Banks in El Cerrito, CA

“Still seems to be a fine bank, but I do almost everything online. Their recent offer of savings accounts was in fact what I wanted but kept forgetting. The transition when Bank of the West was acquired was a little rough, UI and API access was tricky The North Berkeley location is great, with the small parking lot, especially nice for disabled customers. When they were Bank of the West, I liked seeing the local merchants come in to bank, depositing cash and talking with the staff. The people were helpful, I hope they're still there. They don't send tons of paper or electronic marketing messages.”

“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.”

“Venus Ray was VERY helpful and polite! The best banking experience for me in decades. She helped me sort through many accounts to get to a workable balance that will not worry me. Thank you!”

“Drive thru ATM is ok but don't come here at 11am in a weekday. Obviously everyone is coming during lunch but wouldn't you staff accordingly?Why don't banks have a "take a number" ticket system so elderly customers can sit instead of standing in line. Let everyone just relax until their number is called. Khalid is awesome - was very nice trying to help my father with his credit card payment.”

“Great little bank branch.Haven't had any negative experiences. Every teller as been super friendly and brings a bit of personality to each transaction. Very happy here with there seevice.”

“Once more I have come to this bank, to close out a couple of Alan's credit cards and to let them know of his death, since they hold our house mortgage. Bria helped me this time and she was careful, thorough and helpful. It took some time, for which she apologized, but I appreciated both the care she took and her kindness. During my wait I got into an interesting conversation w/ two other patrons, one of whom is planning an upcoming trip to Portugal and wanted lira. The other offered him useful information about the currency exchange at Mechanics Bank in downtown Berkeley, which I had forgotten about. The warmth of the staff at this bank, whether toward me or other customers, is quite engaging and impressive.”

“All five stars for Monica, who was so warm, helpful and capable. We decided to pay off the lease on our Mazda. Alan organized the paperwork and I brought it here, rather than mail it. The lease was in his name, which neither of us had remembered or realized, although the registration is in both our names. When I arrived early in the afternoon I was directed to a teller who looked at the paperwork and was unsure what to do. The account number wasn't written out, just the last 4 numbers. In her defense, most people evidently mail in the paperwork and take care of it that way, so she was unfamiliar w/ the process. I went to the car, called Alan and when he didn't call back after 15 minutes or so, I went home. I called him again from home, but he was in a meeting and didn't get back to me for a couple of hours. He sent me the account number and I decided to go back to the bank to see if I could take care of it. It was maybe 4:20. I went to another window and the same teller was there. After looking at the paperwork again she called in her supervisor, Monica, who took over. I did write the check, giving it to the teller, who encouraged me to sit down while I waited, which I did. Monica had the account number and the mileage form I had completed. She checked in w/ me a couple of times and when I gave her the rest of the paperwork that gave her the information she needed to organize the transaction. She had been there 15 years, I think she said, and had never seen this before, but she sorted it out. She arranged for the paperwork to be sent to the office in Texas via UPS and assured me it would arrive in time. By the time all was said and done the branch had closed. She thanked me for my patience and let me out, the door having been locked. I so appreciate her perseverance and competence.”

“Drive thru ATM is ok but don't come here at 11am in a weekday. Obviously everyone is coming during lunch but wouldn't you staff accordingly? Why don't banks have a "take a number" ticket system so elderly customers can sit instead of standing in line. Let everyone just relax until their number is called. Khalid is awesome - was very nice trying to help my father with his credit card payment.”

“5 Plus Stars for Veronica A Jackson, Elizabeth Payton Thomas and the Branch Manager for the best Customer Service experience. My appointment required different levels of expertise. Each associate never made me feel like I was just being passed on. They each asked the right questions, repeated my needs back to me and they executed kindly, professionally and clearly. Just before Veronica and I completed our task. The Branch Manager entered Veronica's office and clearly communicated that the next step would require one more stop at the counter. She waived me over and assigned me to a wonderful teller. Again, I was asked all the right questions and completed my purpose for coming to the branch. I am so grateful for the El Cerrito Branch and the staff. Perfect way to complete the year.”

“5 Plus Stars for Veronica A Jackson, Elizabeth Payton Thomas and the Branch Manager for the best Customer Service experience. My appointment required different levels of expertise. Each associate never made me feel like I was just being passed on. They each asked the right questions, repeated my needs back to me and they executed kindly, professionally and clearly. Just before Veronica and I completed our task. The Branch Manager entered Veronica's office and clearly communicated that the next step would require one more stop at the counter. She waived me over and assigned me to a wonderful teller. Again, I was asked all the right questions and completed my purpose for coming to the branch. I am so grateful for the El Cerrito Branch and the staff. Perfect way to complete the year.”

“Cool Western Union when all others like Walgreens closing at 1:30..or other check cashing places are down..it's my 3rd option when regular spots ain't working ..never a problem with nice service.”

“After seeing so few stars on Google Map for this branch, I was hesitant, but went anyway as it's closest to home. My experience could not have been better. A short line, a very professional and nice bank teller, I was in and out in no time, and with a smile on my face.”