General Information

Santander UK is a large retail and commercial bank based in the UK and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the major global bank Banco Santander. It is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. It manages its affairs autonomously, with its own local management team, responsible solely for its performance. It has its origins in three constituent companies—Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley—all former mutual building societies. It is one of the leading personal financial services companies in the United Kingdom, and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings in the United Kingdom.

Regulation

Santander UK Plc is a regulated institution under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. It holds a Market Making (MM) license type and has been regulated since December 1, 2001. The institution operates with the license type of “No Sharing.” You can contact them via email at customerservices@santander.co.uk and find more information on their website: https://www.santander.co.uk/. The regulatory status does not specify an expiry date, and Santander UK Plc is located at 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, UNITED KINGDOM, with a phone number of 448003897000. Certified documents related to their regulatory status are not provided in the information provided.

Pros and Cons

Santander offers a wide range of financial products and services to cater to diverse customer needs. However, it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when evaluating their offerings.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Product Range: Santander provides a diverse selection of banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing options, allowing customers to find suitable solutions for their financial goals.

2. Accessible Customer Support: Customers can easily reach Santander's support through telephone, live chat, or the ATM/Branch Locator. The extended hours of operation and accessibility options accommodate various needs.

3. Regulated Institution: Santander is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing customers with confidence in their financial stability and adherence to industry standards.

Cons:

1. Monthly Fees: Some of Santander's current accounts come with monthly fees, which may not be ideal for individuals seeking fee-free options.

2. Complexity: With numerous products and services, navigating Santander's offerings can be overwhelming for some customers who may prefer simpler banking solutions.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility criteria apply to certain products, such as personal loans, which may limit access to individuals who do not meet specific income or credit requirements.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of Santander:

Market Instruments

The Santander UKs segments include Retail Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Retail Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services to individuals and small businesses, through a network of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as through telephony, digital, mobile and intermediary channels. The Corporate & Commercial Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services include loans, bank accounts, deposits, treasury services, trade and asset finance for small medium enterprises (SME) and corporate customers. The Corporate & Investment Banking segment serves corporate clients and financial institutions.

Here's a summary of their products:

1. Current Accounts:

• Santander Edge Up Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills, supermarket, and travel costs.

• Earn interest on credit balances up to £25,000.

• Requires funding the account with £1,500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £5 monthly fee.

• Santander Edge Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills at supermarkets and travel spend.

• Access to an optional savings account with exclusive rates.

• Requires funding the account with £500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £3 monthly fee.

• Everyday Current Account:

• Simple and straightforward account with no monthly fee.

• 1|2|3 Student Current Account:

• Free 16-25 railcard for four years.

• Interest-free overdraft of £1,500 for the first 3 years of studies.

• Requires regular deposits of at least £500 every 4 months.

• 1|2|3 Mini Current Account:

• Designed to help children and young people learn money management.

• Offers interest on balances at certain thresholds.

• Choice of contactless debit card or cash card.

• Basic Current Account:

• Suitable for those with poor credit history or newcomers to the UK.

1. Mortgages:

• Services for first-time buyers, home movers, and those looking to remortgage.

• Options for changing lenders, borrowing more money, and managing existing mortgages.

• Later life mortgages for individuals aged 55 or over.

• Partnership with ufurnish.com for home furnishing experiences.

1. Credit Cards:

• Range of credit cards for various needs, including:

• All in One Credit Card

• Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

• Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card

• Santander World Elite™ Mastercard®

1. Savings and ISAs:

• Savings and ISAs for different goals, including:

• Easy Access Saver

• Regular Saver

• Santander Edge Saver

• Easy Access ISA

• Fixed Rate ISAs

• Fixed Term Bonds

• Junior ISA

• Inheritance ISA

1. Investments:

• Investment options with cashback incentives.

• Investment Hub for online advice and fund selection.

• Investment advice and resources available.

1. Insurance:

• Home insurance, including contents insurance for renters.

• Life insurance, including critical illness cover.

• Health insurance.

• Mortgage life insurance.

• Family and lifestyle insurance.

• Over 50s Life Insurance.

• Car insurance, including electric vehicle insurance.

• Travel insurance.

• Business insurance and landlord insurance.

1. Personal Loan:

• Personal loans with fixed interest rates.

• Loan amounts from £1,000 to £25,000.

• Flexible repayment terms.

• Loan eligibility criteria apply.

Santander provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to cater to their customers' banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing needs.

Accounts

Six digit account sort codes are used in the range between 09-00-xx to 09-19-xx. Sort codes for accounts formerly held by Alliance & Leicester use the range 09-01-31 to 09-01-36.

