I visited the Mechanics Bank El Cerrito branch around 9:25am on 1/5/26 to make a simple deposit. There were only two customers in front of me, yet only one teller was working. I wasn't called up until about 9:47am, which means I waited roughly 22 minutes just to complete a basic transaction. For a weekday morning, this wait time was disappointing and felt unnecessary. Unfortunately, the lack of staffing made it seem like this branch does not prioritize customer service or efficiency. I hope management will consider scheduling adequate tellers during peak hours to better serve customers. read more

No waiting, completely empty- just staff Alfonso is super helpful Mechanics Bank is a small town, homey bank. My parents have used them for decades. read more

I've been a customer of the Mechanics bank for the past 40 years, and their tellers are great at all branches. I needed to update the personal record, which could not be done online. The teller at the El Cerrito branch told me that the person who could update my record was busy, so she would call me to make an appointment, but no one called me back. I decided to go to the Albany branch and talked to the bank manager. She said she had a few minutes before the next appointment. She took all my information, and I signed the document there to update my profile. The El Cerrito branch is closer to me, but I'm going to the Albany branch from now on. read more

I was waffling between ok and good for this experience. Overall, Mechanics Bank doesn't seem too keen on getting their customers business done and releasing them back out into the wilds. Tellers move slowly. They are allowed to do a limited amount of business. Back in the day when I was a teller, we were allowed to do anything new accounts could do. But we were quick and efficient. However, it's rare to see a branch with a line of more than 5 people and when I do, it's because the tellers can't seem to pick up the pace. It's like, once they have you at their window, they really don't want to let you go...because what will they do with the rest of their day? Same goes for "Platform" staff. Typing emails into their computers, waiting for an email response, more typing, scrolling, spacing, tap, tap, tap... tap. I only came here because any branch could handle my business except my branch because the scanner was broken and my transaction called for a scanner and email to Walnut Creek office. There is no back up in place for these sort of inconveniences. Or if the network goes down, better know your account number! Not on file! All signature cards, it seems, are archived. That's probably so you can do business at any branch. But wouldn't it be really cool if your home branch had a hard copy? I wouldn't have walked into this particular branch but they were close to another errand I had to do. After sitting, waiting for some response from Walnut Creek as to whether or not everything was okay, I suggested my leaving. If they needed anything else, I'd have to go home and get it anyway. So I left with the assurance I'd hear from them by the end of the day, which no one in the branch did. The person I worked with left early and didn't give or clue in anyone else as to what work she had that needed follow up. I had to call to see what was going on. It seems to me to be a backwards kind of bank. I don't do much brick and mortar banking anymore. I'm not use to this sort of run around. Is this normal? I would hope not. They do offer a very particular kind of account that I have to have to take care of someone. So there's a plus. That happened at the El Sobrante office and took considerable amount of time there, too. The office itself is open and spacious and virtually empty. Large free parking lot and right off of San Pablo Ave. read more

As a whole, I like Mechanics bank. The problem in El Cerrito is with the customer service when I call or return their call. I always get 'can I put you on hold for a minute?' Well I have no choice and that minute became TEN minutes or maybe forever. My cell phone is using up battery but I get to a landline and call back. Same deal, wait, wait, wait, and finally I give up. They don't even have voicemail for the person I need to talk to. I'm sure they could do better if they try. They have lots of my $$$. So I'm torn between a decent bank, but poor service at the local branch. read more

3 stars because the lady was nice. So I've gone to other banks no problem and have always been able to get quarters for my cash without having an account with them. Right next door there is a Wells Fargo who did it no problem and even told me I didn't need to wait in line just to get quarters. I was told they here they weren't allowed to exchange cash for quarters unless you had an account which is weird to me. I have a Chevron Credit Union account and they have a partnership with Mechanics that allows me to draw cash out without a fee but I can't go inside and get quarters? Just seems weird to me. Anyways, 3 stars because the bank lady gave me one roll of quarters even though I needed 2. Better than nothing. read more

