Is a Santander ISA a bad idea?

talexuser

I've had a Santander cash isa twice when they were best rates and transferred out twice when rates were better elsewhere - no problems here. Not with them for cash isa at the moment (more with Halifax bonus) but stll have their esaver3 going.

highet

worst customer service i have ever had - seems to be a widely held view - avoid at all costs unless you like tearing your hair out!!!!!!

Clive_Woody

I opened a Santander ISA back in April, I am still waiting for them to give me internet access to my account. I requested it when I opened the account, I phoned when nothing happened. I have also emailed requesting this and still nothing. I know I shouldn't need internet access, but should I require access to the funds I would like the ability to do so.

Not impressed so far

wiltslass

We used their isa last year and this year. Like you I was a bit doubtful but wanted the rate so decided to open them in branch so that I had their receipts etc. This year I transferred last years isa to another banks isa and it all happened well within the time scale. My husband closed his isa and requested a cheque ( in branch) again no problems.

gadgetmind

We run both eSavers and a First Home Saver with Santander. We've had no real problems at all either in branch or over the 'phone. The only glitch was them repeatedly telling us we should be able to monitor the FHS online, which you can't.

Vortigern

If you want to open a Santander Loyalty ISA next April, you'd better contact a branch in February to make an appointment.;)

THRIFTY_GIRL

I've opened and closed several ISAs with Santander/Abbey in the past and currently have the 3.5% loyalty ISA.

No problems to report. One thing I would suggest is not to leave it until the end of the tax year if you can help it. That's when they are at their busiest so it really doesn't surprise me when things go wrong for people in April;-)

I tend to go in to branch to open it and they can usually do it on the day (though an appointment may be advisable at busy times). The ISA has always been linked to my internet banking immediately (though I have a current account so this may make it easier).

Vortigern

THRIFTY_GIRL wrote: »

One thing I would suggest is not to leave it until the end of the tax year if you can help it.

I agree with your suggestion, but my last experience with Santander was at the start of the new tax year and the long lead time for an appointment at my branch meant that I couldn't open the loyalty ISA before it was withdrawn. If Santander took any notice of comments like this, they would allow existing online customers to open so-called loyalty accounts online, thus relieving pressure on their branches. :mad: