Bank of the James- Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg, VA

So full disclosure, I do not bank here, I am not a resident of Harrisonburg, and I will never do business with Bank of the James. I was brought in to co-sign a business loan for a family member. I am a very detailed oriented person, especially when finances are involved. We worked with Thomas Rea and that is why we will never do business with BotJ. I read every document and assume that what is in the document is what they mean and will do. For example when I sign a document that represents my personal assets and personal worth, and that signature certifies the statement as accurate and true, I expect that they want exact numbers for everything and not estimates based on nothing more than what I think. Well I would be wrong in that example. I could make up numbers per Thomas, only I suspect that if things went sideways I'd be at fault since I signed saying that statement was accurate, but that's not the biggest issue. We had to sign an agreement to close the loan and their standard document says that they can open other lines of credit using the same agreement and that you don't have to be notified. AKA, BotJ could open a credit card and not tell me about it. When I asked to get clarification and a statement saying they wouldn't do this, I got a sidestep. Thomas flat out said "This is our standard guaranty agreement that we do on every loan. We are not going to change our loan documentation for this loan." So rather than attempt to answer our questions and sooth our concerns, we got a 'deal with it' email. Later in that same email he confirmed my fears but said "In actuality that is very hard for a bank to enforce..." so if I caught them I could probably get it removed. Not only did the representative not attempt to rebuild my trust, but instead justified why I read every word of every document I sign. Local banks are supposed to be better than this and have a more personal trusting relationship. It appears that Bank of the James has other ideas and doesn't want that kind of relationship with it's customers, nor is it interested in building trust.

The people in the bank are great it's the bank itself that's no good. They have limits to how much you can charge on your debit card and really make me feel as if I have no control over my own money. I have been having problems with transactions being declined for no reason but there is no weekend customer service line so if anything happens you have to wait until Monday to get it resolved. I wouldn't recommend this back to anyone.

Bank of the James is great! I am a JMU student and the people here always help me with whatever I need. I've met many people who work here and they are all great. The bank is also a sponsor of our football team, Go Dukes!

Always takes forever to simply cash a check here. Went there today December 22nd Friday and they were closed at 3 when they normally close at 6... I understand Christmas is on Monday but some people don't get out of work until 5. Very inconvenient! At least the people that work there are nice!

The way banking should be... Impeccable service, incredible people, and a personal commitment to their customers setting the standard in the industry.

I like this bank, they are personable, down to earth. If you are looking for a corporate, big number bank; well, this isn't it; but if you want a bank that is town friendly, won't sell your loan to another bank, and remembers your name before you present your ID- then this might be your bank!

My boyfriend and I come here every Friday to cash a check, and we absolutely love the Service!!! Christopher L. Beach has always been so kind and very helpful!!! We love this … More

Made a external transfer at max limit. Paid for the 1 day transfer. Then made a second transfer for the remainder of my employees paycheck for 2-3 day. … More