It's a stable place but near impossible to stick around - Corporate Back Office WaFd Bank Employee Review

3.0
Sep 28, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

People: There are some genuinely good people that work in the corporate Seattle HQ. The relationships with coworkers were by far the best part of the company. Investment in tech: There has been a savvy ongoing investment in technology to try and advance the bank but it was so stuck in the past (no laptops until 2019, outdated software etc.) that there's still a ways to go. Retirement: If you're with the bank long term, the retirement plan and matching benefits are quite good.

Cons

Pay: Base pay is near laughably low for corporate jobs and unfortunately the bonuses don't make up for them. They're based on a % of your net income (not pre tax) and tiered to higher percentages for upper management where I also suspect there is a bit of a wage gap compared to associate/middle manager levels which creates some naivety on to what employees actually take home. Career: Opportunities for advancement and promotions are hit and miss but are ultimately not considered unless someone has to been a loyal WaFd'er for 8-10 years. Nothing wrong with it, just know it's a real old school traditional bank in how they view and value employee loyalty despite not necessarily returning it. Siloed Departments: Departments within corporate don't really speak or even work all that much together.

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WaFd Bank Response
5y
thank you for your post and agree that investing in our teams is key. Hopefully you have seen we have been doing that and will continue to. Ultimately our the talent and dedication of our people is what differentiates us. Wish you all the best.

Explore other reviews about WaFd Bank

5.0
Mar 18, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The leadership at all levels is outstanding

Cons

No cons in the bank

2.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Primarily remote work. Decent PTO after the 4th year.

Cons

Limited staffing and limiting overtime opportunities until the bitter end of potentially missing deadlines, which you are guilted into working. 2% "raise" every January and ZERO merit raises. Gutted profit sharing and profitability bonuses over time. Most recent bonus, which is tied to net profit after dividends, was given a result when the scale was never published. All previous bonuses had a floor-to-ceiling profit scale that showed the targets months in advance of the end of the bonus period.

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