FirstBank - Denver, Colorado

Beth Rankin

This branch not only cashed a stolen and clearly washed check from my 96-year-old grandfather, but they cashed the exact same check a second time six months later!! Not a care in the world that the note line was changed from “Christmas” to “Christmas in July.” No safeguards whatsoever.

Beyond disconcerting that an actual bank branch shows such negligence.

Dekal Willis

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, but 1st Bank has discrimination lawsuits around the country from Brown & Black peoples.

My story:

Walked into 1st Bank located at 1617 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218 on Friday the 9th, happy and excited to open a business as I have done so previously with Chase( the more superior bank) so I know what documents were needed. However, I do realize all banks have little tweaks on opening a business account as far as requirements go for example what I did not have was "Meeting Minutes" for my business which is a requirement specific to 1st Bank vs Chase (the more superior bank). Good on my part. I had just had a meeting with the owner of the business, and I will be renting my space from and a couple of other board members of mine. I typed the "meeting minutes" myself that following morning on the 10th. The second reason I was turned away on Friday the 9th and told to come back before closing at 12pm on the 10th was because I did not have my confirmation letter from the IRS with my EIN, however, I had my EIN and gave them that. The 1st Bank requirements does not actually say you need a confirmation letter of EIN also know as Tax identification Number. On the 10th after delivering a copy of "Meeting Minutes" with my EIN on paper they claimed my EIN was fake, I did not have a website and my "Cleaning business" was fake. Here's the kicker... I never stated this was a Cleaning business. I myself said and my documentation with the secretary of state clearly reads. I have a Massage and Aesthetics practice.

Now mind you the young heavy set latina woman maybe it was "Anjelica"? Met me originally behind the Teller station on the 9th, and if she is a teller she should not have been opening my account as she constantly had to go back and forth to managers to ask questions on opening an account on the 9th and 10th for my business and I guess she was the one who said I owned a cleaning business to her managers...

Why she told that lie I don't know.

On the 10th it was an even heavier set, 6'2 male manager who approached me shaking and stuttering that my EIN was false and I need a confirmation letter from the IRS when all I gave them was my EIN on a sheet of paper as I did on the 9th but this time with my "Meeting Minutes" which again is a requirement to open a business account with 1st bank. I now realize he was shaking and stuttering because he knew he was wrong for what he was doing to me.

Well it is now the 13th and I was able to open a bank account with all the same information at the downtown denver location after talking to a knowledgeable Teller Elizabeth who directed me to an actually banker who opens account named Baigal. After opening my account with Baigal I talked with her manager "Kate" I think was her name... about my experience at the colfax and Franklin location. Though I enjoyed my experience there and the atmosphere "Kate" seemed like she was only pretending to listen and blamed my experience on lack of training. I was in her office for less than 3 minutes on matter which is very serious. I mean we live in a country that fought laws on these things which is why this post on Dr. King was posted I believe.

All that being said, I don't do business without proof, and therefore, I'm providing two documents to this post. One is 1st Bank's requirements of opening an account and I did highlight the EIN section which does not say you need a confirmation letter.

The second document is the original branches rejection of opening my account with my name and address omitted because this is the internet after all.

(This was original a my Facebook response to the post on first bank celebrating MLK. But hey, while we are at it. HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH)

Thank you for your time

William Wu

First Bank bankers: Cashier’s and government checks, along with checks drawn on the same financial institution that holds your account, usually clear faster, in one business day. This is not what I said. Please go online to check it. Your answer for 5-7 business days just is ridiculous. If you need do serious banking, please go to next door UMB Bank and down the street, Chase Bank. They gave me the same answer right away.

Gray Zabel

I've been very happy with this bank as an individual account holder. They offer every feature I expect, everything is painless to execute, and the tellers are friendly and competent.

Thomas Stevens

Wow.....FirstBank has been my bank over 25 years and today is probably my last time setting foot in their bank.
A sign alerts ⚠️ customers that caps cannot be worn, the hoodies cannot be worn, that sunglasses cannot be worn... etc. Upon entering, wearing a cap the rude renta-cop ordered me to remove my cap. Are you serious!?!?!? By doing this FirstBank is telling me I am not welcome in their bank. That a customer for over 25 years is not welcome. Horrible experience! Done!

Anastasia J

Our bank next door was closed due to an emergency so I stoped in here since we have notorized here before. Sorry policy has changed, we don’t do it but you can go to USPS location. After waiting in line at the post office I was told USPS has NEVER notarized so why would you refer me to a place that doesn’t do it? I nor our business will definitely not be your customer any time soon. EVER it’s one thing to change your policy it’s another to refer to a place that doesn’t do it just to get me out. Horrible customer service and incompetent management

Dyrell Willis

In a previous negative experience I had at this Bank where I was refused an account for being Black by Levy, (which I believe is his name according to Miriam.) I defended the employee who I thought was caught in the crossfire, Anjelica. However, I now see telling Miriam Anjelica was innocent in it all was a mistake. Anjelica is just as much as part of the discrimination as her coworkers, as I went into 1st Bank the other day to have my prenup & other documents signed. Anjelica couldn't wait to gossip about me to the Teller next to her and the notary, Martiza who notarized my documents. I have proof of the interaction.

Midtown Maniac

I'm 77, never been arrested, never been sued, never been jailed, never not paid my bills- why when I tried to open an account for direct deposit of my monthly social security and to pay my bills from (about 50 grand/year), was I treated so suspiciously that I left instead..? It was very demeaning and I'm sorry I stayed as long as I did.