Credit Rating

In October 2011, Moody's downgraded the credit rating of twelve financial firms in the United Kingdom, including Santander UK, blaming financial weakness. In June 2012, Moody rated Santander UK as being in a more financially healthy position than its parent company, Banco Santander.

Deposit & Withdrawal

In November 2009, Santander launched the first current account in the United Kingdom without fees (including unauthorised overdrafts) for its current and future mortgage customers. In January 2010, the bank began waiving fees for customers using Santander's automated teller machines in Spain, which traditionally would incur fees for transactions in a foreign currency.

Accepted Countries

Santander's Corporate and Commercial Banking division operates from a number of regional business banking centres across the United Kingdom. Less than 1% of Santander UK's business is held abroad.

Customer Service

Santander has frequently been rated the worst bank for customer service in the United Kingdom, although by July 2011 had sought to improve, notably by returning call centre operations to the United Kingdom from India. Its '123' product range was ranked third best in the United Kingdom in 2013, and in a moneysavingexpert.com poll in February 2014, customers ranked their satisfaction higher than with any of other main high street banks.

Santander's customer support offers several ways to contact them and obtain assistance:

1. Telephone Support:

• Customers can reach a Customer Service Center Advisor at 1-877-768-2265.

• Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday.

• For customers with hearing/speech impairments, there is a dedicated relay service at 7-1-1.

1. International Calls:

• For customers calling from outside the United States, there is a local number: 1-401-824-3400.

1. Live Chat:

• Customers can use the live chat feature on the Santander website to get real-time assistance with their inquiries or problems.

1. ATM/Branch Locator:

• For information on ATM and branch locations as well as their hours of operation, customers can use the ATM/Branch Locator on the Santander website.

Santander's customer support is accessible through various channels, including phone, chat, and online resources, ensuring that customers have multiple options to address their banking needs and inquiries. The telephone support hours are accommodating, and they provide accessibility options for customers with hearing or speech impairments.

Summary

Santander UK Plc is a regulated financial institution under the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. They offer a diverse range of financial products and services, including current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, savings and ISAs, investments, insurance, and personal loans. Santander provides accessible customer support through telephone, live chat, and an ATM/Branch Locator, ensuring customers have various ways to seek assistance with their financial needs. Their customer service hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday. Santander's comprehensive product offerings aim to meet a wide array of customer banking and financial requirements.

FAQs

Q: What types of current accounts does Santander offer？

A: Santander offers various current account options, including the Santander Edge Up, Santander Edge, Everyday Current Account, and specialized accounts for students and children.

Q: How can I contact Santander's customer support？

A: You can reach Santander's customer support by calling 1-877-768-2265 for general inquiries. For international calls, dial 1-401-824-3400. Alternatively, you can use the live chat feature on their website.

Q: Are there fees associated with Santander's current accounts？

A: Some current accounts may have monthly fees, such as £5 for the Santander Edge Up Current Account and £3 for the Santander Edge Current Account. The Everyday Current Account, however, has no monthly fee.

Q: What types of insurance does Santander offer？

A: Santander provides a range of insurance options, including home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and travel insurance, catering to various coverage needs.

Q: Can I apply for a personal loan from Santander？

A: Yes, Santander offers personal loans with fixed interest rates. You can apply for loan amounts ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, with flexible repayment terms. Eligibility criteria apply, and you can typically get a decision within 5 minutes.

Overview of Avatrade

Avatrade is an online forex and CFD broker that was established in 2006. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and is regulated by several financial authorities around the world, including ASIC, CBI, FSA, FSCA, FSC, CBI, FFAJ.

As a market maker broker, Avatrade offers a range of tradable assets including forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker provides clients with access to multiple trading platforms, including AvaTradeGO, MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaOptions, and DupliTrade. Mobile trading is also available.

Avatrade requires a minimum deposit of $100 to open an account, and clients can choose from a variety of payment methods including credit/debit card, bank transfer, e-wallets, and Rapid Transfer.

Customer support is available via live chat, phone, email, and a knowledge base. The broker also provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, trading videos, and articles.

Is Avatrade Legit or a scam？

Avatrade is regulated by multiple financial regulatory authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands, and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and The Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ). These regulatory bodies ensure that Avatrade operates with transparency, integrity, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd - authorized by ASIC (Australia) registration no. 406684

• AVA Trade EU Ltd - authorized by Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)

• Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd - authorized by FSCA (South Africa) registration no. 45984

• Ava Trade Japan K.K. - authorized by FSA (Japan) registration no. 2010401081157 and FFAJ registration no. 1574

• Ava Trade Middle East Ltd - authorized by FRSA (Abu Dhabi Global Markets) registration no. 190018

• AVA Trade EU Limited - authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), holding a license of European Authorized Representative (EEA), registration no. 504072

Pros and Cons of Avatrade

When it comes to choosing a broker, it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons to determine which one is right for you. Some potential advantages of a broker may include competitive fees and spreads, a user-friendly platform, and a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options. Additionally, a regulated broker can provide peace of mind knowing that your funds are protected.

