Peapack-Gladstone Bank - Califon, NJ

"Update #2: After I received a letter increasing fees to $30 a month if I didn't have $20,000 in deposits at the bank for my previously free checking account, I decided it was time to go to another bank that appreciates all of their customers. I found another local bank that provides all of the services I previously received at Peapack Bank. Bank management has done a great disservice to the community and the great people working at the bank. Account closed. Update: I had a chat with customer service regarding the new ATM machine. All I received was apologies, we understand, sorry, etc. I doubt that they have the authority or ability to communicate this issue to staff that can make changes. I left with a feeling that my concerns were dismissed. Original post: What bank considers an upgraded ATM machine an improvement in service when it operates like no other ATM. An example: First: The machine is slow and does not always respond to user selections off the touch screen. Second, the bank card goes in the ATM slot with the widest part of the card, sideways if you will, unlike any other machine I've used. No big deal but why not keep it like the previous ATM. Third, I requested a withdrawal of $400 as I usually do and not paying attention to an intermediate menu item that determines the bill size, I get four $100 bills. What business wants to break a $100 bill, especially if they don't know you? Went back to the drive-through and had the teller give me twenty $20 bills. I contacted PGB and expressed my disappointment with the upgrade, my only request as an improvement was to have the default bill size be $20, I'm not holding my breath. The majority of my interactions with the bank are via the ATM, big zero on the upgrade. The only upside is you can request $5 and $10 bills. Bank staff is great, the ding is against PGB's decision to "upgrade" their ATM without considering the impact to what it is used for the most."

"PGB as a whole has gone downhill significantly. The staff at this bank are friendly but the policies and changes are making this bank lose all its customers. We have been loyal to PGB for 30+ years and their new policies that require you to have a certain amount or you get charged is asinine. I close my account here and most people I know have as well- yet they still accepted charges coming through and blamed it on someone turning the paperwork in late. “All we can do is refund your overdraft but you need to pay” is what I got. Overdraft??? On a CLOSED account? This is not how to do banking. I am disgusted and disappointed in what this bank has become. Take your money and loyalty elsewhere- it will not be valued here."

"I always receive excellent customer service here. Friendly and efficient staff. Personal banking."

"Friendly and professional staff."

"Very nice staff. Very personal service."