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.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

General Information

What is BlackBull？

BlackBull is an STP (Straight Through Processing) forex broker that provides online trading services to retail and institutional clients. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. BlackBull is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand and offers over 26,000 tradable instruments including forex, energy, indices, cryptocurrencies, equities, and metals. The broker provides clients with multiple trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4/5 and various trading tools. The company also provides educational resources to assist traders in their trading journey.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

BlackBull appears to be a reliable and well-regulated broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, platforms, and educational resources. The broker's emphasis on security and transparency, such as offering segregated accounts and holding funds in Tier 1 New Zealand banks, is also a positive aspect.

However, there have been some negative reviews regarding difficulties in withdrawing funds and claims of the broker being a scam, which is a cause for concern.

It's important to note that this is just a general overview of the pros and cons, and individual experiences may vary.

BlackBull Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to BlackBull depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• UFX - provides a user-friendly trading platform and a wide range of educational materials, but there are some concerns about its regulation and customer service.

• Valutrades - offers competitive spreads and multiple account types, but its product offerings are limited and its customer service could be improved.

• Z.com Trade - offers low spreads and no deposit or withdrawal fees, but its product offerings are limited and it is only regulated in one jurisdiction.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is BlackBull Safe or Scam？

It's difficult to make a definitive determination on whether BlackBull is safe or a scam as there is no clear consensus on the matter. While the broker is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority and claims to hold client funds in safe, Tier 1 New Zealand-based banks with segregated accounts, the negative reviews from some clients who report issues with withdrawing their funds raise concerns. It's important for individuals to conduct their own research, carefully evaluate the broker's features and services, and exercise caution when investing their money.

Market Instruments

BlackBull offers a diverse range of 26,000+ financial instruments across various asset classes, including forex, energy, indices, cryptocurrencies, equities, and metals. Traders have access to a wide range of currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics, and can also trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. Additionally, the broker provides access to a variety of equity CFDs, including those from major markets like the US, Europe, and Asia. Traders can also trade popular indices like major US and the NASDAQ, as well as energy products like crude oil and natural gas. Lastly, BlackBull provides access to precious metals like gold and silver, which are often used as safe-haven assets during times of market volatility. Therefore, both beginners and experienced traders can find what they want to trade on BlackBull.

Accounts

Demo Account: BlackBull provides a demo account that allows you to try out the financial markets without the risk of losing money.

Live Account: BlackBull offers a total of 3 account types: ECN Standard, ECN Prime and ECN Institutional. The minimum deposit to open an account is $0, $2,000 and $20,000 respectively. If you are still a beginner and don't want to invest too much money in Forex trading, the ECN Standard account will be the most suitable option for you.

Leverage

BlackBull offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:500, which is a generous offer and ideal for professional traders and scalpers. However, since leverage can magnify your profits, it can also result in a loss of capital, especially for inexperienced traders. Therefore, traders must choose the right amount according to their risk tolerance.

Spreads & Commissions

BlackBull spreads and commissions depend on the account type. We can see that the spread starts from 0.8 pips on the ECN Standard account, from 0.1 pips on the ECN Prime account, while only the ECN Institutional account can enjoy raw spreads from 0.0 pips.

There is no commission for the ECN Standard account, a commission of 6 USD per lot for the ECN Prime account and 4 USD per lot for the ECN Institutional account.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility.

Trading Platforms

As for the trading platform, BlackBull provides its clients with many options. There are public platforms including TradingView, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), BlackBull Trader, and BlackBull Shares.

TradingView is a popular charting and social trading platform that allows traders to connect with other traders, access a wide range of charting tools, and share trading ideas. MT4 and MT5 are well-known platforms in the forex industry, offering advanced charting capabilities, customizable indicators, and algorithmic trading options. BlackBull Trader is a proprietary platform developed by BlackBull that offers advanced charting and trading tools, while BlackBull Shares is a social trading platform that allows clients to automatically copy the trades of experienced traders.

Overall, BlackBull's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Trading Tools

BlackBull offers Virtual Private Server (VPS) trading to its clients, which is a useful tool for traders who use automated trading strategies or expert advisors. The broker also provides access to other trading tools such as FIX API Trading, which allows traders to connect their own custom software to the BlackBull liquidity pool, as well as Autochartist, which provides market analysis and trading signals. ZuluTrade and MyFxbook are also available for those who want to follow and copy trades of other successful traders. Overall, BlackBull offers a range of trading tools to assist traders in their trading activities.

Deposits & Withdrawals

BlackBull offers its clients multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds, including bank wire, POLi, and credit/debit card (Visa/MasterCard). The base currencies are USD and NZD.

No minimum deposit requirement. No fees for deposits and withdrawals. Most deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours.

BlackBull minimum deposit vs other brokers

See the deposit & withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Note: The above information is subject to change and may vary based on the payment method used. It's always recommended to check with the broker for the most up-to-date and accurate fee information.

To withdraw funds from your account, visit the “My Wallet” tab found on the left-hand side of the portal.

Find the ‘WITHDRAW FUNDS’ tab along the top of this portal page. Within this tab, you will be presented with a 4-step process to request a withdrawal.

Step 1: Select the method by which you want to make a withdrawal. Only methods that you are approved to use will show up as an option to select.

Step 2: Select the wallet from which you want to make a withdrawal. Please note: Each withdrawal request is restricted to one wallet.

Step 3: Specify the amount you want to withdraw.

Step 4: Finally, confirm your request within the Secure Client Area, and the status of your request will change to pending.

Customer Service

Below are the details about the customer service.

• Languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Italian, Thai language, Korean, Arabic, Vietnamese, etc.

• Service Hour: 24/7

• Live chat

• Email: support@blackbull.com

• Phone: +64 9 558 5142

• Address: BlackBull Markets, Level 20, 188 Quay Street, Auckland, 1010

• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp and Telegram

Overall, BlackBull's customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: The information is based on online research and may be subject to change.

Education

A series of educational resources is available at BlackBull, such as webinars, market analysis, and trading videos that cover various topics related to trading.

The educational materials are categorized based on the clients level of experience, with Forex Beginner, Forex Intermediate, and Forex Advanced categories. The educational articles cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of trading to advanced strategies and technical analysis. These resources are designed to help traders develop a better understanding of the markets and improve their trading skills, which can ultimately lead to more successful trades.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported unable to withdraw and scams. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided, BlackBull appears to be a well-regulated broker that offers a wide range of tradable instruments across multiple asset classes, as well as a variety of trading platforms and tools. The broker's educational resources and customer service are also noteworthy.

However, there are some negative reviews from clients regarding difficulty with withdrawals and accusations of being a scam platform, so traders should proceed with caution and do their own research before investing with BlackBull.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)