Do Santander follow a consistent logic for when they do/don't use FP?

exel1966

Beware, do not take it for granted that the first payment will go via BACS and all subsequent via FP because it doesn't happen like that in all cases. In most it will, but having sent numerous test payments of £1 not all went as they 'should'. It was very random.

Silaqui

I agree I'm not going to get too excited about it - the Santander switch has only been on for a short time and I'm already a bit irritated with their strange systems. I've been (surprisingly!) happy with A&L but am thinking of moving, possibly to FirstDirect, after I've done a bit of research.

intalex

exel1966 wrote: »

Beware, do not take it for granted that the first payment will go via BACS and all subsequent via FP because it doesn't happen like that in all cases. In most it will, but having sent numerous test payments of £1 not all went as they 'should'. It was very random.

I completely echo your point here! It is indeed random, and the safest bet is to assume it will always be BACS, and then be pleasantly surprised on the odd occasion that it's FP.

exel1966

Which is why where possible I try to ensure I move money early in the week so it doesn't get caught in the weekend 'trap' and take even longer.

Grade_A_Reject

Do Santander follow a consistent logic for when they do/don't use FP?

They count up all the money in the shoe box that they keep everyone's money in then, if there's enough in there they'll send the trainee down the road to pay it in over the counter at the receiving bank.

I despair at A&L's faster payments. Even transfers between two A&L accounts takes an age. As I understood it they capped their faster payments at £250 but I've sent two £250 transfers one on the 5th and one today and neither have showed up yet.

intalex

intalex wrote: »

I've just attempted a few sub-£250 transfers from my Santander account - 2 to my HSBC account, and 1 to my Barclays account. None of them went through immediately, but I'll monitor over the day.

All 3 transfers came through this morning, hence all went by BACS. Feels like they have a lucky dip from where they pick the lucky "winners" who "win" a FP with the rest getting a BACS.

pippitypip_2

Before the switch to Santander and after, it's always been hit and miss. Sometimes they go FP, sometimes they go BACS, and sometimes, just to mix it up a little, they got lost!:eek:

pippitypip