Get help with your accounts
Use this page to find answers to frequently asked questions about opening and managing Bank of the West accounts and services. If you still need help, visit our Customer Service page to find more answers or speak with a customer service representative.
I forgot my password. What should I do?
To recover your username or password, go to the Sign In area on bankofthewest.com and click Forgot Username or Password. On your mobile app, you can do so by tapping Forgot Sign In.
How do I find my checking account number?
You can find it though Online Banking, your mobile app, or on your checks. In Online Banking, click Services & Support, then under Preferences, click Account Display Preferences, select the option Show my account numbers, and click Save. On your mobile app, tap on the account, then tap the gear icon in the upper right corner of the app. If you have your checks handy, look at the bottom left corner of your check. The first nine-digit number on the left is the bank routing number. Immediately to the right of that is your checking account number.
What's the Bank of the West routing number?
For checking accounts, the routing number is 121100782. You can also find it through online banking or your mobile app. To find your routing number through Online Banking, click Services & Support, then under Help, click Routing Number. On your mobile app, tap on the account, then tap the gear icon in the upper right corner of the app.
How do I view my account statements online?
Once you’ve signed in to Online Banking, you can access your account statements in a couple different ways:
- Go to the Accounts tab and select “Statements & Documents”
- Go to the Services & Support tab and select “View Statements and Documents”
From the mobile app, go to the “More” menu and select “Account Statements.”
How do I order checks?
Begin by signing in to your online banking account. Once you’re signed in, click on the “Services & Support” tab, and then select “Order Checks” from the drop-down menu. You can also call or visit your local branch for assistance.
Where do I mail loan, credit card and mortgage payments?
Mail Loan Payment
Bank of the West
PO BOX 4024
Alameda, CA 94501-0424
Mail Mortgage Payment
Bank of the West
PO Box 4000
Alameda, CA 94501-0400
Mail Credit Card Payment
Bank of the West
PO Box 4021
Alameda, CA 94501-0421
Can I open a checking or savings account online?
Bank of the West allows personal checking and savings accounts to be opened online, with a maximum of two applicants per account. Please visit our full list of products available to open online.
How can I move my accounts to Bank of the West?
Our Guide to Moving Your Accounts walks you through the step by step process to move your direct debits, bill payees, personal information to Bank of the West and then what you need to do to close your accounts elsewhere.
How do I open a CD and what are the terms/interest rates?
You can compare interest rates on our CD accounts page. You can open a CD in a branch. We offer a variety of flexible terms, from seven days to five years.
What kind of IRAs does Bank of the West offer?
We offer multiple options for fixed and variable-rate IRAs. Visit our IRA comparison page to see all the benefits of a Bank of the West IRA.
Does Bank of the West send emails or texts to its customers?
We may occasionally send messages to you. If you've provided us with a valid email address, you may opt out of receiving marketing messages. If you've set up specific alerts (such as account alerts or Online Statements), we’ll send this information as appropriate. However, we will never ask for any personal information over email or text.
How do I get text or email alerts?
Sign in to Online Banking, and visit the Account Alerts section.
How do I send money to someone directly from my Bank of the West account?
You can use Zelle® to send money to friends, family and almost anyone you know and trust with a bank account in the U.S., typically within minutes.1 Sign in to your Bank of the West Online Banking account from your computer or the Bank of the West Mobile App. Select Payments & Transfers > Send Money with Zelle® > Send. From there, you can send money directly to someone using their email address or U.S. mobile phone number.
Are there fees to send money using Zelle?
There are no fees to use Zelle through Bank of the West Online Banking or the Mobile App. At times, Zelle may send you notifications via text message if you have registered your U.S. mobile phone. Your wireless provider may charge you per text message, so check your wireless plan before using the service.
How do I set up recurring or automatic payments to an individual or company (through Online Bill Pay)?
Sign in to Online Banking and select the Bill Pay tab. Next, select Manage My Bills. On the next screen, select the desired biller from the Biller Name dropdown and choose to add an automatic payment.
What is a CD?
A certificate of deposit (CD) is similar to a savings account. Money is deposited in a CD at a fixed interest rate and must remain there for a specific term. The term can be from 32 days to 5 years.
