What you need to open a Santander savings account

Santander requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a savings account. The proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. You will also need an initial deposit, which varies by account type but is often $25 or less for basic savings accounts.

You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Santander branch. The online route is fastest if you have a camera or scanner to upload your documents. In-person opening takes about 20 minutes and requires no scanning. Phone opening is possible but slower because a representative has to walk you through each step and you still need to mail or upload documents afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, proof of address dated within 60 days, and an opening deposit to start a Santander savings account.
  • Online opening is fastest if you can upload documents; in-person opening at a branch takes about 20 minutes and requires no scanning.
  • Santander savings accounts earn interest, but the rate changes with the market and is typically lower than online-only banks offer.
  • Your account number and routing number are ready to use when ready after approval, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day.

Opening an account online through Santander's website

Go to santander.com and look for the "Open an Account" or "Savings" button on the homepage. You will be asked to choose which type of savings account you want — Santander typically offers a basic savings account and sometimes a money market account with a higher interest rate if you keep a larger balance. Select the one that fits your needs and click through to the process.

The online form asks for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. You will then upload a photo of your ID (driver's license or passport work) and a photo of your proof of address. Make sure both documents are clear and fully visible — blurry corners or cut-off text can delay approval. After you submit, Santander verifies your information, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Once approved, you will see your account number and routing number on screen. You can use these when ready to set up direct deposit with your employer or to transfer money from another bank. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in person at a Santander branch

Bring your photo ID, Social Security card (or a document with your Social Security number), proof of address, and your opening deposit — cash or a check. Walk into any Santander branch during business hours and tell a representative you want to open a savings account. They will hand you an process form or walk you through it on their computer.

The representative verifies your documents on the spot, enters your information into the system, and processes your opening deposit. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You leave with your account number and routing number printed on a receipt, and your debit card is ordered to arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account number for transfers or direct deposit the same day.

Understanding Santander savings account features and rates

Santander savings accounts earn interest, meaning the bank pays you a small percentage of your balance each month. The rate is set by Santander and changes when the Federal Reserve changes interest rates — it is not locked in. Current rates are typically between 0.01% and 0.05% annually, depending on the account type and market conditions. This means on a $1,000 balance, you might earn $0.10 to $0.50 per year. Online-only banks often pay higher rates, sometimes 4% or more, but Santander's advantage is the branch network if you need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person.

Most Santander savings accounts have no monthly maintenance fee if you keep a minimum balance — often $500 or $1,000 — or if you set up direct deposit. If your balance falls below the minimum and you do not have direct deposit, a small monthly fee (usually $5 to $10) may explore. Check the specific account terms when you open, because these rules vary slightly by account type.

You can withdraw money from your savings account at any Santander ATM for free, or at any ATM in the Allpoint network (over 55,000 ATMs worldwide). Transfers to other banks take 1 to 3 business days. You can make up to six transfers or withdrawals per month before Santander charges a fee, though this rule is less common now than it used to be.

Setting up direct deposit and transfers

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit by giving your employer your account number and Santander's routing number (1110001000 for most Santander accounts, but confirm with your bank or the paperwork you received). Direct deposit usually begins within one or two pay cycles. You can also transfer money from another bank account by logging into your Santander account online or through the mobile app, selecting "Transfer Money," and entering the other bank's routing number and your account number there.

Incoming transfers from other banks take 1 to 3 business days to show up in your Santander account. Outgoing transfers to other banks also take 1 to 3 business days. If you need money faster, you can visit a Santander branch and withdraw cash, or use your debit card to spend directly from the account.

What to do if your process is denied or delayed

Santander may deny an account opening if you have unpaid overdraft fees or negative balances at other banks, a history of fraud, or if your identity cannot be verified. If your process is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can call Santander at 1-855-289-4802 to ask for details or to dispute the decision if you believe the information is wrong.

If your process is delayed — taking longer than a few hours — it usually means Santander is verifying your address or Social Security number with a third party. This can take up to 24 hours. You can check the status of your process by logging into the Santander website with the email and temporary password you created, or by calling the number on your process confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Santander savings account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Santander requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you have neither, you will need to contact Santander directly to ask about alternatives, though most banks have the same requirement.

What happens if I do not meet the minimum balance requirement?

If your account requires a minimum balance and your balance falls below it, Santander charges a monthly fee — typically $5 to $10 — until your balance rises again or you set up direct deposit. You can avoid this by keeping the minimum balance or by arranging direct deposit with your employer.

Can I open a joint savings account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders need to provide ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. You can open a joint account online or in person. Both names appear on the account, and either person can withdraw money or make transfers.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers when ready, even before the card arrives. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw from any Santander branch or ATM using your account number.

Can I change my account type after opening?

Yes. You can contact Santander by phone or visit a branch to switch to a different savings account type — for example, from a basic savings account to a money market account. There is no fee to change, and your account number stays the same.