Pondering a switch to Santander

thatsean

So then, the rates and switching deal have got me interested, and I'm toying with the idea of moving over to Santander. Reasons are:

- 5% rate - next year I'm letting a property so will be able to hold a 2.5k balance
- 6% linked savings account - this will be handy for an excess 1 - 1.5k

I'm currently with the Cov BS, so a lack, or limit to FP isn't an issue for me, and similarly so long as the online banking works - that will do me.

My question is then, are Santander really that bad? It seems that they have become an easy target on here, is it justified?

Aside from the rates, branch access is another benefit, I'm moving to London next year, so I need access to a bank with a decent branch network.

Looking forward to your comments!

anselld

Yes they really are that bad! Don't do it.

They certainly have an extensive branch network but that does not necessarily mean you will have easier access to your money because service is so dismal.

missile

I hardly ever use a branch, why stand in a queue when I can do it quicker easier online?

£100 sign on bonus plus extra interest sounds attractive, but if you are careless that could easily be wiped out by Satander's excessive charging structure. I would rather have a no frills current account with a bank who gives me good service.

bryanb

I had an ISA with them, it only took 3 months to transfer it out.

bikerfrenzy

Thanks everybody I was also thinking of moving to santander..not going to bother now

Blackpool_Saver

don't even think about it..........

McKneff

Been there, done that, learned that I wouldnt let Santander deal with tuppence ha'penny of my money.

Funkyfreddy

thatsean wrote: »

So then, the rates and switching deal have got me interested, and I'm toying with the idea of moving over to Santander. Reasons are:

- 5% rate - next year I'm letting a property so will be able to hold a 2.5k balance
- 6% linked savings account - this will be handy for an excess 1 - 1.5k

[snip]

If your considering moving your day to day Current Account Banking to Santander then like most I'd suggest very much against it. Don't do it.

If however your going to use the account as a means to generate some exrta income with the incentive and interest rates and nothing else then be prepared for some glitches but at least none are going to have any serious effects on your personal banking to cause you to pull hair out.

See my other post here

I had a 6% Monthly Saver last year that ran smooth enough until after closure which by chance was the 6th April 2010. It proved somewhat of a challenge to get a correct End of Year Tax Year 2010 certificate.

Foolishly perhaps I have recenly opened a Super Fixed Rate Monthly Saver at 6% on the back of the current account - at least this time (hopefully :rotfl:) the Tax Year End won't be an issue !

FF

AnonymousForObviousReason

Santnader will help you to save because it's a lottery for you to actually have access to your own money. The internet banking will work I don't remember it being down, and I check a lot because of the number of times my accounts have been blocked and so spent weeks and weeks not being able to access it.

I to have an ISA with them and there is no chance of me dipping into this as they can't find it ...

thatsean

missile wrote: »

I hardly ever use a branch, why stand in a queue when I can do it quicker easier online?

£100 sign on bonus plus extra interest sounds attractive, but if you are careless that could easily be wiped out by Satander's excessive charging structure. I would rather have a no frills current account with a bank who gives me good service.

Thanks for that, I've had no charges for a decade though, so that's not a worry to me

thatsean

So then, any other thoughts? What puzzles me is how Santander can be making so many people cross, if these are A&L customers caught in the transfer to Santander, then I can understand that a few things can go wrong there - but what about people who were Abbey customers, have they a reason to complain about the service that Santander are offering?