Exhibit 23
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in  Registration  Statement  No.
33-99112 and  333-6859 of Monterey  Bay Bancorp,  Inc. on Form S-8 of our report
dated February 8, 2001, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Monterey
Bay Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

San Francisco, California
March 22, 2001