This El Cerrito branch of Mechanic's Bank became my most frequented (home) branch when I lived in Albany. If I needed to make deposits while on break during work I would still use the Downtown Berkeley location, but otherwise this became my favorite spot to go. The workers were always friendly and helpful if I had questions or there was something wrong that I needed to fix on my end. Be it in-person deposits or withdrawals, or sitting down with someone to go over account details I never had a rude or demeaning interaction here. Parking was not an issue on any of my visits, though I made a point of coming at hours when it might be less busy. There is a small parking lot off the street along San Pablo Avenue that was easy to maneuver in and out of in my Toyota Corolla. This location also has an ATM on the outside of the building. read more

I have made two attempts to have the trust department give me a call regarding my need for a successor trustee. A week has gone by without a response. If you can't handle the small stuff, you can't handle the big stuff either. read more

I used to like the bank due to their surcharge free cash withdrawals. With a Checking Acct, if overdraw by 1 cent, the bank will charge 40 USD. They were pretty predatory in that dept. read more

The people who work here and at other branches are really great. Friendly people providing good service. As a corporation, ugh. You want to charge my business account a fee to deposit cash? That is possibly the lamest thing I have ever heard. It is beyond rude. read more

I was having a really hard time getting the info I needed from the website and all it took was one call to Nancy McCarthy, the branch manager in El Cerrito and it got resolved. This is the reason I love Mechanics bank. The personal service is above and beyond what you get in any other bank...and especially the El Cerrito Branch!!! read more

If you desire personal care and one to one consultation this is the Bank for you. In the world of advance technology and fast paced business with corporate banking being limited in providing personal care I highly recommend Nancy McCarthy and her staff to take care of your financial service needs. read more

I switched over to Mechanics after being incredibly frustrated and unhappy with those bigger banking institutes that leave you feeling like less than a person after dealing with them (I'm talking specifically to you, Bank of America!). I've interacted mainly with this branch since opening an account with them about a year ago, and have just LOVED them! Fantastic customer service: for example, I've had two issues in the last few days and both were resolved within 20 minutes of calling it in, and, you get a REAL person answering your call each time (gee...what a novel concept); each time I physically go in to deposit/withdraw, discuss my account, etc, the wait is never longer than a few minutes. I'm so happy to have switched over and only wished I had discovered Mechanics Bank sooner! read more

We are new customers trying to wean ourselves from mega Wells Fargo. Mechanics Bank is a community bank that has been around for more than 60 years. I have total respect for them since i heard that during WW II when thousands of Japanese-Americans were incarnated in interment camps they put the homeowners' mortgages on hold till the war need. Many Bay Area Japanese had homes to return to because of this kind, but secret gesture. The GOOD A community bank that has not been involved in the Big Banks money-grubbing and deceitful acts. Patient and helpful telephone staff that helped me set up set up my online account You can use any ATM from any bank and the surcharges will be reimbursed. Friendly staff Drive through window The BAD Their on-site ATM is often not working. You can't phone in to get your balance. Their online site is slow in displaying balances and transactions When we were in Portland I was able to access my account. However on Day 6 of our visit the website didn't allow me to log in--they said I was logging in from a different computer even though I was using the same laptop. Nevertheless I feel "cleaner" being with this local bank. read more

Forget Big Banks. Go community. Go Mechanics. Great people, very helpful, very flexible. With the advent of online banking it's very easy to choose a bank that is actually responsive to its customers' needs. I recommend this bank highly. And in a world where "bank" is a dirty word, that's saying something. ETA: I lied my booty off when I told the most awesome Dylan that I mentioned him and the sensational branch manager, Nancy, by name! BAD REVIEWER! (Sorry, folks.) read more

I have been a big fan and even talked other businesses into moving to Mechanics, but now that they sold out to a consolidator who plans to sell it to one of the big banks? I am so upset. I moved to Mechanics because it WASN'T a Chase Bank or Wells Fargo. Now where do I go? It was the last of the small banks. The credit unions have useless hours for those of us who need to do in-person banking. My grandfather used this bank. I use this bank. I feel betrayed. read more

