I have both a business account and a credit card with Mechanics Bank. I mad a payment on the credit card account anticpatingn several large purchases as I am rehabbing a property. I confirmed on-line that the credit card account balance would cover the purchase(s) and that the funds had been withdrawn from the checking account. Surprise - the transaction was declined. After 20 minutes on the phone I learned it was declined becasue the transaction hadn't posted to the credit card...It would be 1-3 days to post. What a waste. read more

I used to love this bank but I've made two visits to update my accounts and both managers were peremptory, unavailable and by appointment only. The first manager left his job (as I was told afterwards that had been his last day) while I was in the branch (waiting for 90 minutes) so I was unable to complete my business. The second manager today was brusque on the telephone after she was unavailable when was visiting again today. I guess I'm surprised when I need to do transactions in the bank *and* make an appointment in the future to do so. I don't live close by and will have to visit again to get an account changed. My needs and attitude were pretty run of the mill but made complicated by processes. This bank has been acquired and gone downhill. I wonder if staffing is limited? My experience on the last visit had been inexperienced tellers, who got processes wrong and rude managers on both visits.If it weren't so hard to move all of my accounts and those of my children, I would have already changed banks. Each interaction helps me build resolve to find somewhere better to keep my cash. read more

I joined Mechanics Bank with a checking account in 2012. They have taken good care of me as I move from state to state. Just a restless soul. Spent 10 years in California and moved on (returned) to Colorado (lived there for 14 1/2 previously), Arizona, Florida, and now am in South Carolina. They are a smaller bank (left BOA) and I feel like family. Have no interest in opening another account every time I move. Thank you Mechanics Bank. read more

Hola mi gente hermosa, quiero contarles mi experiencia con este banco no específicamente con el banco de Oakland, hablo de Mechanics Bank en general. yo saqué un carro del dealer y este fue el banco que me hizo el préstamo. Yo hacía mis pagos mensualmente, nunca falte a ningún pago, de repente a los dos años y medio de estar yo con este banco me mandan una carta diciéndome que ya voy a empezar a hacer los pagos a otro banco que se llama westlake, yo nunca había escuchado de este banco pero empecé hacer los pagos como siempre lo hacían en el otro banco de Mechanics Bank mensualmente sin fallar un pago pero resulta que este banco lleva dos pagos atrasados de los que yo tengo y les llamé al banco westlake Para reclamarles porque yo tenía 49 pagos y ellos decían que llevaba 47 y ellos me dijeron que hablara con Mechanics Bank y yo hablo con Mechanics Bank en tres diferentes ocasiones y me dijeron que yo ya no estaba en el sistema de ellos vuelvo yo a llamar otra vez al banco westlake para decirles lo que me dijo Mechanics Bank, y ellos me aseguraron a mí que ese era problema de Mechanics Bank no de ellos entonces hicimos el pago completo de lo que se debía de una Porsche Cayenne 2016 y cuando yo hago el pago me dicen que todavía estoy con Mechanics Bank acabo de recibir una carta de Mechanics Bank donde me dice gracias porque hice el pago completo del carro y que ya no debo nada es por eso que digo que este banco es un ratero porque primero me dicen que yo no estoy en el sistema que ya no tenían nada de información mía y cuando hago el pago resulta que sí estaba con ellos y precisamente ellos son los que me mandan agradecer por pagar todo lo que se debía del Carro. Estoy decepcionada de haber estado con este banco y me siento robada y discriminada porque ellos al mirar que yo no tengo mucho conocimiento abusaron de mí y ahora que está el pago completo del carro que ya no debo nada quiero saber qué van a hacer con los dos pagosque me faltaban que pusieran ellos en mis pagos. cuando yo hablo con ellos para decirles que tenía todos los papeles en orden y que se los quería llevar personalmente me dijeron que no había ningún Mechanics Bank cerca de donde yo vivo yo vivo en el área de la bahía me dijeron que el único banco que estaba de Mechanics Bank era en Los Ángeles California y ahora me doy cuenta que hay en muchos lugares En Oakland San Leandro San Francisco y muchos lugares más bueno esto es todo les comparto mi mala experiencia. Gracias read more

Mechanics Bank - Banks & Credit Unions Near Me - Oakland, California

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This is by far the best bank I've ever experienced. They treat me like a neighbor. They're smart and helpful.

