What you need to bring and where to start

You can open a Santander savings account either online or by visiting a branch in person. Both routes take about 15 to 20 minutes. The online route is faster if you have your documents ready; the branch route lets you ask questions and get help on the spot.

Before you start, gather a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. If you're opening the account online, you'll photograph or upload these documents. If you're going to a branch, bring the originals.

You'll also need to decide how much money you want to deposit to open the account. Santander savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit, which means you can open an account with as little as $1. However, some account types may have minimum balance requirements to earn interest or avoid monthly fees, so ask about this before you choose which type of account to open.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a Santander savings account.
  • Opening an account online takes about 15 to 20 minutes and requires you to upload documents; opening at a branch takes the same time but lets you speak with someone in person.
  • Santander savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit, though some account types charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a certain amount.
  • Once your account is open, you can deposit money by transferring it from another bank, using a debit card at an ATM, or depositing cash or checks at a Santander branch.

Opening an account online through Santander's website

Go to Santander's website and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. Select "Savings Account" from the account type options. The site will ask you to enter your email address, create a password, and confirm your date of birth.

Next, you'll enter your personal information: full name, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. The system will ask whether you want to open the account as an individual or jointly with another person. If you're opening it jointly, the other person will need to verify their identity separately later.

When prompted, upload clear photos of both sides of your ID and your proof of address. Make sure the documents are well-lit and all text is readable. The system will verify your documents, which usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours. Once verified, you'll choose your account type (Santander offers different savings products with different interest rates and fee structures), set up a PIN for your debit card if you want one, and confirm your opening deposit amount.

Opening an account at a Santander branch

Find your nearest Santander branch using the branch locator on their website or by calling 1-855-289-4802. Walk in during business hours with your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. Tell the person at the desk that you want to open a savings account.

A representative will sit with you and walk through the same information you'd enter online: your name, address, Social Security number, and the type of account you want. They'll make copies of your documents and ask you to sign paperwork. This is also the time to ask questions about fees, interest rates, or how the account works — the representative can explain your options before you commit.

Once everything is signed, you'll make your opening deposit. You can pay with cash, a check, or a debit card. The representative will give you temporary access information and order your debit card, which will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account when ready, even before the card arrives, by setting up online banking or visiting the branch.

Understanding Santander savings account types and fees

Santander offers several savings account options, and the one that makes sense for you depends on how much money you plan to keep in the account and how often you'll use it. A basic savings account typically has no monthly fee if you maintain a low minimum balance — often $100 to $500, depending on the specific product. If your balance drops below that, you may pay a monthly maintenance fee of $5 to $10.

Some Santander savings accounts offer higher interest rates if you keep a larger balance or meet other requirements, such as setting up direct deposit of your paycheck. Interest rates change over time, so ask the representative what rate you'll earn and whether it's may provide or variable. A variable rate means the bank can change it; a may provide rate means it stays the same for a set period.

Ask about any other fees before you open the account: fees for withdrawing money, fees for transferring money to another bank, or fees for closing the account early. Most Santander savings accounts have no withdrawal fees, but it's worth confirming. Also ask whether the account comes with a debit card or if you need to request one separately.

Setting up online banking and mobile access

Once your account is open, you can manage it online or through Santander's mobile app. If you opened your account online, you already have login credentials. If you opened it at a branch, the representative will give you a temporary password or a link to set one up.

Go to Santander's website or read the Santander mobile app from your phone's app store. Log in with your username and password. From there, you can check your balance, see your transaction history, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up automatic transfers to other banks. You can also use the app to deposit checks by photographing the front and back — this is called mobile check deposit.

If you want to receive your paycheck directly into your savings account, ask your employer for a direct deposit form. You'll need to provide your Santander account number and routing number, which you can find in online banking or on the temporary paperwork the bank gave you when you opened the account.

Adding money to your new savings account

You have several ways to put money into your Santander savings account. The simplest is to transfer money from another bank account you own. In online banking, select "Transfer Money," choose the account you want to transfer from, enter the amount, and follow the prompts. This usually takes one to three business days.

You can also deposit cash or checks at any Santander branch during business hours. Walk up to the teller, tell them you want to deposit to your savings account, and hand over your cash or check. They'll give you a receipt showing the deposit was recorded. Deposits made before 2 p.m. on a business day usually show up in your account the same day; deposits after 2 p.m. or on weekends may take until the next business day.

If you have a Santander debit card, you can deposit cash at any Santander ATM by inserting your card, selecting "Deposit," and following the on-screen instructions. The ATM will count the cash and confirm the amount before it's added to your account. ATM deposits usually post within a few hours.

What to do if you run into problems

If you can't log into online banking, visit a branch with your ID and they can reset your password or help you regain access. If you think there's an error in your account — a deposit that didn't show up, a fee you don't understand, or a transaction you didn't make — contact Santander right away. Call 1-855-289-4802 or visit a branch and ask to speak with a manager.

If you opened your account online and your documents weren't verified, Santander will send you an email explaining what went wrong. Usually it's because the photo was blurry or the document wasn't fully visible. You can resubmit the documents through the same online form, and verification usually happens within 24 hours the second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Santander savings account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Santander requires a Social Security number to open any account. If you don't have one and are a U.S. resident, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. If you're not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), but you'll need to visit a branch in person and speak with a representative about your specific situation.

How long does it take to start using my account after I open it?

If you open online, you can start using your account when ready — you can transfer money and set up bill pay right away. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open at a branch, you can use your account when ready and may receive a temporary card on the spot, though the permanent card still takes 7 to 10 days to arrive.

What happens if my balance drops below the minimum?

If your account has a minimum balance requirement and your balance falls below it, Santander will charge a monthly maintenance fee — usually $5 to $10, depending on the account type. You can avoid this fee by bringing your balance back above the minimum or by switching to a different account type with no minimum balance requirement.

Can I open a joint savings account with someone else?

Yes. When you open the account, select "Joint Account" instead of "Individual." The other person will need to verify their identity separately, either online or at a branch. Both account holders can access the account and make deposits or withdrawals, and both are responsible for any fees.

Is my money safe in a Santander savings account?

Yes. Santander is a member of the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), which means deposits up to $250,000 per account holder are insured by the federal government. If the bank fails, you won't lose your money. This protection applies to each account type separately, so a savings account and a checking account are each insured up to $250,000.