We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Resources for Businesses My BBB
Share
Business Profile

Bank

Mechanics Bank

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Bank.

Important information

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Mechanics Bank's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Find a Location

Mechanics Bank has 77 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Please enter a valid location.

    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 106 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 30 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

    Sort by

    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/21/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I have a loan from Mechanics bank for 6 years term. I have been paying extra equal Amounts of monthly payment to my car note after their instruction to mail the extra amount to a different department to avoid confusion. I did. I noticed they have been charging me an interest of $80.00 on top of my extra payment which is wrong. I complained and they said request was sent. I called them this month and asked if I can pay off my balance and if the supposed refund should still be in process and customer service said yes and it will not affect. I got a refund of $2.80 today. I was looking at $180.00 or more for the interest they charged for 3 months. This is extortion! Need to be check how they do business.. thank you.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/25/2025

      Please see attached response.  

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/06/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Dear *********** am writing to formally dispute inaccurate information that appears on my credit report, as I am a victim of identity theft. Specifically, the following account is not authorized by me and was opened fraudulently:MECHANICS BANK AUTO FIDate Opened: 11/7/2016Account Number: 501001XXXXXXXXXXX I have never applied for or authorized this account. I discovered this error while reviewing my recent credit report. As soon as I became aware of this fraudulent activity, I filed a complaint with the appropriate authorities and submitted a report to *****************. I am in the process of working with law enforcement to resolve this matter.Enclosed are copies of my identity theft report, complaint filings, and any other supporting documentation that verify my claim. I request that you investigate this matter promptly and ensure that this unauthorized account is removed from my credit report.Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide an update on the status of my dispute at your earliest convenience. If you require any further information or documentation, do not hesitate to contact me via the contact details provided above.Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/06/2025

      Please see attached response.  

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/04/2025

      Type:Order Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am not liable for this debt with Mechanics Bank. I do not have a contract with this collection agency (Mechanics Bank) An they have not provided me with the original contract as requested.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/05/2025

      Please see attached response.  

      Customer Answer

      Date: 02/06/2025

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

      Sincerely,

      ***** ******

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/01/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      CHARGE-OFF DEBT IS TAXABLE INCOME AND CAN NO LONGER REPORT TO A CONSUMERS PROFILE VIOLATING 15 USC 1681 EB

      Business Response

      Date: 02/07/2025

      Please see attached response.   

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:01/26/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am filing this complaint to report a frustrating and damaging experience with Mechanics Bank that has negatively impacted my credit and financial stability. For five years, I had a car loan with Mechanics Bank and paid every installment on time through their auto-pay system. My final payment of **$910**, due on **December 19, 2024**, was missed without my knowledge because the auto-pay system inexplicably stopped. I was never informed of this issuethere was no email, text, phone call, or letter notifying me that my payment was not processed. Despite having multiple ways to reach me, Mechanics Bank chose not to communicate the missed payment. Instead, they waited **45 days** and reported it to the credit bureaus. This single missed payment has caused significant damage to my credit score, which was previously over 800. Now, I am facing challenges closing a new loan due to this unwarranted negative **** on my credit report. What makes this situation even more upsetting is that I had a spotless payment history with Mechanics Bank throughout the five years of my loan. A simple notification or reminder would have prevented this entirely, but the bank failed to provide even the most basic level of customer support. I am requesting that ********************** **remove the negative report** from my credit history, as the missed payment resulted solely from their lack of communication. Their inaction and failure to inform me of the auto-pay issue have caused unnecessary financial stress and complications. This experience has been deeply disappointing, and I hope the Better Business Bureau will hold Mechanics Bank accountable. No customer should face this kind of harm due to a financial institutions negligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

      Business Response

      Date: 01/30/2025

      Please see attached response.   

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:01/24/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am filing this complaint with the Better Business Bureau regarding an unprofessional and frustrating experience with Mechanics Bank that has caused significant financial harm and stress. For five years, I had a car loan with Mechanics Bank and made every payment on time through auto-pay. My final payment of **$910**, due on **December 19, 2024**, was missed because the auto-pay system stopped without any prior notice. Mechanics Bank failed to contact me in any waythere was no email, text, phone call, or mailed notice to alert me to this issue. Instead of notifying me and providing an opportunity to address the situation, Mechanics Bank waited **45 days** and reported the missed payment to the credit bureaus. This has caused severe damage to my credit score, which was previously over 800, and has now jeopardized my ability to close on a new loan. The lack of communication is completely unacceptable, especially after five years of flawless payment history. I trusted Mechanics Bank to handle my loan professionally, but their negligence in this matter has caused significant hardship. This situation was entirely avoidable if Mechanics Bank had shown even a basic level of customer care by informing me of the issue in a timely manner. I am requesting that Mechanics Bank **remove the negative report** from my credit history, as the missed payment was directly caused by their failure to notify me. I fulfilled my obligations throughout the loan, and this negative **** is unjustified. I urge the Better Business Bureau to investigate this matter and hold Mechanics Bank accountable for their actions. This experience has been deeply frustrating, and I will not be using Mechanics Bank for any future financial services. I hope this complaint encourages them to take corrective actions to prevent others from enduring similar harm. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

      Business Response

      Date: 01/30/2025

      Please see attached response.   