If you're looking for 24 hour customer service, branches everywhere, and being yet another cog in the machine then don't bank here. I banked at Wells and a B of A ... after 23 years at Wells and one mistake at Wells I find out how fast it is I was considered a useless piece of shit. Does the call-center always know what it's doing? No. Was it a little wonky to set up a corporate account? Yes. Is it slightly problematic that their call center is an open all the time? Yes. Do I not like it that with a business account I can't call the call center on the weekends? Yes. And I absolutely loved coming to this branch ... every single time. I felt like a person. I felt like I was treated like a person. Sure my tiny little bank accounts mean little to these banks but to be able to go into a branch, be known, and have pleasant conversation with the bankers is a real joy. I actually am enjoying that Mechanics Bank isn't perfect but what I see is an organization that's trying. One of the bankers informed me that they actually go to peoples homes! So, if you want to meet real people check out mechanics. read more

I've come here several times before to get change for larger bills. I work in the building, and didn't mind paying the atm fee to withdraw cash because the location was convenient. The previous visits I'd made, the employees I worked with were very kind and courteous. Today I just wanted to get some change again, and the employee Deepa I worked with was very condescending. Talked down to me and said exchanging bills were for account holders only. Gave me a lecture on it and how she was "making an exception" this one time. Acted like it was an inconvenience for her. I find that hard to believe since the other three times I had come to do the same, I was never told anything of the sort. I'll be going to the bank across the street instead. read more

I like that they are local. The staff have been friendly. But. I think it's legitimate to be frustrated with how long they hold large checks before you have access to your funds. Their online banking is a hassle and not as user-friendly as larger institutions I've used. It did seem highly unusual to have a $2000 cap on the amount a BUSINESS account can transfer online. Anything over $2000 automatically becomes a wire with a $30 fee. I guess that's the price you pay for local. I'm paying it, but it's admittedly a drag. read more

OK--time to switch banks. Why is the Oakland branch of Mechanics rated so much poorly than the other branches? Well, I don't really give a crap about their "homey" atmosphere or attitude in the bank. I care about reliability. And now I've about had it as or the umpteenth time I've gone to their ATM on the outside of Harrison St to find it OUT OF SERVICE. Normally, I'd just go into the actual bank at the interior ATM but of course, bankers hours, closing at 5 (right when you get out of work so you can't actually access any service from them) precludes that. I had to write a review because this time it was just too much hassle, having to drive in rush-hour traffic to the El Cerrito branch to deposit a check-which took an unnecessary hour of my time. If the ATM isn't working then they need to get a repair person there ASAP and non-stop until it's fixed, period. I originally switched from Chase to Mechanics a la the MoveYourMoney.org mentality but I have to say that Mechanics service hasn't been anything to brag about. Again, I really don't care about a chummy conversational face at the counter. I care about service. And Mechanics is and has been behind the tech curve the entire time. They do also hold checks too long and have quite an attitude about it. They also have a high checking service fee if you fall behind whatever balance they want you to maintain. I also once got suckered into signing up for an overdraft savings account (which pays no interest to speak of) and then got charged a fee when it actually got used. If I'd never opened the account and left the money in my checking, my check would have simply cleared and I would have been $7 the richer. I immediately closed it. They also try to sell me on their credit cards every time I'm in there and that is getting old. "I just have to ask you 5 questions." Hey, you undoubtedly have already looked up my financial ass with god knows what info you already have on me so to speak and so you shouldn't have to bother me with any questions whatsoever. Any suggestions to a better non-bail-out bank or credit union greatly appreciated. read more

I been a long time customer, I have always been treated well at all the branches I been to, thanku

Aj is very helpful every-time & kind, the manager also is very friendly as helpful, I drive 30 mins to this location because they are the most helpful friendly branch of this company I've been too. read more

Small bank with several branches that knows its customers by name. Its nice to have a little small town familiarity!

