Brexit and Santander UK plc


  • On 31st January 2020, the UK left the European Union.
  • We’d like to reassure customers that Santander UK plc is a long-established UK bank, part of a major global group and we remain committed to our customers and to the United Kingdom.
  • As a UK bank we’re subject to the requirements of the UK regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
  • Santander UK is a major investor in this country and the UK’s departure from the EU doesn’t change our position. 
  • We remain focused on our purpose – to help people and businesses prosper – and are committed to our customers, our employees and our business. Like any prudent organisation, we’ve been undertaking contingency planning and we’re well positioned to continue to help people and businesses prosper in the weeks and months ahead.
  • We have no plans to make changes to our products if you are a UK resident, but if we do need to make any changes in the coming months, we’ll provide our customers with as much notice as possible and in line with your terms and conditions.

Where are my deposits with Santander UK plc held?

Deposits held with Santander UK plc are held in the UK.

I’m thinking about moving abroad, will there be any changes to the products and services Santander UK plc offers me now the UK has left the EU?

To apply for any Santander UK plc product, you need to be a resident of the UK.

If you’re thinking of moving abroad and you already have an account with us, we’ll continue to service your products. However you need to make sure your account is still right for you, as living abroad will impact your ability to access credit, change account holders, the benefits on your accounts, future changes you may wish to make and, if applicable, how you make repayments. To understand the impacts on your account, please look at our moving abroad page.

There may be countries now or in the future which we will no longer be able to service due to changes in their regulation or political instability. If we are no longer able to service your account when you move abroad, we will let you know when you tell us your new address details.

Is my money secure in the UK?

Santander UK plc customers’ deposits are currently protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme – which applies to eligible deposits held in the UK up to £85,000 per customer. Since the UK has left the EU, the compensation limit continues to be set by the Prudential Regulation Authority and will be independent from any limits set by the EU.

Further information on Brexit and the FSCS can be found on the FSCS website

Will I be able to use Santander cash machines/pay by my Santander debit or credit cards in Europe?

Yes, the use of cash machines and how customers use their cards to pay for goods and services are not affected by the UK’s exit from the EU.

Can I bank online and by mobile when travelling in Europe?

Yes, Online and Mobile Banking aren’t affected by the UK’s exit from the EU.

What does leaving the EU mean for businesses?

We’re here to help your business prosper and to support you. Further business specific support can be found in the section on our dedicated Brexit Business Banking page or speak to your local Business Relationship Manager.

I’d like to complain about a Santander account I opened online, is the European Commission’s Online Dispute Resolution website available?

This service is no longer available. Details on how you can complain about Santander can be found on our complaints page including details of the Financial Ombudsman Service.

How has making international payments and sending money abroad changed?

Now that the UK has left the European Economic Area (EEA), European banks are allowed to take bank fees out of payments you make to accounts in the EEA.

So, while we, Santander UK plc, aren't changing our charges when you send or receive payments to or from the EEA, you may find that European banks now apply charges.

Learn more on our international payments page.

I’m going abroad in the next few weeks and I have a Santander Car Insurance policy, are there any changes? 

If you have a Santander Car Insurance policy and are intending to drive your vehicle in Europe, you may under EU regulations be required to obtain a green card as proof of insurance and those who travel without one may be breaking the law. Please click here for further details.

Where are my deposits with Santander UK plc held?

Deposits held with Santander UK plc are held in the UK.

I currently live outside the UK, will there be any changes to the products and services Santander UK plc offer me now the UK has left the EU?

To apply for a new Santander UK plc product, you need to be a resident of the UK. 

Although we are still able to service any account you have with us, there are points you’ll need to consider going forward to ensure the product is still right for you, as there are some product features which are no longer available. 

If you have a bank account, or credit card we are no longer able to agree:

  • requests for new or increased overdraft limits;
  • requests for new or increased credit card limits, and
  • requests for any additional credit card holders.

If you already have an agreed overdraft, loan or credit card you can continue to use it in line with our current agreement with you and the Terms and Conditions of your account. 

Overall, while we haven’t made any further changes to our services, we’re continuing to consider the consequences of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. We’d like to reassure you that if we do need to make any further changes in the future, we’ll write to you and provide you with as much notice as possible and in line with your terms and conditions. To understand the impacts on your account by being abroad, please look at our moving abroad page.

I currently live outside the UK, now the UK has left the EU are you looking to close my account?

Santander in the UK currently has no plans to close accounts due to Brexit, however we will continue to monitor the situation over the coming months. Although it is our preference not to close customer accounts, if we need to close accounts we'll provide customers with as much notice as possible, and stay in line with your terms and conditions.

Is my money secure in the UK?

Santander UK plc customers’ deposits are currently protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme – which applies to eligible deposits held in the UK up to £85,000 per customer. Since the UK has left the EU, the compensation limit continues to be set by the Prudential Regulation Authority and will be independent from any limits set by the EU.

Further information on Brexit and the FSCS can be found on the FSCS website

Will I be able to use Santander cash machines/pay by my Santander debit or credit cards in Europe?

Yes, the use of cash machines and how customers use their cards to pay for goods and services are not affected by the UK’s exit from the EU.

Can I bank online and by mobile when in Europe?

Yes, Online and Mobile Banking aren’t affected by the UK’s exit from the EU.

I’d like to complain about a Santander account I opened online, is the European Commission’s Online Dispute Resolution website available?

This service is no longer available. Details on how you can complain about Santander can be found on our complaints page including details of the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Can I make payments internationally?

Yes, there are no changes to the international payments you are able to make when sending money abroad.

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