What you need to open a Santander savings account
Santander lets you open a savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or cash if you go to a branch. Most people can complete the online process in about 10 minutes.
If you are opening an account online, you will also need an email address and a phone number where Santander can reach you. The bank will send you a verification code by text or email to confirm your identity before the account opens.
Santander has different savings products with different rules. The most common is a regular savings account, which has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement at most branches. Some Santander locations offer higher-yield savings accounts that pay more interest, but these sometimes require a larger opening deposit — check with your local branch or online to see what is available in your area.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Santander savings account online, by phone, or at a branch using your ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account.
- Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires an email address and phone number for identity verification.
- Most Santander savings accounts have no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit, though some higher-yield accounts may require more.
- You can fund your new account when ready with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash at a branch.
- Your account number and routing number will be ready to use as soon as the account opens, usually within the same day.
Opening an account online
Go to Santander's website and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. Click it and select "Savings Account." You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Santander will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have had a Santander account before.
After you submit this information, Santander will send a verification code to your phone or email. Enter that code to confirm your identity. The bank will then show you the account terms and ask you to agree to them. Read through the fee schedule and interest rate information — this tells you whether there are any monthly charges and how much interest your money will earn.
Once you agree, you will be asked to fund the account. You can use a debit card, transfer money from another bank account, or (at some branches) deposit cash. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type — check the account details page to see what applies to the account you chose. After you fund it, your account opens when ready and you will receive your account number and routing number right away.
Opening an account at a branch
Find your nearest Santander branch using the bank's branch locator on its website. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — a debit card, a check from another bank, or cash. A Santander employee will fill out the account paperwork with you, answer questions about the different savings products, and help you decide which account fits your situation.
The branch employee will verify your identity by scanning your ID and confirming your Social Security number. They will then ask you to sign the account agreement and choose how much to deposit to open the account. If you bring cash or a check, they will process it right there. If you use a debit card, they will run it as a transfer. Your account opens on the spot, and you will leave with your account number, routing number, and a temporary debit card or information about ordering one.
Opening an account by phone
Call Santander's customer service line at 1-855-289-2265 (this number may vary by region — check your local Santander branch or website for the correct number). A representative will walk you through the account opening process over the phone. You will need to provide the same information as you would online: your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and phone number.
The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions and may send a verification code to your phone. Once your identity is confirmed, they will explain the different savings account options and help you choose one. You will then authorize a funding method — a debit card, a transfer from another bank, or a check you can mail in. The account usually opens within one business day.
What happens after your account opens
Your Santander savings account is ready to use as soon as it opens. You can transfer money in from another bank, deposit checks by mail or mobile app (if your account type supports mobile deposit), or visit a branch to deposit cash. Your account number and routing number are the two pieces of information you need to receive money from an employer, government agency, or another person.
Santander will send you a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you ordered one. You can also set up online banking right away by going to Santander's website and creating a login using your account number and Social Security number. Online banking lets you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and set up automatic transfers.
Your savings account will earn interest on the money you keep in it. The interest rate changes over time and varies depending on which savings product you opened. You can check your current rate and interest earned by logging into online banking or calling customer service.
Documents you will need at each step
| Opening Method | Documents and Information Needed | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Photo ID, Social Security number, email, phone number, debit card or bank account for funding | About 10 minutes |
| At a branch | Photo ID, Social Security number, cash, debit card, or check for funding | 15 to 30 minutes |
| By phone | Photo ID nearby, Social Security number, phone number, debit card or bank account for funding | 20 to 30 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Santander savings account?
Most Santander savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit, though some higher-yield savings accounts may require $25,000 or more. Check the account details on Santander's website or ask at your local branch to see what applies to the specific account you want to open.
Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Santander requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. Contact your local branch or call customer service to confirm whether your situation qualifies.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Santander usually mails a debit card within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can use your account number and routing number to receive deposits before the card arrives. If you need a card faster, ask at a branch whether they can issue a temporary card on the spot.
What is the difference between a savings account and a checking account at Santander?
A savings account is meant for money you want to keep and earn interest on. A checking account is meant for everyday spending and bill payments. Savings accounts usually have limits on how many times per month you can withdraw money, while checking accounts do not. Santander offers both products, and you can open either one or both.
Can I open an account for someone else, like a child?
Santander offers youth savings accounts for minors, but a parent or guardian must open the account and be listed as the account owner. The child's name can be added as an authorized user. Visit a branch or call customer service to learn about youth account options and age requirements.