EXHIBIT (23)


               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We  consent  to  the  incorporation by  reference  in  First
Interstate  Bancorp's Registration Statements  on  Form  S-3
(Nos.  33-50054  and 33-61688) and related Prospectuses  and
Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 2-82812, 33-23404,
33-37299 and 33-38903) of our report dated January 16,  1995
with  respect  to the consolidated financial  statements  of
First  Interstate Bancorp incorporated by reference in  this
Annual  Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended  December  31,
1994.





                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Los Angeles, California
March 24, 1995