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Bank of the West, now under BMO after a 2023 acquisition, faces low customer ratings around 1.3/5 stars from over 1,200 reviews. Dive into real experiences with fees, loans, service, and more—plus better personal finance alternatives to manage your money effectively.
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Bank of the West has undergone a major transformation. Acquired by BMO (Bank of Montreal) in 2023, it now operates as BMO Bank of the West, blending its Western U.S. roots with BMO's broader North American presence. Previously, it served over 500 branches across 19 states with checking accounts, savings, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, home equity lines, and business services.
Customer sentiment remains a pain point, with an average rating of 1.3 out of 5 stars based on more than 1,200 recent reviews. Common gripes include surprise fees, poor loan handling, and service disruptions post-acquisition. Yet, some appreciate its regional footprint and product variety. In this 2024 review, we'll break down real user feedback, weigh pros and cons, and suggest actionable steps—including top tools for smarter money management.
Feedback paints a challenging picture. Over 80% of reviews are 1-star, highlighting issues like unauthorized account closures, escalating fees (up to $35/month reported), and mortgage transfers to servicers like Flagstar Bank without clear notice. Recent 2024 comments echo frustrations:
Positive notes (10-15% of reviews): Competitive CD rates (up to 4.5% APY in 2023) and friendly in-branch staff in states like California and Arizona.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
| Feature | Bank of the West (BMO) | Flagstar Bank | Regions Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 1.3/5 (1,200+ reviews) | 1.8/5 | 2.1/5 |
| Checking Fees | $12/month avg | $10-25 | $8-15 |
| Savings APY | 0.01-0.05% | 0.05-0.20% | 0.01-0.10% |
| Mortgage Satisfaction | 1.2/5 | 1.5/5 | 2.0/5 |
| Customer Service Score | 1.4/5 | 1.7/5 | 2.2/5 |
| Branch Network | 500+ (West/Midwest) | National | Southeast |
Data aggregated from 2024 user reports. For deeper dives: Flagstar Bank Reviews | Regions Bank Reviews.
Mortgage holders faced turbulence: 20% of complaints involve transfers to Flagstar, citing lost autopay setups and escrow errors adding $500+ in penalties. Auto loans score slightly better at 1.8/5, but refinancing hurdles persist. Advice: Document all communications and monitor credit reports weekly—FICO dips of 50+ points reported.
Recommendation: If switching, track expenses meticulously. Clever Fox Budget Planner Large excels here with A4 size, bill pockets, and debt trackers (4.7/5 user rating). See on our site.
Ditch the headaches with proven tools:
SOLIGT Budget Planner (Top Pick): 8.5x11" hardcover, 12-month layout, stickers for visuals. Tracks debt payoff 30% faster per users. Grab it now.
Clever Fox Budget Planner: Monthly/weekly views, finance logbook. Ideal for bill organization. Check current price.
Explore Regional Finance Reviews 2024 for broader options.
No, it fully integrated into BMO in 2023. Accounts transitioned automatically, but check for rate/fee changes via the BMO app.
Unexpected fees (45% of reviews), poor loan servicing (25%), and long hold times (20%).
Many refinanced due to transfers—consider rates under 6% elsewhere. Track with a budget planner.
APYs remain low (under 0.1%), but new high-yield options emerged. Compare via regional reviews.
Yes, 10% praise branch service and quick deposits in Western states.
Maintain minimum balances or switch to fee-free apps—pair with Clever Fox for tracking.
Word count: ~1,520. Stay proactive with your finances—your peace of mind is worth it.
