Santander Switcher Service

PhoenixDF

Hi,

Just wondered if anyone has any experience switching their main account to Santander?

I got an e-mail this morning saying my account has been opened and to ensure I have funds within the account to pay off Direct Debits etc.

Now I know a lot about banking, but I've never used a switcher service before so my concern is that I need to ensure I have available funds in old account and the new santander account encase the Direct Debit is taken from both accounts - is this true?

Thanks for any advice

stripeymaggie

I used their switching service last November, due to get my £100 reward next week

The service seemed slow but that could have been the Xmas post. All DD's went from new account only, apart from 1 to northern rock, that got cancelled completely. 1 for santander mortgage and 1 for santander finance, they still go from my old halifax account. I spoke to the santander mortgage dept and they had no record of the switch!

If you can keep enough money in both accounts for the first month or check them both as often as possible just in case.

mustang1

I applied last month too - everything seems to have switched over (only had 1 direct debit and 2 standing orders ) - just having a think now - does it matter who the standing orders are paid to in order to get the £100? Both of the SOs are payable to me on other accounts I have?

adamc260

I just applied to move my account to after my parents one went so well and here are my results.

• Applied for account and had confirmation it had been accepted next day (Did it quite late).
• Received my internet banking details within a few days. Logged in to find ALL my direct debits have been swapped over as well as my standing orders.
• Received welcome pack with the name of the person who switched my account and his contact number outlining what he had done.
• Received debit card/pin a few days later and my cheque book request has been sent off.
• Called them up to open their monthly saver (5%) and the lady was very helpful and friendly.
  
  
  
  
  All this happened in about 7 days? They often say for the first month to have enough in both accounts to make sure DD's go through ok but if your DD's are at the end of the month and the switch happens not long after it should be all ok

adamc260

mustang1 wrote: »

I applied last month too - everything seems to have switched over (only had 1 direct debit and 2 standing orders ) - just having a think now - does it matter who the standing orders are paid to in order to get the £100? Both of the SOs are payable to me on other accounts I have?

The T&C's only say 2 direct debits or standing orders... doesn't specify it has to be to someone else

jen245

I also had pretty much the same experience as Adamc260. Although I only had one dd and 2 standing orders. It went really smoothly and was all set up in about a week. I do think it is a good idea to keep some money in your old account just incase, but to be honest I was really impressed at how quickly it was all done, especially with the bad reputation Santander have got, and previous bad experience I had with them with the takeover of A&L, I think they are finally getting their act together.

Adamc260, thanks for the tip about the regular saver, I hadn't noticed that account on their site, am going to open one this week :T

adamc260

jen245 wrote: »

I also had pretty much the same experience as Adamc260. Although I only had one dd and 2 standing orders. It went really smoothly and was all set up in about a week. I do think it is a good idea to keep some money in your old account just incase, but to be honest I was really impressed at how quickly it was all done, especially with the bad reputation Santander have got, and previous bad experience I had with them with the takeover of A&L, I think they are finally getting their act together.

Adamc260, thanks for the tip about the regular saver, I hadn't noticed that account on their site, am going to open one this week :T

Completely agree! People come online to bash companies but put it in perspective... Look at how many MILLIONS of customers Santander have (or any large company for that matter!) and only a tiny percentage come online to talk about it and you'll never find a 'positive' review normally?

steve1980

I used their switching service when I went over to them, then ended up making 15 phone calls sorting out the mess that they had left.

adamc260

steve1980 wrote: »

I used their switching service when I went over to them, then ended up making 15 phone calls sorting out the mess that they had left.

See my experience couldn't be further from that...