Mechanics Bank

bought out by a texas billionaire named Ford who’ll raise fees and then flip it. i switched to the fab co-​op credit union on Ashby Ave. vote w/​our dollars! move your money!

Switched to this bank because I thought it was a small bank so they would have small bank perks. The woman who signed me up for my checking account said we would get 10 reimbursed ATM fees a month. Surprise! It’s actually only ONE.
There are also fees for transferring money. Switching to another bank after horrible experiences & only 1 month.

So, I’ve stuck with Mechanics now for several years, despite my frustration at their archaic deposit hold policies. I really like having a local bank and can work around the fact that they’re more parochial about things. I love the ATM fee refund policy, and that I can get someone on the phone quickly to get anything resolved. But when you open an account, make sure you don’t need quick turnaround on your deposits!

Been a customer for well over 10 years, originally out of convenience since I worked near a branch in San Francisco.
Now, although I live in the city, I rarely make it to a branch. I’ve had stellar service over the years with far greater customer service than with any other bank I’ve used (and I have more than one bank account). I like them, they are very helpful and I do most of my stuff online. The only problem I have ever had has been, since I live in SF, there is only one branch in the city and sometime ago, they closed this branch for Saturday hours. That was a disappointment, but for now I haven’t been too impacted by not being able to bank in person.

I agree with Brian. («I can’t believe some of these reviews!») I’ve been there eight years, have three accounts including my business account, and always get pleasant, immediate service if there is a question. Even though they were purchased by Ford Financial, they still feel like a local bank.

This is a warning; DO NOT open an account here. This is the worst bank in history.
The Mechanics Bank has the most NON user-​friendly on-​line banking system imaginable. And despite the fact that they are constantly «updating» it, everything just gets worse, and leaves customers frustrated by the constant change. Add to this a customer service department that views customers as pariahs, and you get a completely toxic experience.
FYI, I have been a customer for 20 years. Back when I opened my account, this was a lovely little bank that treated people well. Now, I can no longer stand it, and I am looking into switching banks. Here is a sampling of experiences over the past several years that have led me to look forward to closing my account.
1. The last time their system went down (which it does periodically, just when you need to pay your bills, and you have finally found the time to do so) I called to ask when it would be back up. The wait time was 25 minutes, and when I did get through the rep. was amazingly rude, and said, and I quote, «I have no idea when it will be back up». I asked her if she could find out and she said «I’m not in that department.» REALLY? I suggested that they post a message on the site letting people know the site was down and when it was estimated to be back up and she hung up on me.
2. I received a (rare) email from the Mechanics Bank with a huge, long CC. with all the names and email addresses visible. OOOOPS! Only after receiving dozens of calls from outraged customers demanding their privacy did the Mechanics Bank send out a brief apology and promise not to do it again.
3. Last year, I tried to order checks, although I don’t use them much. Despite keeping a high balance, they charged me $ 39.00! — apparently because I did not request the «basic» checks. When I asked them to waive the fee, they said they would have to put all the «deluxe» checks in a shredder — I am telling the truth— and then place a new order for the «basic» checks. (Apparently, the «deluxe» checks were too good for me because they were another color — as if I care one way or the other) So now I had to wait another two weeks. In what world is this smart or rational customer service? especially for someone who has a lot of money in your bank? I now do without checks completely; I pay on line or with Google Pay.
4. They changed the online banking system just recently YET AGAIN, and took away the only advantage the old system had; it automatically inserted the delivery date for payment. Who implements a new system that TAKES AWAY previous conveniences? Who does that?
There are at least three other incidents that left me angry and frustrated… but I have no more energy to write about it. Do yourself a favor, do not put your hard earned money in a bank that spits in your face. Choose a bank that treats you with respect and dignity. You deserve it.

Worst bank ever. I spoke with a woman named Sonya, i told her i needed to cash a check but was an hour away, and would be ten minutes late. She said it would be fine, just get there by 5:10. I arrived right at 5:10, but the door was locked, i stood there ringing the door bell and knocking on the door for ten minutes until a guy comes to the door and tells me i was too late. I tried to reason with him, telling him i spoke with Sonya, but he refused to cash my check, saying i was too late. Worst bank ever. Do not ever go here, bank somewhere else.

