tell me they were missing paperwork on the account so could i come in to fill it out. i was concerned b/c i had given them the forms they described when i opened the account. when i went to the branch, luis told me the paperwork wasn't there in my file, but maybe it was somewhere in james' desk. however, james was out sick and therefore he wasn't going to be able to figure out if they had the paperwork until he got back. the paperwork they were missing had critical info on it like ssn, home address, maiden names, etc. i.e., everything someone would need for identity theft. they did not demonstrate any concern for this, and simply stated that i would have to wait until james decided to come in to work, then they would be able to see if it was in fact in his desk. i asserted that this would not be acceptable to me, that i would remain physically inside the branch office until the document was located. had i not done that, who knows how long it would have taken. but because of my assertive (admittedly obnoxious, but i think justified) stance, luis somehow managed to find his way into james' desk to find the document. phew. unfortunately this was not the only issue i had with the service at this location. i am too tired and fed up to even grant this issue any more time. suffice to say i am deeply disappointed, because i had been looking forward to a new way of doing business. read more

My fiance and I (customers at competing big banks) opted to open a joint account here. It's been a drag almost since the beginning. True, when you call customer service you get a person. True, they reimburse ATM fees. But every other thing has been difficult. They put unreasonably long holds on every check we deposit, they take many days more than other banks to make electronic transfers, their online banking is a balkanized mess. Credit cards are a separate log in from checking and bill pay, and trying to figure out how to pay my Mechanics Bank Visa card from my Mechanics Bank checking account has been a nightmare. The bill pay does not even have "Mechanics Bank" as an option in their credit card company list. Calling customer service I was transferred to the online banking line and was on hold so long I gave up. Seriously? I'm about done with this place. I do want to support a local business (and a bank that did not take bailout money) but this operation is a wreck. read more

I had an account with this bank with a balance above $5000 (to avoid fees) for 5 years. Over that time I earned about $5 in interest. This March, they closed that account and transferred the money to a new one which charged fees of $20 a month. When, on discovering the fees, I protested they told me dismissively I had been warned. When I told them I had seen no warning in their monthly email messages nor in the monthly statement, they told me that it was attached behind the January statement, though there was no signal that extra pages had been added or that in January alone I should be expected to read through to page 5 to find new terms and conditions. The rep I met with ( a woman who did not give me her name) and the manager both seemed to think that this met both the standards of the law and the standards of their conscience. My only conclusion was that they and their bank managed to make Bank of America look good. Stay away. read more