Exhibit 23





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statement No's.
33-99112 and  333-6859 on Form S-8 of Monterey  Bay Bancorp,  Inc. of our report
dated February 6, 1999, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Monterey
Bay Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1998.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, California
March 30, 1999



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