They don't refund all your ATM fees anymore with their checking account. Mechanics was bought by a Texas billionaire and now they're getting worse. I'm switching to Alliant Credit Union. Not sure if their customer service is any good yet, but they refund up to $20 in ATM fees every month and you just need to make a one-time $10 donation to join. They pay interest too. There are also some good online banking options with similar features -- Salem Five Direct looks good but I haven't tried them. read more

I had the best experience at the bank here in Oakland. I wish i would have gotten my tellers name but he made my transaction easy and made me feel at home. Go Giants & Pioneers! read more

I hate big banks. One day I walked into B of A (20 years ago) and told the teller I had a question about why i was charged twice for a payment to a company. She looked me in the eye and told me to use that pay phone on the wall and call the 800 number for customer service. After arguing a bit i got someone in the bank to talk to me. She promptly told me that it was impossible for that to happen, but they would investigate even though it was a waste of their time. Two weeks later she called and said they reversed one of the payment. I laughed and reminded her about how she said it was impossible. She flatly stated, nothing is impossible. I said please send me a check for the balance in my account, because i am closing it. Switched to Glendale federal which was a great bank. Then they got bought by Cal Fed, which got bought by Chase. They screwed me over again. I lost a checkbook, so i called to put a stop payment on the checks. Two weeks later they startedt to hit my account. Called up with the name of the person i spoke to. She admitted that she screwed up, but even her manager said it was my problem. So off i went to Mechanics bank. Big banks suck, small banks are wonderfull. Why i love Mechanics bank; 1. Checks i deposite go instantly into my account. No holds. 2. They pay the ATM fees when I use another banks ATM. 3. When you call customer service a person answers the phone. ALWAYS! 4. I have the number for the branch and they actually answer the phone. I even have the managers number. (and i am not a very big customer) 5. When i go to the teller, they do not ask me why I am not using the ATM. read more

I've been with Mechanics over 7 years and each year they are getting worse. At first, they were very helpful and friendly. As the years progressed, they are dry and not very helpful. It used to feel like a credit union, but now it feels like a regular bank. For the past month or so, EVERY week their online system is down. FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS, I have to call them every time I am at an ATM because they keep on not making my atm withdrawl limit permanent as I originally had over 4 years ago. They don't refund more than 3 non-Mechanics banks atm usage. They charge for temporary checks. There's a young white guy with glasses and curly hair at the Oakland location who is incompetent and rude. I miss the Filipina lady that had plants at her teller section. I'm looking into other banks, cuz I'm really not appreciating the way they are doing business anymore. read more

This branch has the most unfriendly tellers this side of a big bank. Even though I live a couple blocks away I will be heading to the Berkeley branch until I move my money to another bank. I thought a small bank might encourage their customers to stay through better customer service but it seems they forgot to relay that message to their tellers. read more

Derelict customer service. I've banked from time to time at other Mechanics branches without a problem. The teller often does me the favor of waiving the fee of cashing one of their checks there without an account. At this branch, the teller gave me the incorrect amount but I think we were both too mentally on our ways to the 4th of July to notice. Days later, I get a call notifying me of what happened. And that someone's job is on the line over this mistake. I check my cash and tell them "Of course I'll be back! I'd hate for someone to lose their job over this!" When I return, the lobby is empty of customers and I see two tellers. Nonetheless, I'm made to wait several minutes to return their cash. And then have them still ask me for the $10 fee?!?! Not cool. read more

Really like this bank. For once in my life I actually know the names of the tellers and they know mine!! This is a completely foreign concept to me, but one that I quite like! Thumbs up for Mechanics bank personal service and small town vibe. read more

