Santander free forever bank account changes

climpies

Just got a letter in the post that Santander are changing my business account to £9.99 a month. I've had it a very long time and remember Santander trying this move before only to be told they can't because the original sign up material pushed it as being free forever.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Emmia

One perspective is that they have the option of removing your banking facilities if they decide they don't want businesses using "free" accounts. 

It's a nuclear option though.

punto123

Got the same letter, last time when they try this they had to U-turn see here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19506634

Make me wounder what has changed for them to try it again, the main argument being these was advertised as free business banking forever

I have raised a complaint, then likely to go to the regulator, as will probably get a dead lock letter 

climpies

punto123 said:

Got the same letter, last time when they try this they had to U-turn see here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19506634

Make me wounder what has changed for them to try it again, the main argument being these was advertised as free business banking forever

I have raised a complaint, then likely to go to the regulator, as will probably get a dead lock letter 

How do you make a complaint?

surreysaver

punto123 said:

Make me wounder what has changed for them to try it again, the main argument being these was advertised as free business banking forever 

Probably some new manager with zero corporate memory 

Section62

surreysaver said:

punto123 said:

Make me wounder what has changed for them to try it again, the main argument being these was advertised as free business banking forever 

Probably some new manager with zero corporate memory 

Could be, or maybe the number of accounts has reduced to a level it won't cost them as much if each account holder goes to the FoS.

drphila

Have you got a copy of the original agreement?

And to find out how to complain. google it

punto123

drphila said:

Have you got a copy of the original agreement?

And to find out how to complain. google it

I don't , but am sure that bank will, which maybe able to get, by doing a subject access request 

ducky2004

Yes, got the letter too.

Ultimtely, they promised "Free banking forever" and now decided not to honour their "promise".

jaybeetoo

Just move to Starling business banking.

PRAISETHESUN

https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/support/customer-support/how-to-complain