Santander business bank account - debit card? Reviews?

nomcat

Hi,
I'm considering getting a Santander business bank account to keep business transactions separate from my personal bank account. I'm going to be a sole trader, selling a bit of jewellery I make as a hobby so I know I'll be within the limits to make banking free. As I rely on online purchases for materials, I was wondering whether anyone knows whether or not you get a debit card with this account. Does anyone have any experience of this account? Thanks

Graham1609

We had a Santander account when we sold our first business, so opened a new account for the new account and then things started going wrong. We shipped overseas to America and Canada but Santander told us that it would take 12 weeks for cheques to clear, as some US governement bodies do not pay BACs or wire transfers. In some instances they lost 2 cheques for several thousand pounds and if this had been a new business their errors could have closed the business!

This is my own opinoin on the experience we received - my account manager never returned calls becuase she did not have the answers...I moved to Natwest and they where OK until recently...

ses6jwg

I have opened numerous Santander business accounts for small sole trader concerns who do not need credit facilities. I can honestly say that not a single one has come back with any complaints or issues.

I do not have any experience of larger business banking, but for small concerns who are happy to manage their own accounts the Santander account is ideal with its significantly reduced fees compared to some of the other banks on offer.

If you are a larger business, who needs a "relationship manager", I really couldn't say whether it is suitable or not. But I would guess with the minimal fees on the Santander account that is kind of like expecting to get the "penny and the bun", so to speak.

And yes, you get a business debit card and cheque book if needed.

AbbeyDhabi

nomcat wrote: »

Hi,
I'm considering getting a Santander business bank account to keep business transactions separate from my personal bank account. I'm going to be a sole trader, selling a bit of jewellery I make as a hobby so I know I'll be within the limits to make banking free. As I rely on online purchases for materials, I was wondering whether anyone knows whether or not you get a debit card with this account. Does anyone have any experience of this account? Thanks

Run for hills!!

Seriously, even a cursory glance at these boards will lead you to a much better, more appropriate account. If you don't don't encounter any problems with Santander or want anything fancy like real banking, you might be OK.

Otherwise, pick one of the better accounts from the many available.