I can’t believe some of these reviews! I have been with Mechanics Bank since 2000 (15 years) and have been nothing but thrilled with their service and support the entire time! I have TWO business accounts with Mechanics with multiple accounts in each for operations, savings and capital purchases, a personal checking and savings account and my daughter, her Mother and I have a joint account that we all share. I have also recommended that all of my friends switch to Mecahnics and the ones who have are have had no complaints.
There have been glitches over the years; computers needing to be reverified [which is for your protection, people, since every time your IP address changes (which happens if you have your computer set up for «assigned IP address») it could be another person trying to hack into your account; it takes about five seconds for your approval code to come to you via smart phone. On VERY few occasions the website has been down or unavailable (maybe 6 or 7 times in 15 years) but these are things that happen on any website or automated system on the net.
As far as the online systems being «a nightmare», I’m amazed at the statement. The online system is easy to navigate, direct and works flawlessly 99.9% of the time. I can easily transfer money back and forth between my accounts (with no fees), pay bills and the phone app is amazingly simple to use to get balances, review transactions, deposit checks, pay bills and transfer money.
I have never had any problems with the tellers; they are always friendly when I come in (although some may not be as «perky» and outgoing as others which I attribute to simple human behavior). There have been times when I don’t get EXACTLY what I want because of some rule or policy but «that’s life».
Additionally, I can use my ATM card anywhere in the world and not have to pay their ATM fees; Mechanics reimburses you for them at the end of each month.
I will admit that the online banking for business accounts is a little less user-​friendly but it works once you take a little time to navigate it and I do most of my business transactions in person anyway.
I also agree that Grant Shoaf at the Berkeley branch is a great guy. Always friendly and helpful and it looks like if you are a big complainer, he actually tries to rectify the problems you’re having without you even having to come in or call… just leave a bad review on Unilocal. Maybe next time these people will actually call the business they are having a problem with and see if they can get an explanation, solution and apology before writing a review on Unilocal to try and ruin a business.
All-​in-​all, I am some times appalled at some of the people who expect everything that’s done for them in their world to be perfect. We live in a time when there is so much technology and so many services that we can get just about anything at any time without leaving our homes. I’d be interested to know if all of the complainers here provide perfect service all the time in their professions.
Judging by the tone of some of these reviews, it might be a good idea to consider that you get back what you put out.

Edit 5÷20÷15
Wow! The area manager, Grant Shoef, called me on ⁵⁄₁₉ to address all of the points in my original review below. He was lovely, and genuinely concerned and gave explanations, solutions, and apologies.
It seems that sole proprietors like me are in somewhat of a business limbo. Even though I’m a business, as a sole proprietor my banking needs are more of the personal type. And guess what? Without changing any account numbers or cards or really anything at all, my business account can be switched to be handled as a personal account. Which means I will be able to use the mobile app to deposit checks, and access all account info (like account numbers!) online.
If this actually works out, I’ll add a fourth star.
Grant also addressed the issue of the surly teller and the change in culture at the Shattuck branch over the past couple of years. I give him five stars for this, but overall can’t give it to the branch just yet.
Stay tuned…
— — — — — — —
5÷15÷15
This review is based on my experience as a business account holder. The only info specific to this branch is at the very end. They get one star because that’s the lowest you can give. I figure one for some of the nice people, zero for each of the bullet points below.
Back when everything went to hell in the financial market I switched from Bank of America to Mechanics Bank because I wanted to go local. I’m (mostly) pleased with their human interactions, but their systems are awful.
1– Only personal account holders have the ability to deposit checks via smart phone. I often travel for work and have to mail in my account deposits (and don’t get a deposit slip). Wouldn’t it make more sense to offer this service to entrepreneurs/​contractors/​small business owners rather than the people who likely already have their pay come in via direct deposit?
2– The online system is a nightmare. Some small improvements have been made over the years, but it’s still a disaster. Finding past statements– sometimes I can, sometimes I can’t. Which leads me to…
3– I’m all paperless, so I should be able to find my account numbers online, right? No. Again only personal account holders can see their account numbers online. For «security purposes» business account numbers aren’t accessible anywhere online. Wait, what?
4– This is what lead me to write this review. I called in to find out my account numbers because I need them for a rental application and don’t have all of my original paperwork for both accounts readily handy. I had to wait 25 minutes before someone came on the line to access them for me. As a business owner/​entrepreneur every minute is money and to lose almost half an hour on hold just to find out my account number (for the ridiculous reasons stated above).
Now about this Shattuck Ave branch. Originally all of the folks working there were friendly, and greeted me with a smile– and often remembered my name. It was lovely and was worth dealing with all of the above. In the past two years, the staff has changed significantly and now the tellers hardly even greet me with eye contact. There is one woman in particular who has been there the entire time that I have been banking there who I go to such lengths to avoid that I let people go before me.
If it wasn’t so damn complicated I would switch, but at the moment it just doesn’t seem feasible.