Amazing. After years of getting poor service from global or other large banks (ahem, wells fargo) I've finally decided to transfer to a local bank. I was always hesitant to transfer to a local bank for the ATM/access issue as well as searching for more sophisticated online banking. I realize now that you can have it all in a bank. Old-fashioned customer service, no ATM fees ever, even if the other bank charges you. They have online bill pay that works great, most of my online payments are taken care of in less than three days. The most important thing that stands out to me though is that the actual human that opened my account, gave me her card with her DIRECT LINE to call with any problems, ever. And did I mention that Mechanics is a local bank; that means your funds are used to fuel the lending in your very own local economy. AMAZING! read more

I really love Mechanics Bank and would recommend them to anyone but this is my least favorite location, because of one employee there. I'm not sure her name but I think she normally works the merchant window. She's either really incompetent or pretends to be. On more than one occasion, she has been the one helping me and really acted like an imbecile. Case in point, today I went in to make a deposit and also get change for a twenty. She gave me a blank stare when I said I wanted a ten, a five and ones for my twenty dollar bill. In fact, I had to repeat myself 3 times before she understood. Annoying. Again, I've dealt with this individual before and she was not all there that time either. Very poor. It's just this one employee here. All the other poeople I've dealt with have been fine at this branch and other branches and the Mechanics Bank organization as a whole is great. It's too bad one rotten apple got in there somehow. I emailed the company via their website and got no response. I do use the drive up banking and drive up ATM at this location quite a bit and I really like that convenience. read more

I have lived in El Cerrito for over 30 years and always driven past Mechanics Bank. Never once have I stepped in until I needed financing for my small business. And I'm sure glad I did. I was turned down for financing in every single bank from Chase to Bank of America to "you name it". However, what set Mechanics Bank apart is that they were the only ones to provide me options and introduce my business to other partners they had. They actually sincerely cared for the success of my business despite any short term benefit my business might bring to the bank. That's first-rate customer-first customer service. At Mechanics Bank you are not just a number. They have 5 star ratings at all their other branches on Yelp. They must be doing something right... and my experience seems to be the norm. They've won my business. read more

stay away from the manager. I've been a client at this bank for decades, multiple personal accounts, multiple business accounts. The staff is awesome, the manager not so. I've had more professional treatment from tellers than from her. I will keep doing business with this bank but moving my accounts to another branch. read more

They're racist. Questioned me about MY money as if I was trying to scam them. NEVER had an issue at the Concord or Hilltop location. Definitely won't be coming back read more

Let me tell you first off, I detest big banks. I banked happily at First Interstate, which was about as big as I could tolerate, for about 20 years. Then it was consumed by Wells Fargo, so I moved my money to California Federal Savings for a few years until it was taken over by Citibank. Don't even get me started about Bank of America, which clothes itself in faux folksiness, having stolen the identity of a venerable SF bank. At the point Citibank moved in I moved to Mechanics Bank, a great, friendly little bank that doesn't charge you for using other banks' ATMs and even reimburses you for fees the other banks charge. I hope they stay independent. I really like the people who work here and how they treat me. read more

RAYMONDA IS GREAT. S'okay, I had to put in a disagreement with some other folks who have posted a criticism of one of the tellers here at this branch. And I have now been banking at this branch for two years, and I still love it, I mean, for a bank. And RAYMONDA, the teller of whom I write, is wonderful! She has repeatedly been kind and polite and helpful and intelligent and personable with me and my clients. So I am not sure what those folks are talking about, frankly, because I have dealt with her over the phone and face to face repeatedly for two years, and I have never had a problem. read more

I've been working with mechanics banks for over 2 years now. As a cashier at a school, I don't know all the tricks and tips but the representatives at this bank have helped me tremendously with so much tips of banking! I feel like a professional banker myself! read more

I've been using this branch of Mechanics Bank for many years for my small business. They are the best in my book. Everyone helpful and pleasant to deal with. Good parking, convenient and right next door to El Cerrito Plaza. read more

