Bank of the West Lakeshore Ave, Oakland

The worst business banking decision ever. We signed up for a “free small business checking account” and after 9 months we get a notice saying there will be fees. Anytime you need help the customer service line requests that you visit the branch. The staff in the branch have terrific. The online service and mobile app is stuck in the year 1999. Going in the branch is so 1999 as well but as stated the staff have been good and there is hardly much or a wait. Overall, would never recommend Bank of the West unless you like old school time wasting banking and fees.

The worst bank I have ever had to deal with. We applied for a checking account online but we were unable to open it online. So, we took a day off and went to the branch to open the account. Because of my immigration status, they were unable to open the account right away but they said they will get back to us within a few days. I am a legal resident of California, just not a US citizen. I have not had a problem opening accounts in other banks. Anyway, it has now been 2 months since they told us they would get back to us within a few days. We have gone back and forth a few times and I’ve sent them any documents that they have requested within minutes. And nothing. For the past month, the branch manager, Tony, simply stopped responding to our emails and calls. We never heard anything back. At some level, I do feel discriminated against for not being a US citizen and/or being gay. Needless to say, we opened an account at a different bank.

Whenever I go to this branch of the Bank of the West I'm certain I will find couple things: Very good customer service (5⭐) and difficult to park (3🌟). On the bonus side, it is open on Saturdays.

I wished that Bank of the West would update their hours online, very disappointing when you get to the bank & find that is closed...NOT according to their website!