However, there may also be potential downsides to consider, such as limited trading instruments, customer support options, and research tools. A high minimum deposit requirement and limited bonus offers may also be a drawback for some traders.

Market Intruments

Avatrade offers a wide range of trading instruments across various markets, including forex, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, spread betting, FX OPtions. Here's a breakdown of the market instruments available:

• Forex: Avatrade offers more than 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

• Stocks: Traders can trade stocks from major global exchanges, such as NASDAQ, NYSE, LSE, and more.

• Commodities: Avatrade offers trading in precious metals like gold and silver, energy commodities like oil and gas, and agricultural commodities like wheat and coffee.

• Cryptocurrencies: This broker offers trading in popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin, as well as lesser-known coins like Dash, Monero, and NEO.

• Indices: Avatrade provides access to major indices, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and more.

• FX options allow traders to take advantage of currency movements while limiting their risk. With FX options, traders can set a specific strike price at which they want to buy or sell a currency pair, and the option will be exercised only if the market reaches that price. This allows traders to potentially profit from market movements while limiting their potential losses.

• Spread betting is a tax-free way to speculate on the direction of various financial markets, including forex, commodities, and indices. With spread betting, traders can bet on whether the market will rise or fall and potentially profit from both upward and downward movements.

Account Types

When it comes to account types, Avatrade only offers a standard account. This means that all clients will have access to the same features and trading conditions, regardless of the size of their deposit.

The standard account provides access to all of Avatrade's trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This means that traders can diversify their portfolio and take advantage of different market conditions, all within the same account.

Avatrade has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is relatively low compared to other brokers in the industry. For example, brokers like IG and Saxo Bank have a minimum deposit requirement of $300 and $10,000, respectively. However, there are other brokers that have a lower minimum deposit requirement than Avatrade. For instance, Pepperstone and XM have a minimum deposit requirement of $0 and $5, respectively.

Demo Accounts

Avatrade offers demo accounts for traders who want to practice their trading skills or test out the trading platform without risking real money. The demo account allows traders to access the full range of trading instruments and features on the Avatrade platform using virtual funds. It is a useful tool for new traders to get familiar with the platform and for experienced traders to test new strategies before using them in live trading. The demo account is available for 21 days and can be renewed upon request.

How to open an account？

When it comes to the process of opening an account with Avatrade, rest assured that it is one of the most streamlined and user-friendly experiences out there. Not only is the process simple and straightforward, but it is also designed to ensure that new traders can start their journey with ease.

• First, you need to visit the Avatrade website and click on the “Register” button, which is prominently displayed on the homepage.

• Then, you will then be taken to a registration form where you will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, email address, and phone number. You will also need to create a password and select your account currency.

• After filling out the registration form, you will need to verify your identity by submitting a copy of your government-issued ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement. This is a standard requirement for all regulated brokers and is done to ensure the security and integrity of the trading platform.

• Once your account is verified, you can fund your account using one of the many payment options available, such as credit/debit card, bank transfer, or electronic wallets like Neteller or Skrill. After funding your account, you can download the Avatrade trading platform or use the web-based version to start trading.

Leverage

Avatrade offers leverage of up to 1:400 for forex trading and up to 1:200 for other instruments such as commodities and indices. This means that traders can control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. However, it's important to keep in mind that leverage can magnify both profits and losses, and traders should use it responsibly and with caution.

Avatrade also offers a range of leverage options for different account types, including 1:30 for retail clients in compliance with ESMA regulations and 1:400 for professional clients. It's important to note that professional clients must meet certain criteria to qualify for higher leverage.

Overall, Avatrade's leverage offerings are competitive with other brokers in the industry and can provide traders with greater trading opportunities. However, traders should always consider their risk management strategies and use leverage responsibly.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Avatrade offers competitive spreads and charges no commission fees for trading on its platform. The spreads offered by Avatrade vary depending on the trading instrument and market conditions. For example, the typical spread for EUR/USD is 0.9 pips, while for GBP/USD, it is 1.5 pips. Spreads for other instruments, such as indices and commodities, also vary.

However, it's important to note that spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility. Additionally, Avatrade charges commissions on certain trading instruments such as CFDs, which can impact the overall cost of trading. Traders should compare the spreads and commission rates of Avatrade with other brokers to determine if it meets their trading needs and preferences.

Non-Trading Fees

Non-trading fees are the fees that a broker charges for activities other than trading, such as deposit and withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and account closure fees. These fees can significantly impact the profitability of a trader, and it's important to be aware of them when choosing a broker.

