First Republic Bank

For the most part First Republic Banks are awesome (the one bitter fellow at the Montgomery branch not withstanding) and this branch is no exception. Needed to get a transfer of deed notarized and they did it immediately with a smile and great attitude.
Cookies are always a nice touch.
Tip: If you are a FRB customer this is free of charge (usually 20 bucks).

I recently left my last, local Walnut Creek Bank and started to look/​research for another bank. The credit union wasn’t for me, though they can offer a lot for individuals who need a little extra banking help (low balances, etc.). They referred me to another bank, though their fees and structure were quite high. When I first walked into First Republic to ask for some information, it was a little different because they don’t have the typical bank teller/​counter. However, by the time I left the bank, I LOVE this bank! They were helpful, personal, informative, patient (I was a little frustrated after researching banks online and visiting a couple at this point) and offered more than all the other local banks! I had been with my previous bank since 2003 and was frustrated that they had been so great for so long. However, they’ve made so many changes, that I finally just needed to change, too.

LOL! I wouldn’t really consider this a «bank.»
They might have the depositing of money down but forget about withdrawing it.
I had a client give me a check for payment from this bank. I walked in a little confused at first because there are no tellers, but clerks sitting behind individual desks.
One of them asked me if she could help & I said that I was there to cash a check. She asked me to sit down and that it would take «several minutes.»
She took the First Republic Bank check, my CDL and began to stare at her computer monitor for a while, then looked at the check again and said,” this check is for $ 11,000! We don’t have that much cash here!” I laughed and looked around me and asked her if this was REALLY a bank! She assured me that it was but that the best she could do was to give me a cashier’s check as payment for their check! Incredible! I then took the check to my regular bank and cashed it and the teller and I had a good laugh over the story.
I get the feeling that this is a bank for that elderly person fishing coins out of a clutch purse in front of you at the express check out line.

Always been happy with the service. I started my company when First Republic was Bank of Walnut Creek. It is nice that they kept the staff. Some people don’t like the lack of teller windows but I like the individual desks.

I opened an account here 20 years ago when they were «Bank of Walnut Creek». Then they were acquired and their methodology changed.
For some odd reason it is very difficult to get cash out of any of their branches.
The typical answer has been (at 4 separate branches) «oh we don’t have that kind of cash here». We’re talking under $ 10k. Is it me or are you not a freakin’ bank?
I’m sure its the standard text book answer fed to their tellers to deter the would-​be robbers. But to say that to a verified customer is out right insulting, and very «un-​bank-​like)
During my last visit, the teller lady was so damn arrogant and unusually inquisitive about why I would want to take some cash out that I really had to keep my self at check for not reaching over and slapping her.
I’m no longer a customer.

First Republic is by far the best bank around today I have used all the major banks and the customer experience at first republic far exceeds any other bank. They treat their customers like valued members of the bank not just customers. When I go to wells fargo or B of A I am truely shocked at some of the things customers will put up with from their bank. It is really worth the move to first republic you will truely wonder what you’ve been doing at other banks all this time.
Shout out to Kate at the walnut creek branch she just moved over from the San Ramon branch and she is just great to work with! Scott and Kathleen are also wonderful to work with been going to them for a long time. They all try and get to know you and remember you when you come into the bank. It just makes going into the bank a much nicer experience then it normally is. I recommend this bank to everyone!

This is not a bank for minorities. Especially if you are an African American. I have been going in there to cash a check for over 7 years and they still ask me what is this check for but I never tell them. Then they would tell me that they have to call the person who wrote the check and then they always say they can’t reach him. This bank is definitely not racially sensitive to African Americans.
Dave

Good people here for biz. Been to this location recently after being transferred to walnut creek from my previous branch. Clean bank and free parking. They helped me with some transfers and waived the fees bc I was a longtime client. Solid 5 stars.

