One Time Passcodes (OTPs)

To increase your security online and help fight fraud, we use a One Time Passcode (OTP) to authorise particular transactions. Your OTP acts as a secure key to your account, helping to stop anyone but you authorising transactions or making changes to your account. Find out more about how to change your OTP below.

We send an OTP to the mobile phone registered to your account. Each OTP will be unique to the transaction, and you enter it in your Online Banking, Mobile Banking or as part of an online card purchase so that we know it's you.

You're not charged for receiving an OTP.

Please always review the full OTP message, checking it accurately describes your transaction. Never share your OTP with another person, not even a Santander employee. 

OTPs usually reach your phone within seconds (or a little longer if your network coverage is weak). You can still get OTPs abroad if your mobile allows global roaming. Please check with your network provider to confirm availability and charges.

It's fraud if anyone asks you to tell them your OTP

If anyone asks, stop immediately and contact us

If you don’t have access to the mobile number that’s currently registered for OTP, please call 0330 9 123 123.  
 

You can update your mobile number in Online Banking if you have access to your old number.

  • Log on to your account.
  • Click ‘My details & settings’.
  • Choose ‘Change OTP service phone number’.
  • Add your new number.

If you get a One Time Passcode when you’re not making a transaction, it’s likely to be fraud. Contact us immediately and don’t share this OTP with anyone on the phone, in person, or online.

If someone phones and tells you to expect an OTP and to read it to them, it will be a case of fraud. Never share your OTP with another person, not even a Santander employee.

Here are some examples criminals may use to try and persuade you to give them your OTP: 

  • they need to refund your account 
  • they need to secure your account
  • they need to stop a payment. 

Visit our fraud and security page for more information on how to spot a scam. 

If you’re expecting a One Time Passcode (OTP) but you don’t get one, there’s a few things you can check.

  • Make sure your phone has signal.
  • Chat with Sandi to check we have your correct mobile number.
  • Make sure you’re using a UK registered number.
  • Check you haven’t hidden our alerts in your text messages.
  • Check you haven’t blocked our push message number (ending 6337).

You should be able to unblock the phone number in your device’s message settings. Once you’ve unblocked the number and reattempted the transaction, the OTP should come through.

You can also check out our first time log on guide to see how to get a one time passcode sent to you. 
 

Was this helpful?

Ask us a question

When logged into Mobile or Online Banking, Sandi, our digital assistant, can help get the answers you need

Do your banking online

Ways for you to manage your
money without leaving home