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Santander: Basic current account reviews

Name: Basic current account
Rating: 4.12 (339 reviews)

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4.12

Based on 339 reviews, last reviewed 5th Sep 2026

82% decrease in 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

200% increase in 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

52%

20%

13%

12%

Latest highest rating:

4

Average bank, friendly staff I find the branch staff friendly Reviewed on: 14th June 2026

Latest lowest rating:

1

Title: I deeply regret switching to Santander I switched my personal banking to Santander, initially attracted by the £175 switching offer. My experience since then has been appalling, and I now h... Read more Reviewed on: 5th September 2026

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About this product

The Santander Basic current account is for people who’ve been turned down for another current account, have a poor credit history, or are new to the UK for work or study.

The Basic current account has a contactless debit card, basic banking facilities, mobile banking as well as no fees for using Santander cash machines abroad.

Santander Basic account reviews help you find out what it’s really like to be a customer. If you’ve used Santander before, you can also leave a review and share your experience.

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Santander Basic current account reviews (339)

Been with them for many many years and no complaints

Having had financial difficulties many years ago, they were amazing and spent hours with me sorting it all out and finding the right services and account for me. I have never had any complaints and I was even with Abbey national before the takeover, very happy. Reviewed on: 18th February 2016

a good service

twenty years or so and only ever had a few fraud problems which santander quickly resolved Reviewed on: 18th February 2016

Just what you want from a bank.

I have never had a problem with Santander in the 10 years I have been using them (very much unlike another bank I have used in the past!). They are always on hand to answer your questions and they are very upfront. When they changed my bank account from a graduate account to a basic current account they kept me updated via post regularly and all information was clear and in customer-speak. Reviewed on: 16th February 2016

HMM HAD MY ISSUES

Invasive cashiers asking what YOUR transactions are, bank charges disputed in the past! Reviewed on: 16th February 2016

Cap on refund charges

I hate my bank as when I was ill and got into a cycle of bank charges. One of their customer service advisers said that if I got a letter from my doctor they would reverse all charges. I got the letter sent it in and suddenly was told their was a cap on what they would refund! Reviewed on: 16th February 2016

Bad experience, no overdraft, no problem?

Santander was my first bank i ever used for a basic direct debit account... everything was fine until i received a letter in the post saying that i had gone 'overdrawn' for a recent purchase. What i found was that i was allowed to use my card to purchase an item when i had nothing left in my account. I never agreed for a overdraft but they said they would charge my each day until i could pay the money back. As this was my first banking experience i was horrified! Since changing to Barclays i have had no problems what so ever, even if i tried to pay for something with nothing in my account, it wouldn't let me. Reviewed on: 15th February 2016

standard good customer service, no troubles, good bank

never had any issues with santander, been banking with them since i was a teenager and never had any reason to leave, also use the credit card which gives good rewards Reviewed on: 15th February 2016

Satisfied with Santander

After having a number of different current accounts with various banks I finally switched to Santander, tempted by the cashback for switching and because of the poor service I'd received from HSBC. I've been with Santander for years now and am very happy with their service. Reviewed on: 13th February 2016

Ok but not customer friendly

Been with Santander a long time and been stitched up several times with charges and overdraft rates,when ever you go in branch there is always a long queue as they deal with a lot of stuff at the counter not just paying in/out. Reviewed on: 13th February 2016

Really helpful and kind in branch

Changed my name on my account and the assistant was very helpful and we had a good chat :) Reviewed on: 13th February 2016

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