Banking » Reviews » Santander Bank Review 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

Santander Bank Review 2023

Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 20, 2023
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 20, 2023

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Santander Bank

Santander Bank logo
Santander Bank logo

Santander Bank

Checking Fees

$0 – $25

Savings APY

0.03%

Money Market APY

4.25%

CDs APY Range

0.10% – 5.50%

Established in January 1907 and headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Santander Bank offers a wide range of deposit accounts with low initial requirements for checking.

They also provide an automatic savings feature and the option to waive monthly fees. Some accounts can be opened online, while others require in-person visits to branches. However, the bank's savings account rates are only average, and they impose high overdraft fees.

Moreover, Santander's presence is concentrated on the East Coast, boasting over 480 branches and 2,000 ATMs, primarily found in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Rhode Island. Santander Bank has been selected as one of our top banks in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

Three Types Of Checking Options

Santander Bank offers three different checking account options with varying features and fees:

Santander Select® Checking
Simply Right® Checking
Student Value Checking
Monthly maintenance fee
$25
$10
$0
How to waive the Monthly Fee
Minimum combined balance of $25,000 in bank deposits
Any transaction posted to the account.
/
Debit Card
Santander Select World Debit Mastercard®
Santander Debit Mastercard®
Santander Debit Mastercard®
Interest Bearing
Yes
No
No
Domestic non-Santander ATM fee
$0
$3
$2
Minimum opening deposit
$25
$25
$10

Santander® Select Checking offers comprehensive financial support for those seeking prosperity and future planning.

It includes benefits like no monthly fee with a $25,000 combined balance, no minimum balance required, and fee waivers for Santander ATMs worldwide. There are no charges for international transactions, expedited replacement cards, and various statement delivery options.

The account also earns interest and grants access to expert advice from financial specialists. Customers receive priority servicing and access to additional services like Select checks, wire transfers, and premium rates for a Money Market Savings account.

Simply Right® Checking offers a straightforward solution for everyday banking needs. The account includes an easy-to-waive $10 Monthly Fee, which can be avoided with just one transaction per calendar month, like a deposit, withdrawal, transfer, or payment.

There is no minimum balance requirement, and the account can be opened with a $25 minimum deposit. While the account does not earn interest, customers have the option of paper or paperless statements with a $3 fee for paper statements. Domestic non-Santander ATM withdrawals incur a $3 fee as well.

The Student Value Checking account is tailored for students aged 14-25, offering a convenient on-the-go banking solution.

There are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Students aged 18-25 can open an account online, while those aged 14-17 need a legal guardian to open the account in-branch. The account has a reduced cash withdrawal fee of $2 for non-Santander ATMs, and no fees for domestic and international incoming wire transfers.

However, it does not earn interest. Paperless statements are free, but there is a $3 fee for paper statements. With this account, students can manage their finances efficiently and save on various transaction fees.

Santander Savings Account: Low Rates

The Santander® Savings account has $25 minimum deposit but APY is low – only 0.03%.

You can avoid the $1 monthly service charge with any personal Santander checking account or with a $100 average daily balance in the Santander Savings account.

Fifth Third Bank Savings
Savings APY
0.03%
Savings Fees
$1 Waived with any personal Santander checking account or with a $100 average daily balance in the Santander Savings account
Minimum Deposit
$25

The account provides digital tools like automated transfers, Alerts, and more to facilitate goal-oriented saving. Direct Deposit allows employers to deposit a portion of your paycheck directly into the savings account.

Auto Save enables scheduled transfers from Santander checking or external accounts. Alerts via email and text help manage balance and account activity efficiently.

CDs: Competitive Rates But High Minimum

Santander Bank offers a range of CDs with terms spanning from three months to five years.

To open a CD account, you must visit a branch in person, and a minimum deposit of $500 is required. While CD rates vary based on location, Santander's website displays rates for two promotional CDs that offer high yields. Here you can compare CD rates for 12 months with other banks. 

For instance, in Connecticut, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, customers can avail an APY of 5.25% for a 9-month CD and 5.50% for a 12-month CD. However, rates for other terms are not disclosed and are exclusively available to existing customers.

Santander Bank CDs
9 Month
5.25%
12 Month
5.50%
Minimum Deposit
$500

Money Market: Decent Rates But High Balance Required

The Santander® Select Money Market Savings offers competitive rates at 4.25% APY for new customers with a $50,000 minimum daily balance.

There is no monthly fee, and no minimum balance requirement. ATM withdrawals with the Santander® Select World Debit Mastercard® are fee-free at over 30,000 Santander ATMs worldwide, and up to $30 in surcharge fees from other institutions at non-Santander ATMs are rebated per service fee period.

The account requires a minimum opening deposit of $25 and is interest-bearing. Statement delivery options include free paperless or paper statements. The account is exclusively available to Santander® Select Checking clients.

Santander® Select Money Market Savings
Money Market APY
4.25%

Santander Bank Lending And Credit

Santander bank doesn't offer a variety of options when it comes to credit and lending products. It has a credit card, personal loans and mortgage services that are handled by Rocket Mortgage.

The Santander® Ultimate Cash Back® Card offers 3% cash back on qualified purchases up to $20,000 for 12 months in addition to a 0% introductory rate for both purchases and balance transfers. There are no annual, foreign transactions, returned payments, or cash advance fees.

 After the initial 12-month period, you continue to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on qualified purchases.

Santander® Ultimate Cash Back® Card

Santander offers personal loans with flexible terms and rates to suit various needs, such as debt consolidation and home improvements. Applying online is quick, with the possibility of same-day funding.

The loans range from $5,000 to $50,000, with terms spanning from 3 to 7 years for manageable monthly payments. Notably, there are no origination fees, closing fees, or prepayment penalties. Additionally, customers can save 0.25% on their interest rate by setting up automatic payments from a deposit account.

The pre-qualification process has no impact on the individual's credit score, enabling them to check rates and loan availability effortlessly.

Santander doesn't offer mortgage products directly and partnered with Rocket Mortgage to handle all mortgage activities. If you're looking for home equity loans, refinance or HELOC, Santander bank is not the right bank.

FAQs

Yes, you can open a joint account at Santander Bank, either in person at a branch or online. To add a joint owner to your existing account, all parties must visit a Santander branch together and provide their address, Social Security numbers, and both government-issued ID and a secondary form of identification.

All savings accounts can be opened at a Santander Bank branch, and the Santander® Savings account can be opened online. The online application process typically takes around 15 minutes, provided you have all the necessary information.

Yes, you have the option to use your savings account for overdraft protection.

Absolutely, you can set up direct deposits into your savings account by providing your savings account number and routing number on the direct deposit form.

Yes, minors under the age of 18 can open an account with a parent or legal guardian as the co-owner. The Santander® Youth Savings account is an decent option for children under 18 to start saving.

To close your account, you can visit a local branch or call a Customer Service representative at 877-768-2265 between 8 AM – 8 PM ET.

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann's areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Banking Reviews
Best Banking Accounts
Savings Accounts

Table of Contents