Exhibit 23



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statements  No.
33-99112  and No.  333-6859 of  Monterey  Bay  Bancorp,  Inc. on Form S-8 of our
report dated  January 28, 2003,  appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Monterey Bay Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2002.




/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

San Francisco, California
March 25, 2003