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Frequently asked questions

Current accounts

> Why should I move my bank account to Santander?
> How can you help me switch my bank account to you?
> What is the Switcher process?
> How long does it take for the whole switching process to complete?
> When does the switch start?
> How will I know at what stage the switching process is?
> How do I transfer my salary/income to my new Santander account?
> If I need any help about my switch what can I do?
> What happens if I go into my overdraft during the switching process - will I get charged?
> What is the Zero Current Account?
> What does AER mean?
> How do I open an account with Santander?
> How do I dispute a cash machine or Visa transaction?
> How do I order a new PIN?
> How do I order duplicate statements?
> How do I find my IBAN number?
> How can I opt-out of paper statements?
> How do I close my account?
> What charges apply if I use a Santander Cash Machine in Spain?
> How do I check the progress of a recent current account application?
> Can I change my existing current account to a different Santander current account?

Why should I move my current account to Santander?

We’ll give you £100 if you switch your account to us using our Account Transfer Service and pay in at least £1,000 a month. The £100 is available on a number of our accounts, click here to see which ones.
By paying at least £1,000 into your account each month you will receive better interest rates.   
For example: Our Preferred In-credit Rate Account will pay you 5.00% AER/ 4.89% gross (fixed) for the first 12 months on balances up to £2,500.

We will not pay you interest on any amount over £2,500, or on your whole balance if you do not make the required monthly payments of £1,000.

How can you help me switch my bank account to you?

Using our free Account Transfer Service to switch your bank account couldn’t be easier. Our dedicated team takes care of everything. They make sure the whole experience is simple and straightforward for you.

We’ll take care of the switch for you, keeping you informed throughout the process of transferring your direct debits, standing orders and bill payments to your new account , click here for more details.

What is the Switcher process?

Step 1 – Contact
We’ll ask your old bank for a list of all your direct debits, standing orders and bill payments.

Step 2 – Transfer
We’ll set up all your direct debits, standing orders and bill payments on your new account and ask the relevant companies to collect future payments from your new Santander account

Step 3 – Confirm
We’ll send you a list of the companies that have not confirmed that they have updated their records and let you know what you need to do.

How long does it take for the whole switching process to complete?

The process usually takes up to 20 days.

When does the switch start?

You can choose to start your switch up to 60 days in the future and it’s important to get this right as the companies should update their records around 10 days after the switch starts and start collecting the next payment from the new account. We suggest that you choose a start date just after most of your payments have gone out for the month, or if your payments are evenly spread through the month just after the largest payments have been made.

How will I know at what stage the switching process is?

We keep you informed every step of the way by sending the following letters to you:

  • First letter within 5 days of starting the switch to confirm the process has started
  • Another letter with a list of all your direct debits, standing orders and bill payments
  • A final letter to explain that the switch is completed.

How do I transfer my salary/income to my new Santander account?

We can help you to transfer your salary/income to your new Santander account by providing a form for you to fill in and send to your employer or income provider.

If I need any help about my switch what can I do?

We will keep you informed throughout the process by writing to you (to confirm the switching process has started - detailing all of the direct debits, standing orders and bill payments which will we will be switching to your new account, and then again to confirm when the process has completed). You can also contact our dedicated Account Transfer Team on 0845 609 0010 (Mon to Fri 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm).

What happens if I go into my overdraft during the switching process - will I get charged?

In the unlikely event that you incur any bank charges as a result of an error with the switcher process, we’ll refund you in full.

What is the Zero Current Account?

Our unique Zero Current Account is available to both our mortgage AND investment customers. It is the only current account on the market to offer features such as no fees if you exceed your overdraft and no fees from us when you use cash machines or your debit card anywhere in the world. It also pays you a high credit interest rate for the first 12 months.

What does AER mean?

AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate and shows what the interest would be if we paid interest and added it each year. The gross rate is the rate paid before income tax is taken. Rates may change and we pay interest each month.


EAR stands for Effective Annual Rate and represents the yearly cost of an overdraft, which takes into account how often interest is charged to the account and does not include any other fees or charges. 

How do I open an account with Santander?