Avatrade has several non-trading fees that traders should be aware of. Here's a breakdown of the fees:

Overall, Avatrade's non-trading fees are reasonable compared to other brokers in the industry. The deposit fee is free, which is a significant advantage, but the withdrawal fee can be relatively high, depending on the payment method used. The inactivity fee is also something to keep in mind, as it can add up quickly if there is no trading activity. However, it's important to note that the inactivity fee is only charged after 12 months of inactivity, which is longer than some other brokers.

Trading Platform

Avatrade offers a selection of trading platforms that are designed to meet the needs of different types of traders. Here are some of the trading platforms offered by Avatrade:

1. AvatradeGO: This is a mobile app that is available on both iOS and Android platforms. It allows traders to access their accounts and trade on the go.

2. MT4: Avatrade offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely used by traders around the world. MT4 is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and a range of custom indicators and expert advisors.

3. MT5: Avatrade also offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, which is the successor to MT4. MT5 has several new features, including more advanced charting tools, a wider range of order types, and improved back-testing capabilities.

4. WebTrader: Avatrade's WebTrader platform allows traders to access their accounts and trade directly from their web browser. The platform is easy to use and offers a range of trading tools and indicators.

5. AvaOptions: This is Avatrade's platform for trading options. It offers a range of options trading tools, including risk management tools, and a range of customizable trading strategies.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Avatrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. The methods available may vary depending on the client's location and the currency used.

Deposit options include bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, Neteller, Skrill, WebMoney, and others. The processing time for deposits is usually instant or up to one business day.

Withdrawal options include bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, Neteller, Skrill, WebMoney, and others. Withdrawals usually take 1-2 business days to process.

Avatrade does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees, but clients may incur fees from their payment provider or bank.

To withdraw funds from your Avatrade account, you need to follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Avatrade account.

2. Click on the “Withdraw Funds” tab located in the main menu.

3. Choose your preferred withdrawal method from the list of available options, such as bank wire, credit card, or electronic payment systems like Skrill or Neteller.

4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and any necessary payment details.

5. Review and confirm the transaction details.

6. Submit your withdrawal request.

It's important to note that Avatrade requires you to withdraw funds using the same payment method that you used to deposit funds into your account. The processing time for withdrawals varies depending on the payment method, but Avatrade strives to process all withdrawal requests within 24 hours.

Customer Support

Avatrade offers customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, phone support, email, and an online contact form. They have customer support available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, and Chinese.

Their customer support team is available 24/5, meaning that they are available Monday through Friday to help with any questions or concerns that traders may have. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section on their website, which covers a wide range of topics related to the platform and trading.

Avatrade's customer support has received positive reviews for their responsiveness and helpfulness. They also offer free educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.

Educational Resources

Avatrade offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. They have a comprehensive educational section on their website that includes a range of materials such as e-books, video tutorials, webinars, and trading courses.

The e-books cover a range of topics, from basic trading concepts to advanced strategies. The video tutorials are easy to follow and cover a variety of topics, including trading platforms, technical analysis, and risk management.

Avatrade also offers webinars that are conducted by experienced traders and cover a variety of topics. These webinars are interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and receive feedback from the presenter. Additionally, they offer a range of trading courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced traders.

Conclusion

Avatrade is a well-established broker with a long history of providing trading services to traders worldwide. They offer a variety of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, with competitive spreads and leverage options. Their trading platform is user-friendly and provides a range of advanced tools and features for traders of all skill levels. Additionally, they provide excellent customer support, educational resources, and a demo account for traders to practice their strategies. However, there are some downsides to consider, such as higher non-trading fees and limited account options.

FAQs

• Q: Is Avatrade regulated？

A: Yes, Avatrade is regulated by multiple reputable authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, the Financial Services Commission in the British Virgin Islands, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

• Q: Does Avatrade offer a demo account？

A: Yes, Avatrade offers a free demo account for traders to practice and test their strategies before trading with real money.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement for Avatrade？

A: The minimum deposit requirement for Avatrade is $100.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on Avatrade's platform？

A: Avatrade offers a wide range of trading instruments including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by Avatrade？

A: The maximum leverage offered by Avatrade is 1:400.

• Q: Does Avatrade charge any trading fees？

A: Yes, Avatrade charges spreads and commissions on certain trading instruments.

• Q: What deposit and withdrawal methods are available on Avatrade's platform？

A: Avatrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.

• Q: Does Avatrade provide educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, Avatrade provides a range of educational resources including webinars, e-books, trading courses, and more.

• Q: What kind of customer support does Avatrade offer？

A: Avatrade offers 24/5 customer support through phone, email, as well as an extensive FAQ section on their website.