I love working with a small bank and I hate working with big banks. The people in the bank know me and the lines are rarely long and the service is very good. I'm very happy with Mechanics Bank. read more

This place is just unbelievable. I've had numerous experience of complete incompetence in basic banking functions, made worse the 'couln't care less' attitude of pretty much entire team, at least the ones I've encountered. Went in today to do a wire transfer. Only one person there, of course busy with someone. They told me to come back in an hour. Which is like the fifth time this sort of thing has happened. You're supposed to just spend your afternoon dropping in and out until hopefully someone is available. SO, I came back an hour later and the lady was available. So, I walked up and told her I wanted to do a wire transfer. Barely looking up, she just said, the deadline passed for today, you'll have to come back tomorrow. So yeah, I got pissed. So, I asked her, 'what am I supposed to do. Just keep dropping in and hope for the best.' She looked at me like was an idiot and say, 'yeah, I guess, I don't know. Speak to the manager.' Then she wouldn't even go and notify the manager. I finally did speak to the manager and basically go the same 'tough luck' message. 'Try another branch' was the best she could do. But the whole attitude was 'we don't care. don't bother us.' I'll be closing my account here shortly. What a horrible outfit. This is about the fifth experience of this kind there read more

I love Mechanics Bank. Not just this branch, but others that I've visited: Pinole where I opened my account, Hilltop and Rodeo. The Mr and I opened a second account and the gentleman whose name I can't recall was very helpful. Mechanics Bank will will forever be my bank. read more

Mechanics has really gone downhill. I have experienced quite a lot of customer DISservice in the last few months- yeesh. Anyone know of another small bank to recommend? Where do I start? I went to an atm other than Mechanics, and it would not accept my PIN (the same one I have used for 15+ years) Went to another bank's atm and tried again, thinking it was the bank. This one ate my card and said it was for security since I used the wrong PIN. Called Mechanics on Tues. midday; on hold 20 min/sytem dropped my call. Repeat- 20 min/beepbeepbeep. Repeat- 20 min, ordered a new card. It is now 8 days later and no card. Called and waited 20 min for rep to tell me I called late on Thurs so the card did not go out until late on Mon. I said, no I called on Tues. He "corrected" me and told me I called late on Thurs so it could not be processed until late Fri, so wait another few days. Dude, I have the call record on my phone, and even if I didn't, you are going to argue with me??? And I don't have access to cash for almost 2 weeks? By the way, atm fees used to be covered by Mechanics, but now they charge, even if you keep a pretty large balance. Also, went into a branch to withdraw cash and was given a limit by the teller. I said I needed more, and the manager came over and arbitrarily LOWERED the limit on the spot. wait, what?? Too bad. They used to be helpful, even if the interest rates are pretty uncompetetive. Now there's really nothing here. read more

Incredible bank, I can't understand why this place is not mobbed. The people are more than friendly--they will personally call if there is a problem, they remember my family's names, the whole experience is very relaxed and hassle free. And the bank is mostly empty. That's, of course, great for me. We used to bank at the Kensington branch. My parents used the Albany branch, and I have visited the others. All the same experience. Hard to believe, in today's world. Unlike all the other big banks, they did not need to be rescued by accepting TARP funds a few years ago. These folks are the best around. read more

i love mechanics bank and Marian Whenever i go into the bank i am greeted by name. You can even take in your loose change they will count it and deposit into your account for three bucks, now guys how kool is that? and the best is free checking with checks and no atm fees!!!! read more

I have always heard that Mechanics Bank is known for customer service. Well I'd like to share my experience. I visited the branch for the notary service. I thought it would be convenient since my mom is a long time customer and the service was mainly for her. Her identification was expired which created a problem. I mentioned that I would go to DMV to correct. I returned to the bank with a slip from DMV in hand only to be told no. I spoke with another employee who said they would check but was unable to get answers. Ironically, I left and went somewhere else and they completed the task. Sadly, this was my second botched/slow transaction with this bank. I figured the first one was just a hiccup and attempted to give them the benefit of doubting however it seems this is how transaction are handled. read more

I am very disappointed with this bank's branch manager. I've tried to open a business account there which probably was not a good idea to start with. Robert promised to call me if he needed any additional information, but didn't. Then, he promised to call when the account is opened and the deposit is done, and he didn't. I called again, and he promised to complete everything by the 10 am next day, but he did not. Apparently he is not aware that CA unemployment is over 10%. I am grateful to him for showing me how this bank operates before I deposited my money and my trust with them. read more

Usually when I go its pretty quick and sufficient. Not feeling rushed at all like other banks i ten to go to. And usually it isnt really busy which is a major plus for me. Because those bank lines can become an inconvenience especially if your on your lunch break or something. Man!! But this bank about 98% of the time its in and out. And the customer service is always good too! read more

Worst policies ever. I have a laundry list from when I was a banking customer, but took care of that with a branch review a few years ago and won't dig up the dead. I am no longer a customer and have requested copies of my statements- from last year- and learned that they are going to charge $40/hr plus $1/page and I'm told it could go upwards of $200. Now trying to decide if the itemizations will be worth the fee. Completely frustrated. read more

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent customer service. it is very understandable why Mechanics Bank received a 5 star rating from Bauer Financial. I tell all my friends that are miserable with Washington Mutual to immediately closed their account and head straight over to Mechanics for some REAL customer service. read more

That is a review of the Mechanics bank in Point Richmond: I had the worst experience with a bank ever there. When I opened an account I had to come back because they forgot for me to sign some more papers. Then I had to come back again, then they wanted to see my driver license again and then they wanted a copy of my ss card. All in a very rude tone from the assistant manager. The boss was apologetic later but never got back to me either. In the end I felt they did not have their act together and cancelled my account. You wonder why they try to get clients in the first place? The customer service sucks big time. Nice building so, nice idea to have a local bank. read more

This bank is amesome! Patricia Gross really takes care of her customers. I am always happy to have a real person answer every time I call. I'm so glad to have a bank that understands good customer service. read more

Excellent service, they always greet you & best of all No Long Lines ¡¡¡WOW!!! This is Great

Let's be clear here. Mechanics Bank was a local bank for 109 years, but was bought by the Texas Billionaire, Gerald R. Ford, of Dallas, Texas in 2014. If you are depositing money in Mechanics Bank and think they are locally owned, you would be wrong. Ford Financial Group is a private equity fund that buys local banks like Mechanics Bank, "rolls them up", and sells them to national banks for a profit. For example, Ford bought San Francisco's Golden State Bancorp, an agglomeration of California banks, that Ford Group sold to Citigroup for $6 billion in 2002. In 2012 he sold Pacific Bancorp, a bank holding company in Santa Barbara that he bought for $500 million in 2010, to San Francisco's Union Bank for $1.5 billion The only truly "Local" bank is a credit union. They can't be sold to outside investors. That said, I have an account at Mechanics Bank and have had for about 10 years. They offer free Senior Checking. All my real money is diversified in equities, bonds, cash at Discover Bank Savings, etc. If you are over 60 and want free checking, try Mechanics Bank. Even though they are not a local bank, the personnel are helpful and friendly. read more