Moving to El Sobrante in the 90s, it was strange that everyone here would have a little smile when talking about Mechanics Bank as if they were proud of--gasp--a bank. Even learning the story of the history of the bank and how it is truly local, pride and affection for a bank seemed odd. Having a financial crisis from my own mistake that would severely harm my family, I called several people in the Call Center to get unusually kind, supportive, empathetic staff 99% of the time. My meltdown was complete by the time I talked to Jury, the Manager of the San Pablo Dam Road branch. Sobbing and hysterical I kept thinking, "Businesses hate drama. He's going to hang up on me." Instead he problem-solved for me, reconfigured usual practice, showed profound empathy and compassion and saved the day plus what remains of my sanity. He saved my tiny dynasty, completely solved my problem, and left me feeling as important to Mechanics Bank as a billionaire with my paltry income. The bank service faltered for a year or so when it joined a Texas bank and lost the fabled founder, but my experience is that it's even better than before. Now Mechanics Bank and Jury are on my daily gratitude list. Thank you, Jury. read more

I am a high-end/high balance customer at Mechanics Bank (formerly known as Home Street Bank, Tacoma, WA). This used to be a small-town bank with great service until it was gobbled up by this California conglomerate. Now the service is pitiful and employees are the rudest you will ever encounter. Can't get a return call despite their California headquarters saying that I will. DO NOT use this disgusting and incompetent so-called baking service under any circumstances. read more

I came to withdraw $100 from the ATM. Most Atm gave an option to choose the bills. This ATM gave out old $20 dollar bills, so I brought the bills inside with the receipt and asked the teller to exchange for $100 bill as it is a money gift. I showed them the receipt that I just paid $3 fee to withdraw the money from your bank ATM. They said they can not do that because I do not have account with the bank. I would not do any busisness with this bank. This bank service is suck. read more

Mechanics Bank - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - El Sobrante, California

I've called at least three times to schedule an appointment and never received a return call. I called the el Sobrante branch directly and a nice woman told me she was going on vacation and could see me following week. I agreed but after asking some questions found that they give barely any interest on any accounts and even on CDs lower than competition. I'm disappointed because they are within walking distance of my home and I'm told have nice people working there. But, if they can't provide an appoint within a few days and have no coverage for vacationing employees probably not a good fit for me or my family. read more

Really disappointed in the branch manager Mike. I've held an account with Mechanics for 32 years... read more

This is follow up to my last review. I had gone to this bank on Friday to open an Estate Trust Account to deposit $1.6 million once a house sale comes out of escrow. Mike gave me information and demanded documents which, I have since learned, and NOT legally mandated. I have also further discovered that had he wished to do so, he could have assisted in setting up this account, which he has authorization to do. So I do not understand his attitude, his refusal to try and work out a solution to open this account, and his demand for things which he did not have to demand in order to open an account. I went to First Republic this morning, and they were delightful. I wish I could give this El Sobrante Bank zero stars for horrible customer service and bad management. read more

My wallet was stolen two weeks ago and I'm still waiting on my debit card. Oh and thanks for not being able to EVER waive a fee no matter what the circumstances and regardless of how long I've been banking with you (5+ years). Don't tell me you're ordering me the "most economical" checks after I tell you I only write checks for rent and when I see the charges, tell me they aren't actually the least expensive. And DEFINITELY go ask your manager if you can refund me the difference and never get back to me. Slow service, understaffed, and incompetent. Fees up the ass for nothing!! I'm so disappointed, as you can tell from my previous review I really loved this bank. Looks like it's time to end a bad relationship. read more

I LOVE this branch!!!!!!! The employees are friendly and courteous! The Manager is wonderful!!!!!! This Mechanics Bank cares about their customers. read more

Can I give negative stars.?? Mike the manager...the worst. I had my atm card compromised and they refused to give me another one...basically stating it is my fault. I bet if I had a ton of money there they wouldn't be doing this. Save yourself the teouble... go somewhere else!!!! read more

Worst branch I've ever been to , that old white woman is rude, ugly spirited & makes that branch super uncomfortable to go to , the manager (younger Indian woman) watches her be rude & doesn't correct it, but her tone with other customers who arnt one of her "buddy's " is pathetic & unprofessional, which is also pathetic on the managers part for even letting her actions be excepted, I don't know if she's just spent her life there that's y u keep her?? But I canceled my account due too it being so annoying to bank somewhere that isn't there to serve you instead They make your day harder @ this location ( She should of had better training but they should higher some people who smiles) or just fire her so the customers can , Ive been banking with them for over two years & felt the same horrible energy fro that old white lady it's been so long since I went back I don't know her name but my description should click read more

