Santander Select

APWhiteSavvy

@Marchitiello thanks for the images.
I found this video showing what it looks like in the other markets. Odd and a shame it's not offered like this in the UK as it's actually a nice, simple design.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1Rs6BQpXB8

Marchitiello

APWhiteSavvy said:

@Marchitiello thanks for the images.
I found this video showing what it looks like in the other markets. Odd and a shame it's not offered like this in the UK as it's actually a nice, simple design.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1Rs6BQpXB8

Sorry, just seen your response. I have actually logged an official feedback about the card and ai invite other to do the same. I spoke to someone that fully understand my point, which was that for people like me that use the Select lounges in Santander Branches worldwide (free refreshment, comfy chairs and internet access) which was granted by simply showing the old card at the entrance, the new one does not says anywhere to be a Select Card and therefore will cause some issue when  trying to gain entry, so it is not simply about “look”. 

Speedbird676

GeoffTF said:

Santander now appears to be giving Select status to accounts that do not remotely meet their stated criteria, and their website suggests that Everyday Current Accounts (which do not have a monthly fee) can have Select status.

I have an Everyday Current Account and also have Select status.

This was originally obtained with a full fat 123 account but since then I've downgraded to 123 Lite and more recently to Everyday.

I haven't met the eligibility criteria for some time because my salary goes into the HSBC Premier account for the free travel insurance benefit.

GeoffTF

Marchitiello said:

The new UK one received, without raised numerals, is like this (are we sure the diamonds are only for these cards as I have seen example elsewhere on the net that do not specifically mention Select) and not mention of “Select” on it.

I have a 123 Lite Select account and have just received my new debit card. Mine looks like the one above, but it not only does not say Select but has bubbles rather than diamonds. We are coming down in the world. I also note that the card is not eligible for no fee use abroad, unless I downgrade to an Edge or Edge UP account. C'est la vie.

GeoffTF

The plot thickens:

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

The little picture at the bottom of the page shows a red card with Select printed on it, but I did not get one of those. Do they exist at all? There is now a telephone number to ring if you want to be a Select customer.

EssexExile

It seems to me that they change cards so often that there are half a dozen designs around at the same time.

That phone number is just the standard Select number I call whenever I want to use their wonderful Select services.

Marchitiello

GeoffTF said:

Marchitiello said:

The new UK one received, without raised numerals, is like this (are we sure the diamonds are only for these cards as I have seen example elsewhere on the net that do not specifically mention Select) and not mention of “Select” on it.

I have a 123 Lite Select account and have just received my new debit card. Mine looks like the one above, but it not only does not say Select but has bubbles rather than diamonds. We are coming down in the world. I also note that the card is not eligible for no fee use abroad, unless I downgrade to an Edge or Edge UP account. C'est la vie.

How do you know that your card is not eligible for no fee use abroad (I am assuming you meant at Santander ATMs rather than blanket use, as this was never the case)? 

When I raised my complaint about the card look, missing reference to Select and access to Select lounges in South America, I was told that the diamonds were a specific Select look (never had confirmation of this, and your experience looks to be different). I am going back to South America next month and  will test the lounge access and ATM withdrawals. 

GeoffTF

Marchitiello said:

How do you know that your card is not eligible for no fee use abroad (I am assuming you meant at Santander ATMs rather than blanket use, as this was never the case)?

The folded sheet that came with the card said that if I had an Edge or Edge Up account, I would not be charged a fee to pay or withdraw cash in the local currency. That is a recent change to compete with the new banks. It also says that cash withdrawals from Santander ATMs in the local currency are free, irrespective of the account (by implication).

Marchitiello said:

When I raised my complaint about the card look, missing reference to Select and access to Select lounges in South America, I was told that the diamonds were a specific Select look (never had confirmation of this, and your experience looks to be different). I am going back to South America next month and  will test the lounge access and ATM withdrawals. 

I have always had the standard Santander debit card. I expect that I could have ordered a Select card when my account was upgraded, but I was not using it abroad, and preferred the less attention seeking card. Perhaps that is why I have the bubbles. The new card does look rather attractive, but it rarely sees the light of day. Santander did send me a Select cheque book, but that is another matter.