This review is more about Dylan Gano who makes you feel very important.
He is professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and punctual
I’ve been with Citi Bank since 1991 but as of 2013 I moved my personal and business accounts to Mechanics Bank. Dylan Gano is Branch manager but he is everywhere to help clients and I’m glad I met him the day I went there. He is an amazing person he always there to answer me if I have any financial concerns. He made me to contact my entire circle of influences and telling them if you don’t already have Mechanics bank have one, you should definitely go to his branch and open an account.
Ask for Dylan Gano

I am upgrading my rating thanks to a call from Grant Shoaf, at Mechanics Bank. Mr. Shoaf was not at the bank when I was ‘abused’ there, by the ‘customer service’ woman. He read my extremely angry review here, and called me to apologise profusely. As this is the one and only time I have been treated in such a way at the bank, I have decided to change my review. I plan on speaking to Mr. Shoaf the next time I go into the bank, and have some policies explained more clearly by a respectful adult person. If I can get my questions answered, I may stay at Mechanics. It’s good to know someone cares enough to read their reviews.

Dear god I have hated working with this bank. Their online systems are a nightmare. Their transfer fees are a nightmare. Our attempt to use a joint account through them was a nightmare.
They’re like a regular big bank for all the trying to rip you off, but without any of the service, support, or online banking design of a big bank. Sadly, we’re going back to a big bank.

My fiancé and I (customers at competing big banks) opted to open a joint account here. It’s been a drag almost since the beginning. True, when you call customer service you get a person. True, they reimburse ATM fees. But every other thing has been difficult. They put unreasonably long holds on every check we deposit, they take many days more than other banks to make electronic transfers, their online banking is a balkanized mess. Credit cards are a separate log in from checking and bill pay, and trying to figure out how to pay my Mechanics Bank Visa card from my Mechanics Bank checking account has been a nightmare. The bill pay does not even have «Mechanics Bank» as an option in their credit card company list. Calling customer service I was transferred to the online banking line and was on hold so long I gave up. Seriously? I’m about done with this place. I do want to support a local business (and a bank that did not take bailout money) but this operation is a wreck.

I have been a member of Mechanics Bank for a few years now. While I found the neighborhood atmosphere a huge improvement over Wells Fargo, I am not happy with security issues at Mechanics. When someone got access to my debit card and charged $ 800 worth of services over a period of a week or so, the bank did not catch it. When I drew it to their attention, they told me to contact the company who had received my money from the fraudulent use of my account. I did so, and with much time spent correcting the fraud, my money was returned. Mechanics Bank did nothing to facilitate the retrieval of the funds. At a later date, when I was unable to access my account online, I again called my bank and was told — this is not our problem, call the online banking division. I did so and waited on hold with no reply for a total of a half an hour, and then I gave up. I will go into the bank and once again, try to get them to care about whether or not my accounts have been compromised. In these modern times when a person’s online banking account can be so easily compromised, SAFETY IS AN ISSUE. If you can’t trust your bank to take care of your online accounts, you need a different bank. I am now shopping for another bank.

#1 reason I love my bank? I call them at 8pm, because my card was declined. After 2 rings, a HUMAN answered. No phone tree. No weird overly apologetic yet completely unhelpful overseas customer service rep… but a real live HELPFUL person who diagnosed and fixed the problem in 30 seconds.
I’ve had the same service at 10pm on a Saturday night a few months back.
So glad I ditched BofA for them!
Oh yeah, and they reimburse ATM fees too.

As much as I want to love Mechanics Bank, they make it more than difficult when their website NEVER works. NEVER. Out of the last 15 times I’ve tried to log on I’m in and endless circular attempts to «verify my computer» (which I’ve done ten times.
Their app is no better, also doesn’t work. Sorry, this is a shti bank and if you want a huge pain in your ass this is the bank for you.