Its worth it for the customer service, unlike the corporate giant banks that charge you fees for EVERYTHING! I'm so glad I switched! Also, whenever you might find something odd on your account, they either call you and ask you about it, or they will work immediately to resolve the issue. You simply don't find that sort of service from a big bank. I'm glad I'm a thankful member of Mechanics Bank! read more

Horrible customer service! Cynthia Brown is a very cantankerous person unwilling to verify my check deposits, she says that it's not her job to verify deposits. It seems that the majority of the Personnel at this bank is not very happy but their job assignments. Not very customer service friendly nor helpful. I'm a firm believer that the leadership in this Branch may be sorely lacking in his efforts to motivate the staff. I'll give it another try and a week and hopefully I can adjust my review. But for noun this has been my experience at this particular branch. read more

Not as polite as the branches won't be going back it took about 20 minutes to cash a check and they didn't ask how I wanted my bills maybe it just me but I've always been asked how I wanted my bills read more

I have always had excellent customer service from Mechanics bank in El Sobrante. Most recently (today) I called about an issue with my debit card - a transaction was denied due to suspected fraud (I was traveling, so in an unexpected location). I called the bank directly - a real person picked up the phone immediately - no need to go thru menu options of push this or that number. The bank officer was courteous and more than competent. She researched the problem, verified my identity, cleared the card so I wouldn't have any more difficulties, and then we set up a better means of communication so I wouldn't have this problem again. All with one phone call, and minimal wait time. Other financial and insurance agencies I've tried to deal with recently have been too automated, impersonal, and even after reaching a live person I still had problems with them. On a couple other occasions in the past few months I've walked in to the bank to make changes to my account, and also received excellent service by friendly, sympathetic, and knowledgeable staff. read more

I recently hand-carried a check in to deposit. The payee was described somewhat differently from the account title (same name though). The bank declined to accept the check for deposit, telling me to "send it back" to the source and have them reissue it. Just what I needed -- a bunch of bureaucratic red tape and terrible service.. I thought I could do that, but in the meantime the person who had sent the check became ill and it is now in limbo. I've been a customer for quite some time and the amount of the check was less than the current balance in the account. read more

I usually don't have that fond of a relationship with banks, but Mechanics Bank is definitely different in my eyes. When I put my hard earned cash into a bank account I want to know that I'm not going to be charged for every little thing. I have been banking at this branch of the Northern California chain since 2001. After being charged an outrageous $94 fee by the lamest bank around BofA, I decided to manage my money better and also switch to a bank with less fees. I found Mechanics Bank and its been awesome so far! I have the Smart & Easy checking account, and its great because even though they don't have a lot of locations, they refund you all ATM surcharges at the end of the month and don't charge you to use another bank's ATM! The customer service is great at this branch too and its nice that when you call the 800 number you actually talk to a person, not an automated system. I only have a checking and a savings account here but I'd definitely consider them for other things down the road like long term savings or loans. read more

I switched to Mechanics Bank because I was being charged extra fees by Wells Fargo. However, due to no error of my own, I was charged $90 in overdraft fees from Mechanics Bank. Over the course of 3 weeks I called and left messages 6 times for the manager, Mike. I went into the branch once and left a hand-written message. I did not get a call back from him. It seems that he is often not in the branch and takes especially long and unpredictable lunch brakes. When I finally got in touch with him he said he had to run it by his district manager. I believe he never did that at all. Another week went by and I left an additional message for him and finally got him on the phone where he said that my petition was denied and they would not even refund a portion of the unreasonable fees. I consider that very poor customer service and I may very well be in the market for a different bank, certainly a different home branch. I changed my low review of them because I have had such a positive experience with Cindy in the Pinole branch. read more

Friendly people, good hours - approachable. They have nifty little services like you can bring in your coins and they will count them for you, and up to a certain point there is no charge. And yes please avoid, Bank of America - that is a Fascist organization and I do not mean that as a joke. read more

I moved all of my accounts (from WaMu when Chase took over) to Mechanics Bank and have NEVER been happier with the services I've received from any banking institution. I wish I had changed over MUCH sooner. Everyone is very kind and helpful -- even when I have a problem. I just can't say enough good things about this bank and their staff! GREAT JOB -- THANKS SOOOOO MUCH! read more