California Bank and Trust Provides Disaster Relief

We love to criticize banks for their shoddy customer service, their relentless fees, and their rigid rules but today there is an example of a bank stepping up to the plate in a time of need. San Diego-based California Bank & Trust has issued the following press release regarding their disaster relief program:

California Bank & Trust announced today that it has implemented a series of relief efforts to help customers who have been affected by the Southern California wildfires. The bank is providing its customers with access to emergency financial services, including special loan products and terms.

“Along with our customers in San Diego, our associates have experienced disruptive evacuations of their homes and places of business,” said David Blackford, president and CEO. “In some tragic cases customers have actually lost their homes or businesses. This experience has been repeated in the greater Los Angeles / Orange County area. We express our heartfelt sympathy to all of our customers and associates who have been affected by these devastating fires.”
On a case-by-case basis, for qualified California Bank & Trust customers affected by the fires, the bank has activated a disaster relief program, that includes:

– Payment deferrals from 60 to 120 days for mortgage, consumer loan and
credit card customers.

– Assistance for business customers, including emergency credit line
increases, bridge and term loans, payment deferrals and fee waivers.

– Reduced rates and waived fees on new short-term unsecured loans and
home equity loans up to $25,000.

– Special rates on construction loans.

– Rush orders and fee waivers for replacement personal checks, credit
cards and ATM/debit cards.

– Waived early withdrawal penalties to access CD deposits.

– Where available, safe boxes of any size for 6 months at no charge.

– Refunded ATM fees upon request.

– Assistance in recovering lost bank financial records.

To take advantage of this disaster relief program, existing CB&T customers should contact their local branch or relationship manager.

“I am saddened by the devastating effects the California Wildfires have had on our community,” said Tory Nixon, executive vice president, San Diego Division. “With the more than 500 employees who live and work in the San Diego region, CB&T is committed to being a partner and resource to our customers as they go through the rebuilding process for their homes and businesses.”

California Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorporation , is the largest bank headquartered in San Diego with over $10 billion in assets and more than 90 offices statewide. With local management and decision-making and an emphasis on relationship banking, California Bank & Trust provides products, resources and financing solutions for businesses and individuals, including wealth management, Internet banking, commercial and small business lending, cash management and international banking. For more information on CB&T go to http://www.calbanktrust.com.