Union Bank in Big Bear Lake, CA

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: W Hollywood Union Bank branch is the place to your banking. It's a small bank with a dozen branches, with this one situated right on a corner of the Sunset Strip in W Hollywood. Union DID NOT take TARP money from the Feds (no bailout) and is owned by Japanese mega industrial giant Mitsubishi. I was told by a staffer that the Japanese do take care of their employees and that morale is positive. Many come from Wells Fargo (go figure). The branch has a hometown modern small bank feeling aside from the obvious security equipment in the bank to prevent robbery. Street parking is limited, but the bank does provide valet parking in the rear. At the time I went at 3pm, staffing seemed small, but there was no line for tellers or services. The rates seem reasonable given how banks are jacking up rates lately. The terms for free checking are for the time being quite generous for a minimum $100 deposit, but I was warned that this may not last long, as Union will probably change the terms of their rates to be competitive (rates will go up). Carmelo whose title is "Relationship Banker" sits nearest the entrance. He opened up my checking and savings and did a Chexsystems check on my banking record (same as a credit report). He was professional, attentive, thorough, knowledgeable, and personable during my account opening. He knew his job well and the services his bank provides. His colleagues and superiors were willing to get to know me as I begin my financial relationship with them. OVERALL HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: I expect a more seamless pleasant experience but Im sure that since they have popular low rates there will be times of long lines in the bank, and potential customers should take that under consideration and be patient when dealing with the baking staff during busy times of the day. But they are worth your time and money. Try them out. . . .

I left Bank of America a few years ago for Union bank. I so glad I did. The service is so much better and more personal. When my identity was stolen, I had no problem getting help with my accounts at Union. They refunded all the fake charges in just a day. Go here to bank.

Very prejudiced against Hispanics. Branch manager is a petty tyrant.

Someone stole my card at this location. They said their security cameras are owned by some other company that they don't have control over. Would be a great place to mug someone! Basically no security here.