Having dealt with several of the "big banks" over my life, as well as a fairly credit union that…read morekept trying to sell me products, I had resigned myself to being a bitter bank customer for the rest of my life. So when I walked into the First Ontario Credit Union just up the street and told the person behind the desk that I wanted to open an account, she replied, "Do you have an appointment?", it was no surprise. Well, actually, it was, because I'd never had to make an appointment to open an account before, but it was no surprise to be faced with a bureaucratic bank person trying to complicate things right off the bat. When I said that I didn't have an appointment, she looked in a book and shook her head, saying that I'd have to set up an appointment. "Wow, I've never had to do that before", I said, surprised. She said "Oh well, it's fairly standard". I turned and walked out. I've had a lifetime of dealing with smug bank clerks and I certainly didn't need any more. But at the time I was banking with an even more bureaucratic and smarmy "big" bank, and the location of this credit union was great, so I gave it another chance and phoned to set up an appointment. I'm glad I did. I've never had a bank go so far to make sure that I am a happy customer. My banking services are free. That's right: free. The exact same services I had previously paid for (either in fees or by maintaining a minimum balance) were now not costing me a cent. I set up a chequing account, two savings accounts and a GIC. I have the same (not-great-but-standard) interest on my savings account as I can get at the "big banks". I have a full service bank near my home, and each time I go back, the service is friendly. (So far, no more smug bureaucratic clerks, only nice ones). Unlike my former bank, I don't get telemarketing phone calls from this credit union trying to sell me more financial products or credit cards. Unlike another credit union, I don't get "robo-calls" telling me about all the great things they're doing. When I need help with my banking, I get it. Otherwise, we each go about our business. These days, I'm quite happy with my banking situation - something I never thought I'd say, but it's true. Who knew?

We are a store in Burlington and we deal with this branch of BMO…read more We are writing this review because of the excellent service given by the staff there. But, mostly we are writing about the Branch Manager, BERT KRIKKE !! HE IS THE ULTIMATE BANK MANAGER !! When you go to this bank, he is not hiding in an office at the far end of the bank - he is right out there talking to customers. His office is just as you enter the bank, so you feel he is accessible. He is friendly with a great smile. He is smart and helpful. He treats you as a person, not a $$$ sign !! If you are a Business and are looking for a bank - this is it !! If you are a Person and are looking for a bank and are tired of being treated impersonally - GO SEE BERT !!!

This Burlington branch provides exceptionally good service. They replied to my email in 15 mins…read more The staff was willing to wait for me to drive there even she knew that the whole transaction would finish way after her work hours. She was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. I contacted her a few weeks later for an investment inquiry and she gave me good advice so that I got better interest rate. I strongly recommend this branch to everyone.

I dropped in at this branch to purchase some foreign currency for an upcoming trip. I dropped in on…read morea Wednesday afternoon and there was barely a wait. I let the teller know that I was looking for Japanese Yen. They didn't have any at the branch and she let me know that she'd have to call to get a rate from head office. This didn't take long at all and she was back with a quote. From there she had to enter some of the info into the system and provided me with a receipt for the transaction and the amount. She was super sweet during the whole thing and asked me all about my upcoming trip. They let me know that the currency would be ready for pickup on the following Wednesday. I wasn't able to make it on the Wednesday and they did call me to remind me that my parcel was ready for pickup. The day of the pickup, they counted the currency with me to ensure everything was accurate, and I was on my way! A very easy process that only took a week turnaround.