Patelco Credit Union Kala Bagai Way, Berkeley

I moved to the Bay area in May 2016, with no place to live, but several places to stay until I was able to find an apartment. I was unable to open a bank account until I could produce two proofs of residency. This was very frustrating because it took seven months to find an apartment in SF. I wonder what people subletting do if they do not have a lease because are not the master tenant and their name is not on a utility bill. That aside, I have been pleased with their customer service and have always had a positive experience whenever I have visited a branch. Although their automatic payments seem slower, I prefer the credit union over the big banks. After living in San Francisco, I expect parking to be a challenge, but I can take care of most of my banking needs remotely.

My mother and I have been banking here for years. The tellers are always friendly and professional. Even after we've been away for a while, people like Meddy always remember us and make us feel welcome. All services are fast and convenient.

Judging by the fully visible bad reviews, it makes me wonder what people think decent modern service should be. After banking with two of the 'Big 4' for many years, coming to Patelco was a breath of fresh air. Yes, parking is difficult at the Berkeley branch; the same would be true for any bank in downtown Berkeley. I always manage so my reaction is: "Thanks for the warning, I'll allow myself a little more time." My personal service experience with Patelco has been terrific. Friendly, accomodating and reasonably quick, it is so far superior to the corporate monsters that their occadional imperfections are comparatively minor bumps in the road.

I have had numerous accounts with institutions like Bof A, wells fargo, mechanics and they have all either ripped me off with BS fees or high rates or both in the case of BofA. Patelco has never once done me wrong to my knowledge. Their phone app for Android was dated and a bit of a pain in regard to check deposits initially but is good now. Highly recommend that you give them a try.

This credit union has great mobile deposit unlike Cooperative Federal Credit Union down the street, which I was a member of for years (and still have biz account there, since Patelco does not offer yet- please offer Patelco!), but they stalled and still continue to not offer mobile deposit. Patelco won my business and I've been more than happy. They also have a great money market account that actually makes really good interest.

You cannot park unless you put an app on your phone or you walk. I'm 7 miles away and it takes 30-40 minutes to get there by car. Horrible, not customer friendly location. I'm going to have to switch to someplace else to do my banking unless I park 2 to 3 miles away and walk.

A good credit union, great rates and low/no fees. All my customer service experiences with them have been positive. I love their updated mobile app, especially the mobile deposits.

I love this Credit Union! I am always treated so well when I come into this branch by everyone who works there. Aliza always helps me personally and is the one who got me set up with my account. She is super knowledgeable and always takes the time to make sure I understand everything. Jeff helped me get a car loan and has always been super considerate and sweet regarding my financial situation. Meddy is also great and makes me feel very welcomed and like a valued customer! Love this place!

Customer service is fine but always slow. The online banking is useless. The balances are often misleading and even when it shows an 'available balance' and a cleared automatic payment days later it returns payment and charges you an insufficient fee. Also many inconvenient things cause you to need to be there in person. Not easy or convenient.

I can't sing Tasha's praises enough. She was a wealth of information as I set up my savings account. Wonderful people to deal with at Berkeley's Branch. Amit was helpful as well when he greeted as the teller. I can't believe he remembered me after just my second visit! Good people. Good interest rates. Good bank.