You can open your account online, by phoning 0800 707 6692 or visiting your local branch. Use our online branch locator  to find the best branch for you.

How do I dispute a cash machine or Visa transaction?

If you’d like us to investigate a Visa or cash machine transaction, contact us on the relevant number below:

  • If you requested some money from a cash machine, but did not receive part or all of the amount requested, or have a general query about a cash machine transaction showing on your account call 08459 724 724 *. (Open Monday to Saturday from 7am - 11pm)
  • If you believe there are cash machine transactions showing on your account that are a direct result of fraudulent activity call 08459724724 *. (Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm)
  • If you disagree with a Visa card transaction showing on your account and your card is in your possession call 08459 724 724 *. (Open Monday to Saturday from 7am - 11pm)
  • If you suspect a fraudulent Visa card transaction - 08459724724 *. (Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm)

 

Alternatively, visit your local branch.

 

How do I order a new PIN?

To order a new PIN, please call us on 0845 972 4724* (international number 00 44 1908 237 963 ). We're open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 11pm. Once you receive this PIN it's important that you 'unlock' it (you will find this under the PIN services menu at any Santander cash machine). If you prefer, you can change it to one that’s easier to remember.

If you use our online banking service, once you've ordered a new PIN you won't be able to access your accounts online until the next working day. And if you use our Automated Telephone Service, you’ll need a new Telephone Registration Number (TRN).

How do I order duplicate statements?

You can order duplicate statements for a Santander current account either online, via our online banking service, or by calling us on 08459 724 724 *. We’re open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 11pm.

Or you can write to us at:

Santander
PO Box 1109
Bradford
BD1 5ZJ

Please note, if the details you require include transactions that are more than 14 months old, or relate to anything above the last 200 transactions, then give us a call first. If the transaction details have been archived, we’ll need to order them separately, and there’s a charge of £10. You can choose to pay the fee by sending us a cheque or giving us permission to debit your bank account.

How do I find my IBAN number?

Your IBAN number is printed on the first page of your monthly statement under ‘your account summary’, but you can also get it by calling us on 08459 724 724 *. We're open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 11pm.

How can I opt-out of paper statements?

While the facility to 'opt out' of paper statements isn't currently available, it's certainly something we’re considering as part of our ongoing commitment to the environment. Once the option becomes available, we will be contacting customers to let them know.

How do I close my account?

We’re sorry to hear that you’re thinking of closing your bank account. Before you do, it may be worth reconsidering what we can offer:

Competitive interest: Santander offers some of the best in-credit and overdraft rates on the high street.

Online banking: an excellent online banking service  – just call to register

Sweep and save: maximise the interest you earn by using our automated sweep facility to transfer spare funds into a savings account

To take advantage of these facilities call us on 0845 972 4 724 *. We’re open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 11pm.

If you’d still like to close your bank account, please visit your local branch and hand in all cheque books and cards held on the account. If this isn’t possible, please write to us at:

Santander
PO Box 297
BRADFORD
BD1 1BR

You’ll need to enclose the following:

  • Confirmation of address
  • Account number you wish to close
  • Instructions for repayment of any credit balance still on the account once closed such as by cheque to registered address or into another Santander account
  • Any cards held on the account, these should be cut in half for security purposes
  • Cheque books held on the account

If you have any Direct Debit mandates (used to pay bills) arranged on the account, you must give written authority for us to cancel them and make alternative arrangements for future payments, with the companies they are payable to.

Please allow 14 days for the closure to take effect.

What charges apply if I use a Santander Cash Machine in Spain?

All main adult current accounts (those which are credited with at least £1,000 per month) could benefit from free cash machine withdrawals in Spain. Simply use your Santander Debit Card in a Santander branded cash machine in Spain to receive the withdrawal fee free. This means: No Cash Handling Fee AND No Foreign Exchange Fee will be charged.

Can I change my existing current account to a different Santander current account?

Yes. If your circumstances have changed and you want a different account or facilities, changing between accounts is easy.  Simply visit your local Santander branch, they will process the transfer for you (and where appropriate, will tell you if you need to give us some additional information to allow them to process your request).

Details correct as at 28 June 2010