For too many years to count I was a customer of one of the two major San Francisco-​based banks. I finally switched to Mechanics Bank over a year ago, and I couldn’t be happier. I wished I’d done it years earlier!
I’ll echo the positive points noted below: personal service (unsurpassed!); free use of other banks’ ATMs (the fees are collected and reimbursed around the 1^st of the following month); good telephone service staffed by folks just a few miles — not a few time zones — away. And I appreciate the good feeling you get inside, knowing you belong to a local (East Bay) bank that’s managed to remain independent for over 100 years.
As to the complaints below about Mechanics’ website, it’s been completely revamped and they are no longer applicable. I pay all my bills through it – there’s even a feature that shows you your current balance on all your cards, including your mortgage! (A bit depressing, I know, but at least the number decreases every month.) Mechanics also features PopMoney, a system that allows you to send money directly to other people’s bank accounts — they don’t have to move the funds themselves, as is necessary with PayPal, for example.
Only downside: as a reviewer below pointed out, it does take a bit too long for them to transfer funds abroad, and especially to cash a foreign check. But now I just use PayPal for that.
Nice irony: back in the 80s and early 90s I banked with Security Pacific, whose motto — «We want to be your bank for life!» — was sadly traduced when they were swallowed up by Bank of America. My Mechanics Bank branch on Shattuck is in the very same location as my old SecPac branch. So maybe the motto holds after all!

This isn’t for any particular branch, since it’s a bank thing not a branch thing.
I switched from Chase which is the most horrible evil bank on planet earth. I had a business account, a personal account and a joint account. All yanked out of that hell hole.
My criticism with Mechanics has to do with little things you take for granted at the larger banks. Some of them very easy to fix.
1) Calculators at the deposit slip table.
2) ATMs that don’t require envelopes or deposit slips. I do deposits for my wife’s account that is at Wells Fargo (another evil bank), and to make a deposit there, you just stick the checks in. No envelopes, no adding or deposit slips.
3) The main reason I decided to vent here. Just went online to pay bills. Account maintenance from 9:30PM to 1:30AM. Four frickin hours! 9:30PM?!? I mean I just can’t believe this. I wouldn’t have written this review at all if it were down from 3:00AM to 3:30AM. But 9:30PM? I’m just so pissed right now.
4) Speaking of online, the system they use sucks and blows. For the business account, I can look at all my transactions easily, and they recently upgraded it (6+ months ago?) to where it’s got some real functionality. But, if you want to use Billpay, you have to log off and log in to a different place. Their billpay also sucks. One time I set up a billpay to my accountant, and about a week letter I got a message saying that I’m not allowed to use billpay for taxes. The payee was deleted along with the payment info. Can you believe that? I’ve never had problems like this with any other bank.
5) How about a little technology? I have a savings account with Alliant Credit Union (fantastic!), and I can scan a check and deposit it. So simple. I never had to mail in the check or go to an ATM. It was wonderful.
So I’ll give it a few stars for the tellers and the general accessibility, but having known what I know now, I definitely would not have started my business account with Mechanics.

Love, love, love Mechanics Bank! I’ve been banking here for over a year and have no complaints. The best part is the free atm use. You can use any atm in the world, and they will refund any fee you get charged. There’s no catch. They have a nice online banking system that was recently upgraded (check images, transfers, bill pay, the works).
The staff are friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. MechBank offers a large selection of accounts with good interest rates and most have no fees (at least the 3 I’ve had don’t have any fees).
While depositing a check a few weeks ago, I asked the teller whether I was earning interest on my savings acct and whether they had other options with more interest. He suggested I talk to one of the financial managers, but I didn’t have time, so I said I’d look into account options online. Later that week, I got a call from Luis at MechBank. He said he heard I was interested in interest-​bearing savings accounts, and he’d be happy to discuss my options with me. Now that’s customer service! I stopped by to see Luis, and it took no more than 15 minutes to convert my current non-​interest savings account into a money market that earns interest.
Finally, MechBank has been around for awhile and supports the local community. All in all, a great home for your money!

Ive been thinking long and hard about this review. I think that if a bank lacks the resources that BofA and Chase and Wells Fargo have that they can only differentiate themselves in one way and that’s customer service.
There are several people that I feel I get along with and I can work with, but I keep getting less than appealing service from tellers.
Maybe Im just a needy client and as a business owner myself, I dont want to say that the customer is always right, because they arent in all situations. But I go out of my way to do the best I can whenever I can, and Im just not getting that feeling from Mechanics.
I want to put this in perspective though, MB is far and above the customer service I got as a client of Chase.