What is the minimum opening deposit for a CD?
The minimum opening deposit can vary depending on the type of CD. View our Compare CDs page for more details.
How do I open a CD? What are the terms and interest rates?
You can view current interest rates on our Compare CDs page. We offer three CDs with a variety of flexible terms, from 32 days to 5 years. To open a CD, visit a Bank of the West branch.
What if I want to withdraw my CD early?
Penalties may apply to withdrawals made at any other time than during the grace period. Early withdrawal penalty fees could reduce earnings on the account.
What do I do when my CD matures?
When your CD matures, you can withdraw all or part of the money, have it automatically renew for the same CD term at the interest rate that is being offered at maturity, or roll it over into a new CD term at the interest rate that is being offered at maturity.
What is an IRA CD?
An IRA CD is a combination of an individual retirement account (IRA) and a certificate of deposit (CD), which can be used together, or separately. For example, you can have an IRA that doesn’t use CDs as an investment, or you can use CDs in other types of non-retirement accounts.
What kind of IRA CDs does Bank of the West offer?
We offer three options for fixed and variable-rate IRA CDs. Visit our Compare IRAs page to see the features of each, interest rates, and minimum opening deposit amounts.
How much can I contribute to my IRA CD?
As of 2017, you can contribute up to $5,500 for 2017. Once you reach age 50, contribution limits on IRAs increase by $1,000, allowing you to "catch up" and contribute up to $6,500 annually.
How do I open an IRA CD? What are the terms and interest rates?
You can view current interest rates on our Compare IRAs page. We offer three IRA CDs with a variety of flexible terms, from 91 days to 5 years. To open an IRA CD, visit a Bank of the West branch.
What’s the difference between Bank of the West’s two savings accounts?
Classic Savings is an interest-earning account you can open with a lower minimum opening deposit of $25. Our Choice Money Market Savings account features a higher minimum opening deposit of $100 and offers higher interest rates. Visit our Compare Savings Accounts page to see the features of each, interest rates, and minimum opening deposit amounts.
Can I open a savings account online?
Yes. You can open a personal savings account online, with up to two applicants per account. To complete the online application, you’ll need to have your Social Security number(s); your U.S. issued photo ID(s) (Driver's license or State ID); the ABA routing and account numbers of your existing accounts, (if you're funding this new account electronically), or your credit or debit card information (if you're funding your new account via a card).
Are there monthly services charges?
Yes. Classic Savings is $5 and Choice Money Market Savings is $15. But, the monthly service charge can be waived in a few ways. If the account holder is 18 years or younger (Classic Savings account only); you maintain a minimum average monthly balance (based on the account type you choose), or you use Auto-Save to set up recurring monthly transfers from your Bank of the West personal checking account to your Classic Savings or Choice Money Market Savings account (minimum transfer amount varies based on the account type you choose).
When do I start earning interest on my savings account?
You begin earning interest on the day the account application is processed, not the day the application is submitted. The application will be processed at the interest rate that was effective on the day that the application was submitted.
How is interest paid on my savings account?
Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly.
What type of checking accounts does Bank of the West offer?
Bank of the West currently offers two checking accounts, Any Deposit Checking, a simple checking account with an easy way to waive the monthly service charge and Premier Checking, featuring a way to waive the monthly service charge, a higher level of service, and an enhanced Rewards program. For an overview of our checking accounts, visit the Compare Checking Accounts page.
What is the minimum opening deposit for your checking accounts?
You can open either Any Deposit Checking or Premier Checking with any amount.
Can I open a checking account online?
Yes. You can open a personal checking account online, with a maximum of two applicants per account. To complete the online application, you’ll need to have your Social Security number(s); your U.S. issued photo ID(s) (Driver's license or State ID); the ABA routing and account numbers of your existing accounts, (if you're funding this new account electronically), or your credit or debit card information (if you're funding your new account via a card).
How do I find my checking account number?
Look at the bottom left corner of your checks. The first nine-digit number on the left is the ABA routing number or bank routing number. Just to the right of the routing number is your account number.
