First Republic Bank

Not Your Mega-Bank
- Bozo - Saturday, June 23, 2012 - 8:14 PM

We've had various accounts with First Republic, off and on, for quite a few years (I was actually one of their first customers when they opened on Pine Street in San Francisco). Our most recent experience is our re-fi. Can't find any aspect of the transaction thus far below five stars. The "bank" itself feels more like a club room. No teller windows, just bankers at desks (no waiting in line, just have a seat). The only reason I notched it down from five stars to four would be their CD rates. Used to be stellar, now sub-par. Bottom line: if you live in an area serviced by First Republic (we're in Northern California), check them out.

Old-fashioned banking. Your "personal banker" will actually give you his or her card, with e-mail address, direct dial and cell numbers, and (more importantly) answer his or her phone when you call, or (at minimum) call you right back. End of voice-mail hell.

BE AWARE. You Could Lose Your Money Too!!!!
- raschkovsky - Monday, April 18, 2011 - 7:49 PM

BE AWARE!! I have lost a lot of money with them!!! I used to like this bank, until I actually realize they had made a mistake and sent my money order 2x. They cost me a lot of money. It is an inexcusable mistake for a bank. The worst part is that they did not return my money, even though  they admitted making a mistake. Don't trust a bank that cannot stand by their clients. You could be next. If you experience any issues with them please let me know. I need support to recover my money.

CD's Buyers Beware
- williampope - Tuesday, September 14, 2010 - 12:11 AM

Be Cautious about NEW CD "Products".  One "otherwise Attractive" CD Product requires a customer to open a New Checking Account with a modest Minimum Balance.  The small minimum balance may be a little nuisance, but it is NOT the problem.  The problem IS that one must wait about 2 days to actually "purchase" the New CD.  So don't be tempted to deposit your check (for the amount of the CD and the "minimum checking account balance") into the New Checking Account, because you won't be credited (at the CD Rate) for the 2 days that your money sits in the checking account. 

First Republic COULD make the CD's Date of Issue the day you deposit your cashiers check in the institution (LIKE MOST BANKS DO), but they'd miss out on all the extra gravy from this "trick".  You may think YOUR lost interest is not worth the hassle, but to the Bank, it's not peanuts.  For example, $2 billion (a GUESS) @ 3% APY (a GUESS) for 2 days is >$328,000.00.--a pretty nice bonus for the the Bank's CEO.

Best Bank Ever
- Anonymous - Friday, December 2, 2011 - 1:27 PM

Truly the best bank I have ever been a part of. I have been a part of three other banks. Before that, I won't name names. I currently have two accounts, one at First Republic, and another at a large national bank. I love that I can call First Republic, and they know who I am, just by my voice. I have had some minor problems like not being refunded for ATM fees. Instead of causing a large fuss, they opened a case for me, went back a month and researched why my ATM fee was not given to me. All this work for $3. They do whatever it takes to make a problem right. (and free warm cookies are a plus)