First Interstate Joins Open-Saturday Club

First Interstate Bank joined the herd Wednesday, announcing that its 321 branches statewide will be open on Saturdays, beginning in May.

The Los Angeles-based bank was the last of the state’s five biggest banks to decide to open its branches on Saturdays. The hours will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the branches will offer full services.

Within the past week, Bank of America, Security Pacific, Wells Fargo and Union Bank all have announced plans to open their branches on Saturdays, beginning April 15.

First Interstate said its move to Saturdays was in response to customer surveys and to the decision by the other big California banks to increase their business hours. Many smaller independent banks have maintained Saturday hours for years.

First Interstate said additional branch employees may be hired, but that staff costs are not expected to increase significantly. First Interstate is in the midst of a companywide cost-cutting campaign.

While the other four banks also have extended their weekday hours, First Interstate did not and will continue to be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.