East West Bank
Is This Your Business?1.0
Author: Kaitlyn Short
LAST UPDATED: April 6th, 2021
East West Bank was founded in 1973 in Los Angeles, California. Assets total more than $33 billion and is headquartered in Pasadena, California. There are over 130 branch locations in the United States and Greater China. With its 2009 acquisition from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, East West Bank became the largest bank based in Southern California.
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The Good
- Banking solutions
- Checking account options
- Savings and investment opportunities
Banking Solutions
Regardless of what financial stage a client is currently in, East West Bank likely has a solution or a product available. Those looking to open their first savings account and those looking to invest for the long-term can get help from the dedicated staff at East West Bank. Their banking solutions can benefit individuals, businesses, and those interested in wealth management.Checking Account Options
Clients who are interested in the checking account products offered by East West Bank will likely not be disappointed. Regardless of the account chosen, all clients will receive a Visa Check Card, overdraft protection, direct deposit feature, telephone banking, online banking, chip cards, online bill payment, mobile banking, and safe deposit box. There are five different account options to choose from, which includes:- EWP Value Checking: perfect for those who want a low opening balance and unlimited check writing without per check charges.
- EWB Premier Checking: ideal for those who want to learn interest on a low opening balance.
- EWB Senior Checking: designed for those who want a low opening balance, unlimited check writing, and an account with no monthly account maintenance fees.
- Student Plus Checking: best for those who want a low opening balance, unlimited check writing, and an account with no monthly account maintenance fee (but only for students).
- EWB Premier Maximizer Money Market: a good choice for those who want a competitive rate of interest for a checking account.
Savings and Investment Opportunities
There are also a number of savings and investment opportunities available for East West Bank clients. There are three different savings accounts, including the: EWB Premier Savings, EWB Senior Savings, and the Student Plus Savings account. Additionally, there are CD and retirement accounts available.The Bad
- Limited locations
- Limited loan options
Limited Locations
East West Bank does have a limited service operation. While they are labeled as an "international" bank due to their banking ties with China, they are definitely not a national bank. Those that do not reside in the following states will not be able to use East West Bank for their financial solutions:- California
- Georgia
- Nevada
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
Limited Loan Options
While there are loan options available for East West Bank individual clients, their products are rather limited. In fact, East West Bank only offers two types of loans which includes: the Home Mortgage Loan Program and the Home Equity Line of Credit Program. These programs are designed for the following situations:- Home Mortgage Loan Program: best for clients looking to purchase a residential property, want to refinance an existing residential property, wanting to use the equity to build a residential property, want more predictable payments and payoff schedule, want a 30 year term.
- Home Equity Line of Credit Program: best for those that have equity built up in a residential property that is currently owned or those who want to be able to make additional principal payments to pay down the line of credit balance at any time without penalty and be able to access the funds again.
The Bottom Line
- Wide range of checking and savings options
- Lending solutions provided
- International banking
- Limited service area
- Ties to China
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Mortgage customers Inglewood, CA
Borrowers beware. I recently applied for a no cash out refi owner occ with a LTV of 15% and 800 fico.
First they send docs for their portfolio program which was not the product I requested. I wanted a fnma 30 year fixed. I am self employed with rentals. My income was MORE than sufficient to support the payment . I would be lowering my payment form $1600 to $700 monthly. I provide more than enough information to qualify. I was actually prequalified by their rep. The underwriting is terrible they do NOT know Fannie Mae guidelines. The do NOT ask questions if they don't understand something in your file. They are They are DISCRIMINATORY towards MON-Asian clients. They sent me a denial letter based off an assumption without bothering to ask for for a letter of explanation . Had they asked they would have seen the underwriter was totally incorrect. You do NOT make decisions on a borrowers loan based income off what you think you ask questions. When I offered to correct the underwriter I was told my rate expired and I would need to reapply at the higher rate or apply for their portfolio loan. AWW their portfolio loan with the higher rate. That's what they were pushing me towards from the beginning.Why would I do that with more than sufficient income and excellent credit and a $160,000 loan on a $625,000 home. I think not. Run from this company I strongly suggest you apply to a lender with experienced fnma underwriters. I also have bank accounts with them that I will be closing Monday.
4 years ago