We had wanted to bank at Mechanics for years before we were able to. (Employer was unable to do direct deposits and it's too complicated to explain the rest.) We did open an extra account there during a major home remodel project, to keep our loan money separate and use it for paying the contractor. The folks at Mechanics set us up with a special CD which rolled over weekly (note: this was 15 years ago so no longer available), so we could earn interest on our loan money and transfer amounts to the checking account once a week if needed. This resulted in our earning some $2,000 in interest during the life of the account and the remodeling project. Would any other bank have done that? When at last we could do so, we moved our main checking account to Mechanics and have never regretted it. Meantime, we had savings accounts at World Savings, which got absorbed by Wachovia, which got absorbed by Wells Fargo. We are being showered with information from Wells. We expect as our savings accounts mature, they will roll over to an interest rate of virtually zero percent. If so, and if Mechanics can offer a higher interest, they'll get even more of our business. A good solid local bank with an excellent reputation, didn't need or want any TARP money, wasn't involved in risky mortgages, is over 100 years old and survived the first Great Depression - look no further for your banking needs. read more

I have been with Mechanics bank since 2004. This year things have been hard and I have overdrawn my account on many occasions. I have direct deposit and my checks always automatically deposit bi-weekly and all over draft charges are always paid. I decided to take a loan out on my 401k for 7000.00. I called the El Cerrito branch on Wednesday and told them I was overdrawn, I apologized and told them I would be bringing in a 7000.00 check on Friday to deposit. I asked them to please make a note on my account.. On Friday I went in to deposit the check. I was told that they had to put a 7 day hold on the check. I asked to speak to a Manager. This woman walks up behind the glass, her name is Ruth C Valdez. I explain to her that I was over drawn and that I apologize. I told her I understand if she has to place a hold on the check and then asked her to please release a little bit of the money because I have absolutely 0.00 dollars.... She said no I will not its a paper check and we have to wait for it to clear. I told her it is an ADT Retirement check and that I know for a fact that its up to her discretion to release the funds. (This was not a personal check)... She them raised her voice loudly (yes, there were customers in the location). Telling me that she had to hold the check because of the account history and being overdrawn. I was embarrassed and almost in tears. I took the check and went to a Mechanics Bank closer to my home (that I own) in El Sobrante. I walked in and asked to speak to a Manager. I was taken over to his desk, sat down and explained to him my situation. The conversation was calm and he was very nice and did not make me feel embarrassed. The check was deposited and I was able to buy groceries that night....I was so grateful!!! One of the reasons I chose Mechanics Bank in 2004 was because they are not like the huge banks. They care about their customers. They understand people and their needs and always had a personal touch. This woman RUTH C. VALDEZ should go work for B of A or Wells Fargo not Mechanics Bank. She has horrible customer service and zero compassion. I have never been so humiliated in my entire life!!!!! Do Not Use This Branch! read more

Mechanics Bank is a locally owned and operated bank that really supports the community. That is why I transferred all of my accounts to them over two years ago. I opened my accounts at the Albany branch, because I knew someone who worked there. However, I live closer to the El Cerrito branch. Lucky me! I really like everyone who works there. They are so friendly and helpful. I either go through the drive through (yeah!!!) or walk in at least three times a week (I'm a business owner). They are always quick, efficient and curteous. How unusual! Oh, and if you ever have an issue and need to call in, you get to talk to a real person who is located in this state and if they need to call you back, they actually do! I'll never go back to the big "free" banks! read more

As banks go, I love Mechanics Bank. They are a local bank with a personal touch. They answer the phone, the branch staff know many of the customers names... I have moved all my business and personal accounts to Mechanics Bank because of how good they are. My only complaint is that sometimes they take FOREVER to do things- like the other day I needed a new ATM card and was in the bank for 40 minutes to get it. I just wish they'd move a little faster sometimes! read more

I really like the people at the bank. I put up with years of being treated like a number at other banks. The crew at El Cerritto is always friendly. Remember the song. One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch. I have a bad review on my business account and it is out of proportion to the success of the business. This is a great crew. Richard read more