What’s the Bank of the West routing number? Where can I find it?
For checking accounts, the routing number is 121100782.The nine-digit routing number can be found on the bottom left corner of your checks. For all other accounts, contact your branch for help.
How do I order checks?
You can order checks by calling or visiting your local branch. If you have ordered checks within the past 24 months, and have your check reorder form (see your second to last booklet of checks) and the start number for your next sequence of checks (on your reorder form), you can reorder checks online.
How much does it cost for checks?
The cost varies by type of account, quantity, and style of checks. Call or visit your local branch for help.
Do you offer overdraft protection on checking accounts?
Yes, we offer two options:
- Gold Line2 - Use a line of credit that transfers funds to cover overdrafts.
- Savings Overdraft Protection3 Transfer funds from your savings to your checking.
I have questions about my existing credit card. Is there a phone number I can call to talk to a bank representative?
Call the number on the back of your card. If your card’s been lost or stolen, call 1-800-996-2638 / TTY 1-800-659-5495. Outside the U.S., call 1-808-842-3100.
What credit cards do you offer?
We offer a variety of credit cards with different rates and benefits. This includes a Platinum Rewards MasterCard® Card with an added rewards benefit. Visit our Compare Credit Cards page for more information.
Are there any annual fees with a Bank of the West credit card?
There are no annual fees with either of our Platinum or Platinum Rewards Mastercard® Cards. The annual fee for our World Mastercard® Card is waived as long as you're a Premier Checking customer. The Secured Card has an annual fee of $25.
How do I apply for a credit card?
Call 1-866-269-2327 to learn more and apply. You can also apply online for all credit cards, except the Secured Card MasterCard®. For instructions on applying for this card, visit the Secured MasterCard page.
How long does it take to apply?
Applying online can be done in just a few easy steps that take about 15 minutes. The application process is easy, convenient and secure.
What are some best practices for managing my credit debt?
We offer helpful online information for managing your credit debt both in the short- and long-term. Read our credit debt article to get strategies and tips for reducing and eventually eliminating your debt.
How is interest calculated on my loan?
With a simple interest loan, interest accrues daily. As you pay off the principal balance, the daily interest charge will decrease. To calculate the daily interest charge, first convert the interest rate percentage into a decimal by dividing the interest rate by 100. Multiply that number by your principal balance, and then divide by the number of days in a year (365 or 366 for a leap year). This will give you the daily interest charge.
Example: If the loan has a 5% interest rate and a $10,000 principal balance, first, convert the interest rate into a decimal: 5 / 100 = .05, then calculate the daily interest charge: .05 x $10,000 / 365 (or 366 for leap years) = $1.37 daily interest.
What is a simple interest loan?
Simple interest is a method of allocating monthly loan payments between interest and principal. The amount of your payment allocated to interest is calculated based on your unpaid principal balance, the interest rate on your loan, and the number of days since your last payment. Example: If we receive a payment and it has been 30 days since your last payment, then you will be charged 30 days of interest on the unpaid principal balance of your loan. The remainder of your payment is credited to principal and reduces the unpaid principal balance on your loan.
Why does the amount of interest I pay change each month?
The amount of interest paid each month changes because the daily interest amount decreases as the principal balance decreases. At the beginning of the loan, the principal balance is higher, and as a result, the daily interest amount is higher. As you start paying down your principal balance, the amount of interest you pay each month decreases. Additionally, interest accrues daily and the number of days between payments makes a difference. More days between payments results in more days of interest charges and fewer days between payments results in fewer days of interest charges. When receiving payments, accrued interest is satisfied first, then any leftover funds apply to the principle balance.
How much of my monthly payment is interest?
How do I make a payment online?
To pay online, sign in to Online Banking and select your auto loan from Account Summary. You can make a payment immediately or schedule a payment up to 30 days in advance. If you're not enrolled in Online Banking, you can enroll here.
How do I pay by phone?
To make a payment by phone, call 1-800-827-7500 (TTY 800-659-5495). Automated payment is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To reach a representative, call Monday – Thursday, 8 am - 7 pm, Friday 8am-8pm or Saturday, from 8 am - 3pm, Central Time.
