First Republic Bank

My favorite thing about First Republic is that when I phone there, one of the folks at the bank answers the phone. I don’t think I have ever been put on hold, even for a moment. If I have been in there within a month or so, he or she even knows who I am.
It is wonderful to travel anywhere in the world and be able to take out small amounts of cash from an ATM and know that they will pick up the charge.
When I was burglarized, and had to make some fast changes, they were really with me, even tho it was a lot of inconvenience to them (and to me).
I am certainly not one of their mega-​customers, but I still get the cookies, both literally and figuratively.

I have been a First Republic client for over two years, and I am consistently pleased with the level of professional and friendly customer service at the La Mesa branch. I’m always greeted with a warm welcome – and a freshly baked cookie – as soon as I step inside. This branch office is similar to other First Republics, nice and quaint with comfortable couches in the waiting area and flat-​screen TVs showing news updates. Even when there is no room on the couches, the bank representatives will quickly offer an empty chair so that no one is ever standing.
Overall, First Republic is a fantastic bank. It’s nice to speak with your teller or «private banker» at a table instead of a blocked-​off counter. There are no ATM fees and they’ll reimburse you for any ATM charges you incur worldwide. Their CDs and savings accounts are usually very competitive (get the Passbook for the best savings rate). Also, the wait time here rarely exceeds 5 minutes, which I’ve noticed at the San Mateo branch as well. First Republic treats every client as unique and valuable, regardless of net worth. It is truly a first-​class bank.
Note: The only improvement for this branch would be opening on Saturdays.