Bank of the West, Newport, OR

I have been banking with them for more than 9 years and had no problems until now. I have a big credit card bill that I had to pay by Wednesday and because I was afraid my mail will not get to Discover on time, I called BOTW in Seattle the Friday before, and asked if the ATM will automatically put a hold on checks. The person I spoke to said yes, but the hold is only for max 2 business days. I figure that's fine because by Wednesday, the check would have cleared. Nonetheless I wanted to ensure clearing and so I got a bank draft from my bank, which is normally transacted as cash. It's Tuesday today and I called Seattle to find out if my check will clear by Wednesday (tomorrow). I was told that there was a 7-business days hold placed on the check, and to call my main branch, which is Newport Oregon to ask them to release the hold. When I called the Newport branch, they told me that I have to call Seattle because they have a visual of the check so they can verify it. So I called Seattle again and they looked at the check and said that they'll send a copy to Newport and for me to call Newport after some time has elapsed. I called Newport after an hour and the person there said she will get the manager to phone me right after she sees a client. I called again after a few minutes and this time the manager picked up the phone. She then tells me that she will not remove the hold. But I told her that I did my due diligence and asked about their procedures before I did my deposit. I was told that it will only be held for max 2 days, otherwise I could have explored other options eg mailing the check to Discover using 2 days service or something. Anyway she was so adamant that she can't do anything because I haven't shown from my bank balance that it can support a big check amount like that. She refused to listen and said Seattle can also release the hold so why not ask them to do it. I phoned Seattle one last time and said look, there is a phone number listed on the draft for WU Business Solutions. The check can be verified with a call to a 1-800# but no one wants to budge. She said she will email the manager Cheryl? in Newport. Their staff gave me false information and no one wants to help after I fall into their mistake. Anyway, I was able to solve my problem on my own but now I know how materialistic the Newport branch manager is. She doesn't see the 9yrs business relationship you had with them, but based her judgment on her perceived worth of your person. I had originally planned on putting the proceeds from my Newport house once it sells, but will now consider doing it with Wells Fargo instead.

Thanks so much to all the great staff at Bank of the West in Newport. The customer service is wonderful! I am very happy with this bank. So sorry that the Yachats Branch closed though.

Opened a business checking and personal savings accounts. Staff was very helpful and Jeff Hilbert was very knowledgeable and helpful thru the entire process.

Rip offs. Worste rude customer service ive EVER experienced from a bank honestly.

Great bank, nice helpful friendly staff, and quick easy service, would recommend, Newport branch rocks!

I have been banking with them for more than 9 years and had no problems until now. I have a big credit card bill that I had to pay by Wednesday and because I was afraid my mail will not get to Discover on time, I called BOTW in Seattle the Friday before, and asked if the ATM will automatically put a hold on checks. The person I spoke to said yes, but the hold is only for max 2 business days. I figure that's fine because by Wednesday, the check would have cleared. Nonetheless I wanted to ensure clearing and so I got a bank draft from my bank, which is normally transacted as cash. It's Tuesday today and I called Seattle to find out if my check will clear by Wednesday (tomorrow). I was told that there was a 7-business days hold placed on the check, and to call my main branch, which is Newport Oregon to ask them to release the hold. When I called the Newport branch, they told me that I have to call Seattle because they have a visual of the check so they can verify it. So I called Seattle again and they looked at the check and said that they'll send a copy to Newport and for me to call Newport after some time has elapsed. I called Newport after an hour and the person there said she will get the manager to phone me right after she sees a client. I called again after a few minutes and this time the manager picked up the phone. She then tells me that she will not remove the hold. But I told her that I did my due diligence and asked about their procedures before I did my deposit. I was told that it will only be held for max 2 days, otherwise I could have explored other options eg mailing the check to Discover using 2 days service or something. Anyway she was so adamant that she can't do anything because I haven't shown from my bank balance that it can support a big check amount like that. She refused to listen and said Seattle can also release the hold so why not ask them to do it. I phoned Seattle one last time and said look, there is a phone number listed on the draft for WU Business Solutions. The check can be verified with a call to a 1-800# but no one wants to budge. She said she will email the manager Cheryl? in Newport. Their staff gave me false information and no one wants to help after I fall into their mistake. Anyway, I was able to solve my problem on my own but now I know how materialistic the Newport branch manager is. She doesn't see the 9yrs business relationship you had with them, but based her judgment on her perceived worth of your person. I had originally planned on putting the proceeds from my Newport house once it sells, but will now consider doing it with Wells Fargo instead.

Thanks so much to all the great staff at Bank of the West in Newport. The customer service is wonderful! I am very happy with this bank. So sorry that the Yachats Branch closed though.

Opened a business checking and personal savings accounts. Staff was very helpful and Jeff Hilbert was very knowledgeable and helpful thru the entire process.