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:01/23/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am filing a complaint against Mechanics Bank Auto Finance regarding their unfair and predatory practices related to my 2010 Porsche Panamera loan.For over three years, I repeatedly requested to change my payment due date from the 11th to after the 23rd of each month to align with my income schedule. Despite numerous calls and emails, Mechanics Bank ignored these requests, resulting in my payments appearing late even though I made all yearly payments. Each attempt to contact customer service involved excessive hold times of at least 30 minutes.The bank's inflexibility led to the accumulation of late fees, making it impossible for me to bring the account current despite multiple attempts. They refused my payments because I couldn't cover all late fees in addition to the principal.Mechanics Bank ultimately repossessed my vehicle and sold it for approximately $7,500, which is far below its market value. (At the time of sale, the value was approximately $19,000+) A year later, the car's value is more than double that amount. Now, they are pursuing me through collections for the remaining balance.This experience aligns with numerous other customer complaints visible in ****** reviews, highlighting a pattern of unfair and predatory business practices by Mechanics Bank Auto Finance.I request that the BBB investigate these practices, particularly:* The bank's refusal to accommodate reasonable payment date change requests * Excessive and predatory late fees * Unreasonable repossession and resale practices * Poor customer service and communication *I seek a fair resolution to this matter, including a reassessment of the remaining balance based on the vehicle's actual market value at the time of repossession

      Business Response

      Date: 01/29/2025

      Please see attached response.   

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:01/02/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      After reviewing my credit reports I noticed a fraudulent account opened in July of 2018 and followed the appropriate steps to obtain removal of the account from all credit bureaus. However, Mechanics Bank has been reluctant to do so.

      Business Response

      Date: 01/03/2025

      Please see attached.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 01/04/2025

       
      Complaint: 22759939

      I am rejecting this response because:

      Although I appreciate your acknowledgment of the complaint and your indication that the Account Servicing Unit is reviewing the matter; I must reiterate my request for the immediate removal of this fraudulent account from all credit reporting agencies, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
      Pursuant to the ***** under 15 U.S. Code 1681c-2 (Blocking of Information Resulting from Identity Theft), I have the right to request that fraudulent information be removed from my credit reports immediately. As part of this provision:
      I have provided an FTC Identity Theft Report, as required, to substantiate the fraud.
      You are obligated to stop reporting this fraudulent account to the credit bureaus once a proper identity theft claim has been submitted and validated.
      Your response that "accurate and complete account information has been furnished to the credit reporting agencies" is unacceptable, as the fraudulent nature of this account invalidates its accuracy. As such, Mechanics Bank is not in compliance with the **** if this account remains reported.
      Furthermore, your letter states that this matter is under review by your Account Servicing Unit, which indicates the issue remains unresolved. Therefore, this matter cannot be considered "closed" until you fully address my concerns and take appropriate action to comply with federal law.
      I demand immediate confirmation of the following:
      Removal of the fraudulent account from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
      Confirmation in writing that Mechanics Bank will no longer furnish information related to this account to any credit reporting agency.
      Updates on the progress of the Account Servicing Unit's investigation, including any additional documentation required from my side.
      Failure to comply with these legal obligations under the **** will leave me no choice but to escalate this matter further, including filing complaints with the ************************************ (****) and exploring legal remedies.
      I look forward to your prompt response to resolve this matter.

      Sincerely,
      Aundriana *******

      Business Response

      Date: 01/08/2025

      Please see attached response. 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/27/2024

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      This bank is a predatory lender & takes advantage of people with health issues/disabilities. My niece got a loan from this company in ********* thru a car dealer located in the *********** area. She paid her loan solidly for over 30 months and was stricken with a bad case of COVID 19 last year, she developed a disability at this time as well. She has her master's degree in education, a teacher in high school on rural *********. She was late only a few times from March 2023 and they came to repo her car without notice. I had just made a $1633+ payment on her loan in later November to catch her up completely and my parents mailed 2 checks as well and they did can one of those as well for another $335. This heartless bank took her car from her at a critical time in her rehabilitation during Thanksgiving holidays and a very cold start to a harsh Minnesota winter. She has to use a cane to walk now at 35 yrs old and has a 5 year old son to care for and drive to daycare while she works. To help her out I logged into her account and tied my checking account to her online account to make any needed payments. After I paid the $1633 payment they locked her out of online access to her online account and payment processing and auto mailed form letter, even after the larger makeup payment, saying that her car would be sold at a car auction on December 11th, just in time to have no car for Christmas. As her uncle, who just found out she lost her baby she was carrying. I was not going to let her lose anything else, so I had her contact them for the total payoff information. Then I paid the payoff amount of $6209.90, well under what the ****** car was worth with recent extra large payments we had made, them received the payment exactly as they requested, I spent $3.00 to draw the cashier's check from *********************, +$30.00 priority/signature required. I paid them twice over and they won't return my cashier's check if $6209.90 to me. I have all the documentation.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/30/2024

      Mechanics Bank actively tracks complaints and takes every voiced concern seriously, welcomes the opportunity to receive and understand customer complaints, and appreciates the role of the Better Business Bureau in facilitating this communication. We encourage the account holder to contact our ************************** at ************ for further assistance.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/23/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am writing to inform you of a fraudulent account opened in my name with MechBkAuto. I am a victim of identity theft and did not authorize the opening of this account. Below are the details of the fraudulent account:Creditor Name: MechBkAuto Opened Date: 12/14/2019 Account Number: *****************High Credit: $17,788.00 I kindly request that you close this account immediately and remove any negative information associated with it from my credit report. Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could provide confirmation of the account's closure and any relevant documentation related to the fraudulent *********** support this claim, I have attached a copy of my Identity Theft Complaint for your reference.Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/26/2024

      Please see attached response.  

    Mechanics Bank is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

    To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB's vetting process.

    Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?

    BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

    BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

    When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

    BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.

    As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.