Santander Select

steffangl

Hi all


Just switched to a Santander 123 current account, pleased with everything but would like a contactless debit card. Being a Select customer seems the only way to get one at the moment.


How long had people been customers for before being invited to Select? I've paid 5K in this month but won't be able to do that for long!

Toe-Jam

I called Santander today to enquire about Contactless. They advised existing customers can order them from 7th April. I got the impression they would only be available to customers who have an Offline card. Not the one with the black numbers.

iAMaLONDONER

Toe-Jam wrote: »

I called Santander today to enquire about Contactless. They advised existing customers can order them from 7th April. I got the impression they would only be available to customers who have an Offline card. Not the one with the black numbers.

Hmm I see, the only contactless card I'd want would be the gold card!

emeraldbugle

Mrs_Scrooge wrote: »

So my husband was sent the letter and Santander Select card a few weeks back: we have a joint 123 account on which I am the first-named account-holder. Should the letter and card therefore not have come to me rather than him? I'm still waiting for them to write to me as a "valued customer" even though my husband can't even operate an ATM and sends me out to get the cash, so a £750 limit on his debit card would be useless, literally!
Oh but wait a bit: we have some joint investments in Santander Asset Management: on this he is the first-named account holder, and despite our joint protestations that he leaves all the family finances to me, they cannot possibly write to me. "Our systems can't possibly write to joint account-holders" - why the heck not if we are both contributing??? They are probably in contravention of any equal opportunities legislation but I haven't time to take them to the European Court - one day....!
Think I might phone them: but then they might not speak to me, being only the little woman, "her indoors".:mad:

I have to agree. My husband was sent a letter as he is now a select customer.

We hold exactly the same amount in ISAs and the only other account is a Joint 123 account where I am the first name on the account.

I do all of our finances and login regularly on Online Banking, my husband probably logs in a few times a year. He recently logged in and has the Select logo. Grrr.

Seriously? What is the criteria, when we have exactly the same holdings?

Any other Joint account holders where only one has been 'Selected'? In fact are there any women?



I did notice that the 123 Credit card for Select customers has no non sterling transaction fees. This is a great benefit. We have the Halifax card for the same reason.

innovate

emeraldbugle wrote: »

In fact are there any women?

Yes there are, so don't even go into the 'discrimination' area.

There doesn't seem to be any discernable pattern to when and how people get selected. Why not give them a call and ask when you should expect to get it?

hxj

Well I went into Santander yesterday to try and sort a new bank account due to personal issues!


I walked into the branch and they couldn't see me there and then but made an appointment for me to see my 'Select Manager' today.


I usually hate these meetings but was very impressed. The account was set up and was available online by the time I got home.


I mentioned that I wanted a mortgage but due to personal circumstances (recently separated, existing mortgage, employed by my own consultancy company etc etc) was having problems. Following some further discussions I now have a meeting with the mortgage advisor next week and some indicative figures that they will lend me.


No hard sell at all, a 123 Credit card was suggested (apparently it will work in the same way as my Zero card, but better as a Select Customer), when I said I needed the bank account and mortgage first. The Manager simply agreed with me.


I was simply impressed with the way that the Select Manager listened to what I had to say and cut through the usual red tape and nonsense.


If you need things sorting I would call in and see if they can sort things.

ffacoffipawb

What is the qualifying criteria to get Santander Select? I have two fully funded 123 accounts, what else do they need?

innovate

It seems pretty much completely random when they make you Select. You could contact them and ask to be made Select, I suppose: http://www.santanderselect.co.uk/. Worst case they will turn you away but this won't give you any black mark anywhere.

I have been Select for over a year now. Not sure I notice much of a difference - the only thing that springs to mind is some additional cashback opportunities with the 123 credit card, and a gold coloured contactless debit card with a daily cash limit of £750 (or thereabouts). Contactless was an advantage for a bit, but now the standard card comes contactless, too. Also you can call them on a relatively direct number but on the couple of occasions I did call (annoying delays in payments to new payees) I just got the normal service, nothing special whatsoever.

I think it's mainly a Marketing gimmick but other people's experience may vary.

gt94sss2

hxj wrote: »

No hard sell at all, a 123 Credit card was suggested (apparently it will work in the same way as my Zero card, but better as a Select Customer)

Well it offers cash back but unlike a Zero card comes with an annual fee and charges on f/x transactions when used overseas...

Regards
Sunil

pjread

Select site says "No foreign transaction fees when you use your 1I2I3 Credit Card abroad for purchases 3 "
Just saying...

3.19% fixed mortgage for 5 years isn't too bad - anyone know the actual criteria for Santander Select?