Bank of the West Review: Community Bank Service with Big Bank Products

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Decorative cardboard illustration of lock on bank with American paper money under Deposit inscription on blue background
Credit: pexels.com, Decorative cardboard illustration of lock on bank with American paper money under Deposit inscription on blue background

Bank of the West is a community bank that offers a wide range of personal and business banking services, making it a great option for those looking for a more personalized experience.

With over 650 branches and 1,900 ATMs across 19 states, Bank of the West has a significant presence in the US banking market.

Bank of the West was founded in 1874 in California, and has since grown to become one of the largest banks in the US, with over $83 billion in assets.

Bank of the West offers a variety of deposit accounts, including checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit.

Banking Experience

Bank of the West offers a unique banking experience that combines the benefits of a large bank with the personalized service of a smaller bank. You can choose from a wide range of products to meet your banking needs.

One of the standout features of Bank of the West is its international services, which make it an attractive option for foreigners moving to the US. You can open a stateside account without a Social Security number and apply for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages with no US credit history.

Bank of the West's mobile app is highly rated, with 4.8 stars on the App Store and 3.8 stars on Google Play. This means you can easily manage your accounts and conduct transactions on the go.

BMO Sees Exceeding Savings Expectations

Shallow Focus Photography of White Ceramic Piggy Bank
Credit: pexels.com, Shallow Focus Photography of White Ceramic Piggy Bank

BMO has exceeded its savings expectations, with customers saving an average of $2,500 in just the first year of using their mobile banking app.

The app's intuitive interface and personalized savings goals have made it easier for customers to set and achieve their financial objectives.

By automating savings transfers and offering real-time tracking, BMO's mobile banking app has helped customers stay on top of their finances and make progress towards their goals.

As a result, customers are seeing tangible benefits, including increased savings rates and improved financial stability.

By leveraging technology to streamline savings processes, BMO has empowered its customers to take control of their financial futures.

Checking Accounts

Bank of the West offers three checking accounts to meet different needs.

The Any Deposit Checking account requires a minimum deposit of $0.01 and has no monthly fee if you make at least one deposit per statement period, or if you're under 25 years old.

Credit: youtube.com, Are YOU Keeping Too Much Money in Your Checking Account?

You can also choose the Premier Checking account, which has a $25 monthly service charge that's waived if you maintain a combined average balance of at least $25,000 in eligible accounts. This account is the only interest-bearing option among the three.

The 1% for the Planet Checking account donates 1% of its net revenue to environmental causes. You'll have no monthly service charge if you make at least one deposit per statement period, or if you're under 25 years old.

Here's a quick rundown of the checking accounts:

Bank of the West's mobile app makes it easy to monitor your accounts and make transactions, with a rating of 4.8 stars on the App Store and 3.8 stars on Google Play.

Key Features

Bank of the West offers a range of features that make it a standout bank. Mobile Banking is one of its key features, allowing users to manage their accounts on-the-go.

Bank of the West's Mobile Banking feature is convenient and user-friendly, making it easy to access accounts and perform transactions from anywhere.

With Mobile Banking, users can check their account balances, transfer funds, and pay bills, all from their smartphone or tablet.

Recent Developments

A delicate cherry blossom branch rests on an open book with pages shaped into a heart.
Credit: pexels.com, A delicate cherry blossom branch rests on an open book with pages shaped into a heart.

Bank of the West has officially rebranded as BMO after a change in ownership. BMO purchased Bank of the West from BNP Paribas in a deal valued at $16.3 billion.

BMO now has a stronger foothold in Colorado, where Bank of the West had a 3.02% share for deposits as of June 30. This made it the fifth largest bank in the state, according to the FDIC Market Share report.

With the acquisition, BMO will continue to provide commercial banking services in Colorado, and no branch closures or layoffs are planned.

Rebranding of 68 Branches in February

In February, Bank of the West rebranded as BMO, one of Colorado's largest banks with 68 branches.

The rebranding was a result of a change in ownership, with BMO purchasing Bank of the West from BNP Paribas in a deal valued at $16.3 billion.

BMO now has a stronger foothold in Colorado, which is growing more rapidly.

From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland
Credit: pexels.com, From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland

No branch closures or layoffs are planned in Colorado as a result of the acquisition.

Bank of the West had a 3.02% share for deposits in Colorado as of June 30, making it the fifth largest bank in the state.

The combined companies will have more than 1,000 branches and 42,000 ATMs located in 32 U.S. states.

BMO will continue to provide commercial banking services in Colorado, in addition to retail banking services.

BMO Closes $16.3B Deal

BMO Financial Group has completed the acquisition of Bank of the West in a deal valued at $16.3 billion.

The acquisition was initially struck in December 2021, and the combined companies will have over 1,000 branches and 42,000 ATMs located in 32 U.S. states.

BMO now welcomes nearly 1.8 million commercial, retail, wealth management, and business banking customers.

The combined banks will have a stronger foothold in areas like Colorado, where Bank of the West had a 3.02% share for deposits as of June 30.

BMO expects the conversion of the combined banks' system to be complete by September.

The acquisition has brought 9,300 Bank of the West employees into the BMO family.

BMO reported total assets of $1.14 trillion and 12 million customers as of October 31, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bank of the West still exist?

Bank of the West is now part of BMO Bank, but its legacy continues as a subsidiary. Existing customers can still access banking services through BMO branches.

Rodolfo West

Senior Writer

Rodolfo West is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the financial world, Rodolfo has established himself as a trusted voice in the realm of personal finance. His writing portfolio spans a range of topics, including gold investment and investment options, where he provides readers with valuable insights and expert advice.

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