I come here every two weeks to deal with my check. There is always difficulty finding a parking spot. Then when i do get inside im almost always met with a line! There is one teller in particular, she lack serious customer service. Like she has some chip on her shoulder. The manager and people whom sit at desks have always been more then friendly, just this teller, needs an attitude adjustment. read more

great service. granted, parking isn't the best, but it's not their fault, so just plan for it. helpful, informative, and patient. highly recommended! read more

I appreciated Gary Staring from Mechanics Bank who resolved my issues over the federal tax credit available for Electric Vehicles. He was very understanding and dealt with my "passion" in a professional manner. Craig H Lovett MD read more

Bravo to the staff of the best bank in Oakland, Ca Mechanics Bank 1999 Harrison St. Melvin Mullings, AJ Boucher, Deepa Kumar and Laura White these four individuals surpass the mission statement of the bank. Their respect, kindness and professionalism amaze me in the world of business today. Great banking experience every time. Thanks, guys ! read more

A rather splendid experience all around. I have been pleasantly surprised by the care of employees. Leena Ali, a splendid financial services manager opened my account. She took care of me in the manner a billionaire would expect from a bank officer. From that time since, each interaction I had with the bank has be an enjoyable experience. Strong support for Mechanics fraud protection plan. On at least two occasions Mechanics has smartly stopped payments to demands made against my account. The first was a UK outdoor equipment vendor. The second was a Spain based airline booking agency. In the first instance, Mechanic held up the charge. In the second instance, it allowed a purchase after three tries. It allowed one of three charges, and quickly froze the account and alerted me. I spoke with a representative. The transactions were cleared, and regular banking transactions were allowed. I am happy. I expect I will be a customer for a long time. read more

When I opened my account I put in one pay check at Mechanics. They informed me there after of a NINE business day hold on any paper checks I deposit for an undisclosed amount of time while my account gets 'established.' Today I received an insufficient funds notice for the checks I ordered when I opened the account. This was discovered after I called them. They're not charging me anything. But wow, can you get it together. I already have to cash my pay checks at the banks that issue them and carry the cash over to Mechanics Bank to avoid the two week wait for funds to be available. read more

They advertise they are a community bank that is different and that they really take care of their customers. The Oakland retail branch is always understaffed and depending upon who you get at the branch, you might or might not get a good experience. Sometimes they promise to do something for you and don't deliver (like rush a debit card and you have to check back often because the card doesn't arrive like they promised). They are very "rule bound" and seem to rely on the excuse "compliance says we have too". However if you visit another bank the personnel seemed better trained and able to think through a situation instead of relying on "compliance." They don't have as many services and products as other banks so they don't really service the "community." read more

15 plus years with a business account and personal. Branch Manager (Cyndie) leaves. New manager at Lunardis branch does not return phone calls and it results in some fees that can't be reversed. Terrible service. Sad. We're done. read more

Don't waste your time, go to a Credit Union instead. Nothing but problems literally from day one, they forgot to ask my wife and I for our pin # for the cards, I thought it was like most other banks where you do that later, then they're giving me some crap about how my wife has to be there to input her PIN number, I'm pissed at this point and tell them that because of their extremely inconvenient hours, she'd have to take time off work and lose money because THEY messed up. After about a 45 minute argument, they finally let me call her and did it over the phone, first giant red flag right there. Everything falls through the cracks because there's zero communication between departments. I'm told one thing by the teller and another by the phone teller, I.e. I went on vacation so I call to let them know, they say all is good yet when I use my card, it's been put on hold for "suspicion activity" WTF?!?! I told them where and when I was going. I called and they said it was taken care of, NOPE! I call again and they promise it's fixed...NOPE AGAIN! Now I'm pissed because it ate into my limited vacation time by a few hours, most of the day was ruined by their screw up. That's just one of many issues and I'm too annoyed to type them all out. I'm closing my accounts down next week and going to a credit union, I suggest you do the same. One star because the staff has always been nice, otherwise it's a no star from me. read more