If you like being able to listen to classical music without pesky interruptions, you may find this bank's phone customer service to your liking. Yesterday morning I tried 4 or 5 times to get through, the last time listening to the aforementioned music for around 10 minutes before giving up. (This is my 3rd review of Mechanics Bank; the other two were posted May 10 (el cerrito) and May 22 (albany)) read more

So glad to move from Chase to this friendly community bank ,fast and easy transfer from bank to bank . Wish I wps have done this sooner ,I talked my wife into moving from B of A too after 15 years with that bank ,she loves it BTW . read more

Tired of lousy service from your big bank, (Wells, BOA, Chase)? This bank will change the way you feel about your bank. I LOVE, that's right, I said, LOVE Mechanics Bank. Use them for my personal and business banking. Nancy and her crew in El Cerrito do an outstanding job. The on-line banking and bill pay site is awesome. And you get a HUMAN when you call. I now live in SF, and still do my banking at Mechanic's. If you are a 99%er, ditch your BIG bank and move your money to a community bank. read more

I highly recommend this particular Mechanics Branch. Nancy McCarthy, the branch manager, is a true gem of a person and fantastic customer service skills. She has a great personality and the skill set necessary to assist me with whatever I have brought her way in an efficient manner. read more

I'm very happy with Mechanics bank. My husband and I have a construction business and we were using BofA. They refused to offer a business line of credit to contractors! Obviously they don't think much of "our kind"....anyway fast forward to 2002 - we moved all of our accounts over to Mechanics bank. Not only did they offer us a business line of credit so that we could bid on larger projects, they were so very accommodating and friendly. We've been with them now for 13 years and we couldn't be happier! I feel like we have a great team of folks who are really concerned about us as individuals and our business. Nancy, the manager, is very kind and responsive to all of our needs. The rest of the folks there are great, too: Eric, Francie, Jennifer, Raymonda...and many others. I look forward to many years with them! read more

This branch drives me absolutely crazy. They are extremely poorly trained. They don't even know what to do with a torn bill; they just hand it back to you and won't deposit it! They won't even cash checks for our employees if there is the slightest variance in handwriting on the signature! When was the last time your signature looked EXACTLY the same? No thanks!! read more

My daughter had an incoming check clear later than expected and purchased three items online through Paypal. Paypal submitted the charges for each item four times on one day. This added up to 12 overdraft fees, almost $500. I know that other banks are willing to reduce the charges to one per submitted item, but Mechanics Bank is not willing to do that. Looks like they changed since they were sold to a Texan billionaire. Now they rather have a couple of hundred more today than a customer tomorrow. read more

I can't say enough good things about Mechanics Bank. The staff at this branch are always friendly and helpful. But the Bank's attitude towards its customers is awesome. My debit card was recently hacked. I got a call the evening it happened and was able to block a number of the charges, but one $500+ charge got through. I called Customer Service the next morning (they use real, local people so they were closed for the night). I got through to a very helpful woman who immediately emailed me the claim forms and did what she could. After we hung up, I had a question and called back. When I started to give my claim number, I was asked who I had spoken to and was immediately transferred back to the same woman I'd talked to earlier! When does that ever happen? I submitted my claim form on 1/15/17 and the funds were replaced in my account on 1/17/17. No muss, no fuss, I didn't even have time to miss my money. I left Wells in 2010 after 30 years and never looked back. If anyone can have warm and fuzzies about a bank, Mechanics Bank is it! read more

Very disappointed in the lack of customer service I have been receiving from this bank branch over the last two years. I have had issues where I had asked them to bend the rules a bit, which would have been beneficial for them. It had to do with overdraft fees, which are crazy high. They put you by default into a 500 dollar allowed overdraft. That to me is wrong. Anyway since I was negligent in knowing this, I got slammed with those fees. I asked to please reduce them, since I was expecting in a few days, a transfer of a large amount of money that would cover anything, they would not listen to me. They had also closed my account, due to non payment of fees. They also made a mistake at the Berkeley branch, by allowing a third party check to be deposited, and recording it twice. So my daughter was accused by her employer of fraud. Mechanics had to send him a letter, apologizing for their mistake. Ugh. Stress. read more