How do I set up automatic payments?
To set up automatic payments, sign in to Online Banking, select your auto loan from Account Summary, and then select Enroll in Auto Pay. You'll decide which savings or checking account you would like the money to come from each month, and there is no charge for enrollment. Easily change or cancel the automatic payments online.
How do I pay by mail?
Include the payment coupon from your statement and write the account number on the check or money order. Do not send cash. Send checks or money orders to the following address: Bank of the West, PO BOX 4024, Alameda, CA 94501.
When will I receive my title after I pay off my loan?
Title release timeframes vary by state. The title will be sent by mail or released electronically, depending on the state in which your vehicle is titled. Some states may charge a fee to print your title. In states where the customer holds the title, a lien release will be sent to an individual or business that is authorized to receive it.
Paper title held by Bank of the West: We'll start the title release process in approximately 7 – 10 calendar days after the payoff posts to your account to allow enough processing time for your payment to clear through your financial institution, or as otherwise required by state law. Then it'll take an additional 7 – 10 days for mail delivery time. Paying off your loan by certified funds (such as a money order, cashier's check, or wire transfer) will expedite the process and begin your title release within 3 days.
Electronic title held by your state : We will electronically cancel our lien with your state. Once the lien is released, your state may print and mail your title to you, which may take 30 days or longer. Please ensure your state has your current address on file.
For title related questions or if it has been over 30 days and you have not received your title, please contact your DMV/titling agency or call us.
What is a lien release?
A lien release is a document sent by Bank of the West after the loan has been paid off. The lien release states that Bank of the West is releasing rights to the vehicle. In states where the customer holds the title, a lien release will be mailed out after the loan is paid off. Each state processes titles differently, and you should contact your local DMV to learn more about the title process in your state. To remove Bank of the West from the title, take the title and lien release to your local DMV or titling agency. For additional information, contact your local DMV or titling agency or call us for any questions.
What is an electronic title?
An electronic title, also called an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT), is a title that exists only in electronic form in the DMV database. To find out if you have an electronic title, contact your local DMV/titling agency or call us. When you pay off your loan, we will notify the DMV to release the lien, and the DMV will then update their database. Your state may mail your title to you or they may require you to request the title in person or online. It may take 30 days or longer for your DMV to send you your title, and they may charge a processing fee. Each state processes titles differently, and you should contact your local DMV to learn more about the title process in your state.
I moved out of state and need to register my vehicle. What should I do?
Sign into your Online Banking account to update your contact information or call us. Please note this doesn't update your address with the DMV. If the DMV does not have your current address, it could cause delays with your registration renewal or prevent you from receiving your title upon loan payoff. Contact your local DMV to verify the state's title and registration requirements. If the DMV requires the original paper title in order to update the title and registration, please have the DMV request sent to us by mail or fax. We require the request for title to be on the DMV letterhead.
Caollateral address and fax number:
Bank of the West
PO BOX 2497
Omaha, NE 68103
Fax: 402-918-6055

Call Customer Service for assistance. See all Customer Service options.
1-800-488-2265
TTY 1-800-659-5495
Mon-Fri, 4a.m.-10p.m. PT
Sat, Sun, & most holidays 5a.m.-10p.m. PT
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Legal information and Disclosures
1Zelle is available to almost any bank account in the U.S. Transactions typically occur in minutes between enrolled users. If a recipient is not enrolled with Zelle, it could take 1 to 3 business days to receive the money once the enrollment is completed.
2Gold Line account is subject to credit approval. Gold Line transfers are determined by your available credit limit. The Gold Line account will not advance funds to cover fees or charges assessed by the Bank. This may result in an overdraft on your checking account. There is a Loan Transfer Fee for each transfer. There is an Annual Fee that is waived for Premier Checking accounts. Certain other fees and restrictions may apply.
3For Any Deposit Checking, a Transfer Fee applies for each transfer. This fee is waived for Premier Checking.
Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
Investment and Insurance Products:
- NOT FDIC INSURED
- NOT BANK GUARANTEED
- MAY LOSE VALUE
- NOT A DEPOSIT
- NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY