How to open a Santander account online

Looking for a new bank, or a different account? You’ll have lots of options to choose from in the UK, including the high street bank Santander.

A British bank owned by the Spanish Santander Group, it offers a range of current and savings accounts for personal customers. One of its most long-standing is its popular Santander 1|2|3 Current Account.

If you’re considering joining Santander, read on. We’ve put together a guide covering everything you need to know to open a Santander account online. This includes what paperwork you’ll need, and a step-by-step guide to the process. Plus, how long you can expect it to take.

We’ll also touch on an alternative which could save you money, especially on international transactions. Open a Wise multi-currency online and you can manage your money in 50+ currencies, sending transfers all over the world for low, transparent fees.

But for now, let’s get back to Santander.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Is it possible to open a Santander account online?

Yes, you can open a Santander account online. You can join as a new customer, or open a new account as an existing customer - although the process is slightly different for each.

All of Santander’s current accounts can be opened online, including the following:

• Santander Edge current account
• 1|2|3 Current Account
• Select Current Account
• 1|2|3 Student Current Account
• Everyday Current Account
• 1|2|3 Mini Current Account.

How to open a Santander account online - a step-by-step guide

Ready to open a new Santander account? There are a few ways you can do it online. If you’re a new customer, follow these steps:¹

1. Go to the Santander website and choose the account you want to open (check the eligibility requirements first, to make sure you’ll be accepted as a customer)
2. Click ‘Apply’.
3. On the next page, select ‘Start new application’ and tick the boxes to confirm that you’ve read the terms and conditions.
4. Complete the on-screen steps over the next few pages to submit your application
5. Provide your personal details, along with contact details, employment and financial info.
6. Choose your preferred account options
7. Check all the details and submit your application.

It may also be necessary to verify your identity, by uploading photo ID and proof of address (such as a recent utility bill).

Now, here’s how it works for existing customers. If you already bank with Santander, you simply need to log onto your online banking. Select ‘Current Accounts’ and you’ll be able to transfer to or open a new account.²

Using the Current Account Switch Service

You can also use the Current Account Switch Service to quickly and easily open a new Santander account online.

It’s completely free to use. And as part of the Current Account Switch Guarantee, it ensures your new account will be open and ready to use within 7 days. Once you initiate the switch, the following will automatically be done for you:³

• Closing your old account
• Transferring your balance from your old to your new account
• Moving any Direct Debits, standing orders or incoming payments over to your new account
• Completing the switch on a date of your choice.

You should see the option to apply through the Current Account Switch Service on the page of the Santander current account you’d like to open. Simply click it and apply as normal. Take a look here to find out more about how switching to Santander works.

What documents do I need to open a Santander account?

You’re going to need a few details and documents ready to apply for your new Santander account online.

New customers are likely to need both of the following:⁴

• Proof of identity, such as a UK passport or photocard driving licence
• Proof of address, such as a photocard driving licence, annual council tax bill, bank or mortgage statement, utility bill or letter from your local authority.

Existing customers will only need to provide proof of ID.⁴

You’ll also need to provide the following information:

• Your personal details, including what country you are tax resident in
• Details of your home address for the previous 3 years
• Contact details
• Income and expenditure information, such as your total monthly income, how you’ll fund and use the account, and your employment status.
• If you’re switching, your existing bank details and chosen switch date.

How long does it take to open a Santander account online?

Santander doesn’t say roughly how long it takes to complete an online application. But if it’s anything like any of the other major UK banks, it should take no more than a few minutes.

To make sure there are no delays, make sure you have all the required information and documents to hand.

If you’re using the Current Account Switch Service to move over to Santander, your new account will be open within 7 days. You can also select your preferred date (although bear in mind that it will still be at least 7 days after starting the switch).

I’ve submitted an online application - what happens next?

After applying online, it’s likely that your new bank account will be opened right away. You’ll receive a confirmation email from Santander, followed a few days later by your debit card, PIN, online banking logins and welcome pack arriving in the post.

In some cases though, it can take longer if the bank needs to verify any details or request further information.

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Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

After reading our handy guide, you should have all the info you need to apply for a Santander account online. It’s pretty straightforward, so your new account should be up and running in no time.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 15-May-2023