Customer services aside, my two 123 accounts pay 3% gross interest, cash back on the majority of my direct debits and my 123 credit card gives me 3% cash back on my diesel. I used the seven day switch service last September from Lloyds and have had no complaints so far.

According to Wikipedia, Santander was awarded worst bank customer service in 2010 and upgraded to second worst in 2011. From my experience it's still abysmal including online where I've never ever had a response to an email or complaint since joining in 2009. Sometimes, phoning them is simply not an option. Just give me a response, any response! Phone support isn't much better and I've been given erroneous information on a number of occasions. Since Santander came on the scene, it's evident the employees are badly lacking some robust training to fix such support issues.

I have been waiting weeks for a new chequebook. On my third attempt, I got an email saying someone would look into it. That was 4 days ago - since then , no further emails and no chequebook either.

I am giving up looking at reviews on any of the banks, No matter which one you go to LLoyd/TSB, Barclay's, NatWest in fact any of them they all have the same reviews, un-happy customers, appalling service, incompetent staff.may as well stay where you. seems no matter who you bank with they are all the same. or is it just people moaning.

My son had a problem with his current account. As he is a student and not terribly au fait with banks I took him to the local branch to have a chat about the problem but was told noone could discuss it with us and my son would need to call an 0845 number. Tried twice (15 minutes each time) and eventually sent a letter of complaint. No reply. When I chased through the complaints e-mail they took over a week to come back to me and then asked for written confirmation fro0m my son that they could reply to my letter. I e-mailed them asking why they had 1) taken so long to request this additional info and 2) why they did not simply reply to my son as I said they should in the letter! Still waiting for a reply to that e-mail. They then charged my son interest on his fixed term bond even though it was set up with R85 signed. This has now been resolved but we have moved my son's banking to NatWest who will talk to their customers in the branch. My sons small investments will also be moved to NatWest as they mature, as will the substantial funds he will inherit in2 years time. Your loss, Santander.

I had no trouble making telegraphic transfers from the UK to Chile using the telephone banking service -- that is, until the Alliance and Leicester was taken over by the Santander. Now it's more computerized and become a complete nightmare. The security questions seem designed to trip you up, when faxed proof of identity is mandatory for all subsequent transfers. Last time the the confirmation phone call got us out of bed. This time no call has been received and no transfer made, and this after two weeks of my phoning four Santander Bank departments. The transfers are small pension payments that are made every few months and can be verified by fax, email or telephone to the parties concerned. Santander operators are friendly, and probably do their best to help. But nothing happens: you're just given the run around. Avoid the Santander if you can. You'll not feel that savings the bank does its best to withhold from you are savings in safe hands.

My card was eaten by a cash machine which decided to re-boot itself during my transaction. I called Santander to report my card lost and order a new card. I have had the same account number for about 30 years although it has passed from National Giro to Alliance & Leics and more recently to Santander so they should know me! What I thought was a simple phone call turned into my worst nightmare. I cant remember the last time I had to phone the bank, it is probably 10 years ago; the first thing they asked for was a log in and pin number; how am i supposed to know what these are when I am away from home and a computer? Then after being put through to an adviser I am asked continual security questions until I get one wrong when they tell me I have failed security and have to ring back and try again. I spoke to 3 advisers and 2 managers; all of them were the most unhelpful, unsympathetic automatons I have ever spoken to; none of them had any idea about looking after customers. After the 3rd attempt and about 30 minutes on the phone I completely lost it; I only want to order a new card for them to send to my name at my home address which they have known for years!!! Why is that so difficult? Now they have very kindly locked me out and the only way I can progress this is to go home, get 2 separate forms of identity with photos and go into my local branch; I have never been in a bank for years, I don’t even know where the local branch is! I would warn anyone against opening an account with this lot; I am moving banks as soon as I can!

writing on behalf of my friend who happens to be severly sight impared he has had nothing but trouble with this bank, not only do they seem unempathetic with his situation, his large print statements always two to three months late and still unclear, he asked instead could he recieve in braille as which to which they refused and the cashier seemed obtuse to what braille is. not only this but he is now on his 7th card after endless wrong fraud blocks and the chips malfuctioning. quite frankly frankly this bank has appauling service and doesn't seem to be able to cope with simple requests.

Do not switch to Santander for your current account.

I was foolish to apply for a current account and use their switching service. Three weeks after applying I received a letter (8 December 2010) dated a week prior saying that all my direct debits would be transfered on 1 December 2010.

I telephoned Santander to ask for an overdraft. This request was refused and they would not enter into why or be able to offer one. I currently have one with Lloyds TSB and rarly go overdrawn (I can count the times in 15 years on one hand)

They do offer a £100 bonus for moving to Santander and using their switching service but this will only cover any fees for going into an unauthorised overdraft. Beware.