I have been banking with this bank for my personal and business banking for the last 20+ years. The tellers have always been friendly and it has had the small bank atmosphere that I loved.
However, back in Feb 2011, I was sent a letter that said they would charge my accounts some fees that they called analysis fees. So I talked to their rep and branch manager who assured me that my accounts were free business accounts and so I would not get charged any fees for my accounts. Feeling assured, I kept banking at South Valley Bank.
To my dismay, I received a bank statement in March, where I was charged over a $108 for my account for one month. When I talked to them again they said they would look into it and clear up the issue. I never heard from them again, so I assumed they took care of everything.
I now received another statement for April 2011. Another $100+ charge on my account. When I talked to the manager this time, she said, "I looked into your account and you deposited too much cash". The deposits were same as always were before. I asked can you reverse the charges since you said there would be no charges to my accounts? Her response was "I'm Sorry". WOW. Just a sorry. She is probably sorry I didn't get reamed for more money after assuring me there would be no charges.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS BANK. I thought they were a friendly local bank. But recently they have been purchased by Santa Barbara Bank Trust, a bigger conglomeration. So it's time for me to find another bank and move mine and my families $ out from here. read more