Santander Select

Rollinghome

Just had an email to learn that, apparently, I'm one of Santander's "most valued customers" (presumably because I've currently got 20 quid in my 123 Lite account, and they're very grateful) and so they're "upgrading" me to "Santander Select, our premier banking service".

While it's very nice to be appreciated, I'd be even more grateful if they'd at least had the courtesy to attach a copy of the account's Key Facts document so I knew what the terms were without having to search.  Couldn't find it on their site but found it with Google. 

At a glance, it looks as if the only difference to me is that it costs double the £2 a month fee of Lite and I would have to pay in £5000 a month instead of  £500.  As of now, my Lite account is still showing.

Before I call them, I wondered if there's any reason why I, or anyone else, might want this account, or if anyone else has had a similar email?

eskbanker

It's not an account, but a service:

https://www.santander.co.uk/select/about-santander-select

Rollinghome

Not one I want and the Key Facts Document calls it  the "Select Current Account". I'll suggest they have it reprinted.

WillPS

eskbanker said:

It's not an account, but a service:

https://www.santander.co.uk/select/about-santander-select

It's also a NLA account, which was effectively the same as 123 with a higher pay in and a debit card with a high cash withdrawal allowance.

But yeah, they won't be changing your account OP.

Rollinghome

WillPS said:

eskbanker said:

It's not an account, but a service:

https://www.santander.co.uk/select/about-santander-select

It's also a NLA account, which was effectively the same as 123 with a higher pay in and a debit card with a high cash withdrawal allowance.

But yeah, they won't be changing your account OP.

Thanks, that's not clear from the email.  So will the fees and pay-in requirements remain the same, or will those described in the KFD apply?

It also comes with "UK-based Santander Select telephone team available 24/7".  Unfortunately, the number given on the email is wrong and goes to the RSPCA who apparently get a lot of their calls. Definitely a service I can do without.

eskbanker

Rollinghome said:

Not one I want and the Key Facts Document calls it  the "Select Current Account". I'll suggest they have it reprinted.

You said they hadn't issued you with a KFD, are you referring to an old one you found online perhaps?

Rollinghome said:

I'd be even more grateful if they'd at least had the courtesy to attach a copy of the account's Key Facts document so I knew what the terms were without having to search.  Couldn't find it on their site but found it with Google.

dealyboy

OP ... to me there are two or three warning signs ... are you sure this is not spam/phishing?

Rollinghome

dealyboy said:

OP ... to me there are two or three warning signs ... are you sure this is not spam/phishing?

It's definitely a weird way to behave, but if it is, it's a good one. Looks perfect, got my correct name and postcode, and doesn't require any reply or to visit any website.  The phone number on it went through to the RSPCA, and were obviously genuine, who said it was a Santander number but had been reassigned to them and gave me the one I'd normally use. I'll check the headers for source.

35har1old

Rollinghome said:

Just had an email to learn that, apparently, I'm one of Santander's "most valued customers" (presumably because I've currently got 20 quid in my 123 Lite account, and they're very grateful) and so they're "upgrading" me to "Santander Select, our premier banking service".

While it's very nice to be appreciated, I'd be even more grateful if they'd at least had the courtesy to attach a copy of the account's Key Facts document so I knew what the terms were without having to search.  Couldn't find it on their site but found it with Google. 

At a glance, it looks as if the only difference to me is that it costs double the £2 a month fee of Lite and I would have to pay in £5000 a month instead of  £500.  As of now, my Lite account is still showing.

Before I call them, I wondered if there's any reason why I, or anyone else, might want this account, or if anyone else has had a similar email?

Must have filtered large sums through the account at some stage
Usually means a different phone contact with less of await 

Rollinghome

35har1old said:

Must have filtered large sums through the account at some stage
Usually means a different phone contact with less of await 

Well, the number on the email got me through to the RSPCA nice and quickly.

GeoffTF

I have had a 123 Lite Select account for many years. It was originally a 123 account, but I downgraded it to a 123 Lite account when the interest rate fell below what I could get elsewhere. The Select status remained. I pay £2 per month and get an average of £5 cashback on my direct debits each month. My statements show the customer service number as 0330 123 0061, but I have not rang them for about a year. The service was excellent when I got through, but I had to wait about 15 minutes on the last two occasions that I had to ring them. There do not appear to be any other benefits nowadays. They seem to be more interested in selling the Private accounts, which have a higher monthly fee.