Checking FAQ | Checking Account Questions | Santander Bank - Santander
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Frequently Asked Checking Account Questions
Opening an Account
Yes,if you are over the age of 18 you can open a Santander personal checking account online with:
- A social security number
- A US residential address (not a PO box)
- Funding account (routing & account number)
Learn more about how to open a checking account with Santander Bank.
While there is no fee to open a checking account, you will need to make an initial deposit. The minimum opening deposit varies from $10 to $25, depending on the account.
You must be 18 to open a checking account on your own, or you can open a checking account between the ages of 14 and 18 with a legal guardian as a co-owner.
If you are over the age of 18, you can open a checking account with any eligible co-signer. Learn more about
joint checking accounts.
Account Basics
To close an account, please visit alocal branchor call a Customer Service Advisor at 877-768-2265.
The easiest way to check your account balance is to
enroll in online bankingor utilize the
Santander Mobile Banking App; however, you can also check your account balance at any Santander Bank branch or ATM.
to find the closest Santander location to you, or utilize the Santander Bank Mobile App.
A Personal Identification Number, also known as a PIN, is a 4-digit code that you use to access the funds in your checking account when you use your debit card, whether at an ATM or when making a purchase in a store. You will receive your PIN in a separate envelope when you receive your new debit card. If you forget your PIN, you can create a new PIN through your Mobile Banking app. If you do not have access to Mobile Banking, you can request a new PIN through Online Banking or by contacting a Customer Service Center Advisor and it will be mailed to you within 5-7 days.
Your account number will be listed on your checking account statement, in the bottom left corner of personal checks associated with the account, and in your online banking profile.
You can
find your routing numberon personal checks and online.
Consult your Personal Deposit Product Fee Schedulefor fees applicable to your account, or speak with a Santander Bank representative.
While not all checking accounts earn interest, the Santander® SelectChecking and Santander® Private Client Checking accounts are interestbearing.
Yes. There is a maximum of $250,000 of deposit insurance from the FDIC for each category of account ownership. Please visit
fdic.govfor details.
If you have run out, you can reorder checks online through the Customer Service tab of your online banking profile, in a branch, or by phone.
Learn more about
ordering checksfrom Santander Bank.
Businesses cannot open personal checking accounts. Santander Bank offers several
business checking accountoptions to fit a range of financial needs.
It may take up to 2 account cycles before you stop receiving statements in the mail.
To close an account, please visit a
local branchor call a Customer Service representative between the hours of 8 AM - 8 PM ET at 877-768-2265.
Withdrawals, Deposits, and Transfers
You can deposit money into your checking account by visiting a local branch, depositing funds into a Santander Bank
ATM, or by utilizing
Mobile Check Deposit. You can also deposit funds automatically by setting up direct deposit.
You’ll need to discuss setting up direct deposit with your payroll processor at your place of employment; however, Santander Bank offers detailed instructions on what you’ll need to
set up direct depositand fill out any direct deposit forms.
Our general policy is to allow you to use up to $225 of all checks deposited on the next business day after the business day we receive your check deposits. The remainder, if any, of your deposit will usually be available on the second business day after the business day of deposit. In some cases, we may delay availability to withdraw funds beyond these periods. In such circumstances, we will send you a notice and the funds will generally be available on the sixth business day after the business day we receive your check deposits. Please consult our
funds availabilitypage for more information.
You can withdraw money from a checking account by visiting a local branch or utilizing a Santander Bank ATM.
You can transfer funds in a branch, at a Santander Bank ATM, or by utilizing online or mobile banking. You can also set up Auto Save to regularly transfer funds from checking to savings.
If you need to stop payment on a personal check, log in to online banking and first confirm that the check has not cleared in your account history. Then navigate to the Customer Service tab, and select “Stop Payment on a Check” under “Deposit Account Services.” You will need to enter:
- Check number
- Check amount
- Check date
- Payee
- Reason to stop payment
Please note you will be charged a $30 Stop Payment fee for the request, if applicable to your account.
A cashier’s check is a check guaranteed by the bank rather than from your personal account, eliminating risk for the payee that the check would bounce; they are often required for large purchases like the down payment on a mortgage. Cashier’s checks are also referred to as bank checks, official bank checks, or treasurer’s checks.
Visit any Santander Bank branch to obtain a cashier’s check. There is a $10 fee per check, if applicable to your account.
All outgoing international wire transfers must be initiated at a Santander Bank branch. You will need the following information:
- Name of the wire recipient
- Street address of the individual receiving the funds—full street address is required (P.O. Box may not be used)
- Account number or IBAN (The International Bank Account Number is REQUIRED for all transfers going to Europe and England/UK)
- Name of the bank receiving the wire
- Street address of the bank receiving the funds—full street address is required (P.O. Box may not be used)
- Receiving bank's Swift Code (8-11 characters in length with the first 4 characters being alpha, which identifies the bank)
- Receiving bank's Bank Code, if available
Santander Bank accepts wire transfer requests and facilitates incoming or outgoing wire transfers for Santander Bank account holders only, and does not offer “Pay Upon Proper ID” services.
Changing Account Information
If you know your existing PIN, you can easily change your PIN at most Santander Bank ATMs. After entering your existing PIN, select the option “Change PIN” and enter your new PIN twice for confirmation. You can also update your PIN through our Mobile Banking app, by calling the customer service number located on the back of your card or by visiting your local Santander branch.
If your legal name has changed, visit a local Santander branch to change your name. Bring supporting documentation of the name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, or court document for our records. After you change your name, remember to order a new debit card and checks with the update.
You can change your mailing address at a Santander branch or in your online banking profile.
- Log in and from the menu select “Profile Management."
- Select “My Profile and Preferences.”
- Choose “Change Address” under “Personal Information.”
- Enter all required information, then select confirm.
It may take 24-48 business hours to update.
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