After banking with your run-of-the-mill retail banks for my whole life (Wells and Chase), I thought…read moreevery person had the same bank experience, i.e. waiting in line to see a teller, having new college grads advise you on special rates, and relying on an (800) number and online banking as my primary source of information on my account. With retail banking , you don't get the opportunity to really take full advantage of what a bank has to offer, because most people have no clue what a bank has to offer (including me).
My accountant asked me to consider moving my bank account to City National Bank (CNB), mainly because CNB is set up so that accountants and business managers have direct access to accounts of their clients, and can act as executors on accounts, and perform certain transactions.
The first impression I got as a new client (that's what we are called) is how nice their offices are. The Santa Monica location is located at the high-rent Water Garden, and offers free valet parking right in front of the entrance to the branch.
Each person is assigned a banker, who watches your account, so that if you ever have a question or need something done, he or she understands the transaction history. For instance, I made some hotel reservations in Europe with my card. A few days later, my banker called me to ask me if I wanted to buy Euros for my vacation, telling me if I bought Euros at their great rate, I will save money instead of being subject to the credit card rate when using my card in Europe, and paying a foreign currency transaction fee.
One other time, I needed to sign some important document, and just got lazy about signing it and taking it to a branch. My banker noticed that, and personally came to my office to pick up the document.
The other nice thing is there is never a line when you visit any of their branches. And, their branches are all really nice in prime office space locations, never in a grocery store. When you do see a teller, once they know you, there is no having to verify the account with your ID. Sometimes, your banker will even anticipate what you need, and have the cash ready in an envelope.
This bank isn't for everyone, however. They aren't opened on Saturdays, and they close at 4 PM from Monday to Thursday. Also, they aren't after the free checking customer (their fees are kind of high if you don't maintain a certain balance).
If you do, however, need special attention given to your account (s), or have a business, or are in the entertainment industry, this is the bank for you.
