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Santander: Basic current account reviews

4.12
Based on 331 reviews, last reviewed 17th Apr 2026
1900% increase in 5 star reviews
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Latest highest rating:

5

All the team at Santander Tunbridge Wells are amazing All the team at Santander Tunbridge Wells have been amazing over the last 7 months, helping us to settle a relatives estate. They were always helpful... Read more Reviewed on: 17th April 2026
Cora A's avatar
Cora A

Latest lowest rating:

2

The current account does everything you need it too... The current account does everything you need it too the main issue is the complete lack of people available to see in branch. By the time you have com... Read more Reviewed on: 16th April 2026
Andy's avatar
Andy

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.

Santander Basic current account reviews (331)

Review of the Santander, Basic current account:

My santender account is good enough to use.

4
I find my Santander account easy to manage and I couldn't think of a better account to use being at university. When I opened my student account I was given an overdraft with 0% interest which doesn't need to be paid back until I finish university. Moreover, whenever I'm in need of assistance I always come off the phone or away from the branch feeling as though I have gained all the help I need in order to solve my problems. Reviewed on: 29th April 2015

Very simple, no fuss, good service

5
I've had a current account with Santander since they changed from Alliance and Leicester. The current account is straightforward, and has no annual charges or gimmicks. The staff are always friendly and helpful, and very professional and keen to help. The app makes banking with them incredibly easy and hassle free. (There are some things you need to use the website for, such as setting up a new payee.) You can also set up text alerts, which mean that you get a text if your account balance falls below a certain amount (decided by you). Reviewed on: 27th April 2015

I would say average

4
I have had good service from santander the only thing I disagree with is the overdraft charge of £1.00 a day and if you do not pay back full overdraft within a month you get an extra £30 charge on top of it. Most banks have free overdraft services where Santader seems to charge an awful lot an could cause bad debt for people when it shouldn't it as it suppose to be there to help people not put them in a worse situation Reviewed on: 24th April 2015

Very good at protecting your money.

5
Santander are brillant for protecting your money against fraud and theft, I have had fraud on my account and this was quickly reversed by santander and the money was back in my account within hours. I had just moved home so this helped me a massive amount. The advisers are always friendly and very helpful. I will never back with another bank ever! So if your looking for a brillant bank with excellent customer care! Join santander. Reviewed on: 24th April 2015

excellent company!

5
been banking with santander for over 10 years now and they are fanastic! nothing is too much of a problem for them and they are alwas very helpful with whatever i need! i will continute to bank with them for as long as they are going!! Reviewed on: 26th March 2015

In branch is good, online could be better

3
Dealing with Santander in branch is pretty hassle free which is good. I feel that the online experience could be better though. All in all, happy with them, but room for some improvement! Reviewed on: 25th February 2015

Santander gave me great advice and even refunded £150

5
I had gotten into a pickle with my finances, common problem....spending more than I had in my account through lack of proper money management. I spoke to Santander and it was agreed that my best option was to change my account. Now I am in control of my finances a lot more thanks to them. They even gave me a refund of £150 as a one off good will gesture, something I have never had from any bank! Reviewed on: 29th January 2015

It works for me!

4
Walking into my local branch is easy and pleasant. No long queues, excellent customer service and always helpful and polite! Reviewed on: 30th December 2014

Extremely limited. Good for a child's first bank account and people with poor credit. You can only use it at cash points.

3
If you have a poor credit rating, you will still be accepted for a basic account with Santander. However, you can't use the card online or with chip & pin and are limited to cash points only. However the staff were extremely helpful and polite when setting up my account. Great service. Reviewed on: 16th December 2014

Seems like a great service

4
Their reviews and testimonials from other customers have made me consider switching to their services. Reviewed on: 9th October 2014

Very happy with Santander!

4
Very good customer service. Always very helpful when I visit them in branch. Reviewed on: 8th October 2014

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