Santander free forever bank account changes

solidpro

RichardStevensons said: – we would be paying for those (unrequested and unwanted) services through a monthly subscription.

I'm nearing my half-century and 17+ years single handely running a succesful business. I've seen a lot of people come and go.

When someone I don't know tells me that they're doing my business a favour by introducing a charge so that I can benefit from their 'work cafes', advice and mentoring, I run a mile.

The_Maluka

born_again said:

Do not work for Santander or a fan boy. This is just how the process goes in banking. 

Then they must up their game.

The_Maluka

amyfairweather said:

ely_ellis said:

As I am self-employed, all I do with my bank is have money come in, then pay business related bills out. That's it.

There is nothing I can add about what Santader are doing that hasn't already been said over the 77 odd pages of postings.
I have made my complaint with Santander and judging by other complaints I have made in the past, they always work around regardless of the Ombudsman ruling (This happend several times).

Even if at the last minute, they make a U-turn, how can I trust them anymore, they will just find another way, so maybe time to jump ship.

If there is no resolution by Mondy 22nd September 2025, then I will be moving my Business account, with that I will also be moving my personal current account, my joint current account and several connected savings accounts to another provider.

I will also be advising my son to do the same with his current and savings accounts, which I am sure will be worth more than the £120 per year Santander would charge.

But, I have a request.

Maybe we can post advice on the best alternative options available. I don't think there are many, but it would be nice to see what others think and recomend. Just for business accounts as other accounts can be moved anywhere.

Thanks

Martin

Another example of an “unprofitable” profitable customer who is now, most certainly, unprofitable.

So what?  Santander entered into a contract and should abide by the terms of that contract.

eskbanker

solidpro said:

amyfairweather said:

Another example of an “unprofitable” profitable customer who is now, most certainly, unprofitable.

How on earth do you know it isn't profitable?

[...]

Some people who post their own two-penneth worth without skin in the game seem to think 'free forever' customers were lavished with high interest payments on balances, red carpet treatment, unlimited service and free bi-monthly BBQs at one of Santander's 'work cafes'.  You really shouldn't be so jealous, because the terms really weren't all that.

You appear to have completely missed the point of Amy's post, which AIUI was supportively referring to another poster walking away from Santander, thereby losing Santander some profit!

The_Maluka said:

amyfairweather said:

Another example of an “unprofitable” profitable customer who is now, most certainly, unprofitable.

So what?  Santander entered into a contract and should abide by the terms of that contract.

As above, you seem to be arguing with someone who's agreeing with you!

solidpro

I think that's just how threads go. I did realise Amy might be on the side of critising Santander, but the way it was done was either clunky or lost in the weeds.

born_again

Section62 said:

born_again said:

RichardStevensons said:

born_again said:

Given the number of complaints on this subject, they will have a standard rejection letter. They will not need to investigate each complaint on the same matter.

But sending out a one-size-fits all response means that they aren't treating each complaint individually.  My complaint had more information than covered in their response, as did my MP's, as did press articles.  Santander are failing to address the complaints and firing out hyperbole hoping it will do. 

In my case, I would say their response has covered one part of around seven in my complaint.  When does the rest get dealt with? 

Have you asked them?
Have they said that the complaint is now resolved & your options going forward.

If you raised a complaint on the ending of "Free" then that is their company line response. They already know that FOS are sitting on the complaint, as FOS can not do anything till charging starts.
Even then it could be months before they issue a response to them.

Not making any judgement on the rights or wrongs of the change.

Is there a source for the bit in bold?

FOS can't act on something that has not happened. (Think current car finance claims)
They will wait & see what Santander do. Then if santander have not changed their mind & start charging, they can look at the complaint & decide if Santander have done something they should not have. 

Given  this happened before in 2015?
Then it is possible that santander added something to the T/C that allows for a change to the account pricing. Which so long as process has been followed, then there will be nothing FOS can do. They can not force santander to back down.
It would be then down to people to take the court route at their expense.

eskbanker

solidpro said:

I think that's just how threads go. I did realise Amy might be on the side of critising Santander, but the way it was done was either clunky or lost in the weeds.

If you look at the post she was quoting (that you edited out), the context is clear....

Section62

born_again said:

Section62 said:

born_again said:

RichardStevensons said:

born_again said:

Given the number of complaints on this subject, they will have a standard rejection letter. They will not need to investigate each complaint on the same matter.

But sending out a one-size-fits all response means that they aren't treating each complaint individually.  My complaint had more information than covered in their response, as did my MP's, as did press articles.  Santander are failing to address the complaints and firing out hyperbole hoping it will do. 

In my case, I would say their response has covered one part of around seven in my complaint.  When does the rest get dealt with? 

Have you asked them?
Have they said that the complaint is now resolved & your options going forward.

If you raised a complaint on the ending of "Free" then that is their company line response. They already know that FOS are sitting on the complaint, as FOS can not do anything till charging starts.
Even then it could be months before they issue a response to them.

Not making any judgement on the rights or wrongs of the change.

Is there a source for the bit in bold?

FOS can't act on something that has not happened. (Think current car finance claims)
They will wait & see what Santander do. Then if santander have not changed their mind & start charging, they can look at the complaint & decide if Santander have done something they should not have. 

Santander have done something (this time) though - they have served notice they will start charging for the accounts.

I don't understand how FOS are blocked from considering a complaint, hence asking for a source.  What, specifically, says FOS cannot consider a complaint before charging starts?

born_again said:

Given  this happened before in 2015?

The difference is in 2015 Santander didn't introduce charges - according to at least one poster on the thread the position of FOS at the time was that as charging hadn't been introduced they couldn't consider a complaint about charging.  That makes sense.  But the key difference now is that notification of charging has been given.

born_again said:

Then it is possible that santander added something to the T/C that allows for a change to the account pricing. Which so long as process has been followed, then there will be nothing FOS can do. They can not force santander to back down.
It would be then down to people to take the court route at their expense.

It isn't just about 'process'.  The fundamental thing FOS have to look at is fairness.  So FOS should consider whether the 'process' is unfair.  Making changes to the accounts in 2015 without clearly explaining the effect of those changes should - in my view - be considered unfair.  Whether FOS take that view remains to be seen though.

Carpetbeetle999

For anyone who has the time, I've just heard that Martin Lewis is appearing on ITV's This Morning on Monday 22nd September to take calls on anything finance related. Not sure if he would discuss this issue but it may be worth a try. Anyone who does have the time would need to email the program before hand on thismorning@itv.com

solidpro

eskbanker said:

solidpro said:

I think that's just how threads go. I did realise Amy might be on the side of critising Santander, but the way it was done was either clunky or lost in the weeds.

If you look at the post she was quoting (that you edited out), the context is clear....

To you perhaps but then again you lurk a lot. Many of us seemed to assume the alternative view.