Been meaning to comment about First Republic Bank, and specifically Mortgage Banker Fazal Kaka. Recently sold a home, bought a home, remodeled same home and then consolidated all associated loans to one loan. The experience was flawless, fair and competitively priced thanks to Fazal. He is efficient, to the point, extremely competent and effective. We have moved all of our banking and financial activities to First Republic as a result and they continue to be able to satisfy any needs we have.
Thank you Fazal for your expertise, professionalism and sincere appreciation for our family. You are the best.

What I most like about First Republic is that you get to deal with a real person when you need them. And when they say «It’s a Privilege to Serve You», they really mean it.
This former Bank of Walnut Creek branch is my home office, and just happens to be within an easy walking distance to Gayle’s Office. In fact, I stopped in today to fix a debit card issue, adjust my mortgage amount, review some stuff in my safety deposit box, and grab a free cup of apple cider and a cookie. Including some catch up talk with my personal banker, I was happily out the door in a matter of minutes. I can’t get enough of this kind of professionalism and personal service.
The 1 Star demotion is related to a bizarre conversation I had with First Republic’s call center last Saturday. For some reason, my newly activated card did not recognize my PIN at a local Chase ATM. When I called in, the issue was promptly diagnosed as a bank problem, but short of my physical presence at my nearest First Republic branch on Monday, I was politely informed that there could be no fix and no cash. Then when I asked how I could otherwise get money over the weekend, the guy matter-​of-​factly advised that I should go visit a high-​interest Payday Loan place! Oh how I’d love to tell that story (over soft piano music) for a First Republic radio commercial…

I love this bank! Everyone who works there is absolutely wonderful, and terrific service is what they are all about. My husband and I used to bank with Wells Fargo where we were nameless and faceless to them, First Republic provides professionalism, and a personal (caring) banking experience. We feel very good about our banking experiences with them.

Today William called my wife and left a message that our account was going to be overdrawn if we didn’t make a deposit. This is at least the 3^rd time this year that someone from the bank has called me. It’s been a tough year for a lot of people, not just me. Bank of America may have bought Merrill Lynch and as a result First Republic, but this is NOT Bank of America. There are still good Bank of Walnut Creek people working behind the counter.

This used to be The Bank of Walnut Creek. Then I got a letter May 2006 announcing their merger with First Republic Bank, and subsequent correspondence about the merger and what it would mean for customers.
I really liked being part of a community bank, but oh well, times change and it’s now the semi-​conservative sounding «First Republic Bank».
When this was Bank of Walnut Creek, we opened a joint account and received free checking (which was part of the reason we chose them). During the transition in 2006, deposit account terms did not change, and we retain the free checking. The transition went fairly smoothly so full points there.
On Fridays they have chocolate chip cookies (and other varieties) and if you’re lucky they’re still warm.
This branch recently had a massive Bank Makeover, like something straight out of HGTV. I’m not sure this was necessary as the old décor was just fine, however, now, bizarrely, all the teller windows are gone! The absence of a long bank of tellers is very strange and removes the «banky» feeling. I mentioned this to an employee last time I deposited a check and they just said, «yes», no chit-​chat or explanation as to why they’re dropping the teller design. The reasons for the redesign are secret, or at least, they’re tight-​lipped about it. Perhaps they wanted to assert their own corporate identity, or are going to cater to more upscale clients who don’t want to use the plain old teller system?
The other thing I don’t like is, since First Republic have taken over, I receive these glossy calendars and annual marketing books from them that I really don’t want. One of them showed typical clients, one of whom was Jason Alexander of «Seinfeld». Ummm. I’m not so into them spending tons of money on these mailshots, especially since I’m already a customer and these booklets seem designed to convince you to join.
At any rate, it all feels a bit upscale and I’d really rather have a humble bank that doesn’t spend tons of money decorating and sending me expensive glossy brochures; I’m more interested in competitive interest rates on various financial products.
So I’m lukewarm about First Republic Bank, at least, this location. Customer service has been so-​so. Last time I went in to hand in some coin rolls the guy didn’t have a greeting or smile for me, and barely said something to mark the end of our exchange. I got the feeling the guy didn’t really want to be in the banking industry.