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.

General Information

Eightcap is a popular online forex and CFDs broker that offers access to trade various financial markets. The broker was founded in 2009 in Melbourne, Australia, and has since expanded its presence to other regions such as Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Eightcap prides itself on providing a user-friendly trading experience, robust trading platforms, and competitive trading conditions for its clients.

The broker offers a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including 800+CFDs on forex, commodity, crypto, index, and share. Clients can access these markets through the popular trading platforms, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView. The broker also offers three types of account types to suit the individual needs of its clients, including Standard, Raw and TradingView, with the minimum deposit requirement of $100.

Pros and Cons

Eightcap is a global forex and CFD broker offering many features and benefits that make it an attractive choice for traders of all levels. One of the primary advantages of Eightcap is its range of trading instruments, including CFDs on forex, commodity, crypto, index, and share. This diversity allows traders to take advantage of a wide range of market opportunities and build diversified portfolios.

In addition to its broad range of trading instruments, Eightcap also offers competitive trading conditions, such as tight spreads and low commissions, which can help traders maximize their profits. The broker also provides access to multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as TradingView.

While there are many benefits to trading with Eightcap, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of these is the limited selection of educational resources, which may be a disadvantage for novice traders. Additionally, the broker does not currently offer social trading options and 24/7 customer support.

Is Eightcap Legit?

Yes, Eightcap is considered a legitimate broker, regulated by reputable financial authorities including ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and SCB (Bahamas). These regulatory bodies impose strict rules and regulations on the broker to ensure they operate in a fair and transparent manner, thereby providing traders with a safe and secure trading environment.

EIGHTCAP PTY LTD, its Australian entity, is authorized and regulated by the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) under the regulatory license number 391441.

Eightcap EU Ltd, is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) under license no. 246/14.

Eightcap Group Ltd, its UK entity, is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the regulatory license number of 921296.

Eightcap Global Limited, the international entity, is authorized and offshore regulated by the Security Commission of the Bamas (SCB) under the regulatory license number of SIA-F220.

Market Instruments

800+ CFDs on forex, commodity, crypto, index, share... EightCap allows clients to access a huge range of trading markets. Therefore, both beginners and experienced traders can find what they want to trade on EightCap.

Account Types

Live Accounts: EightCap offers three types of accounts at EightCap: Raw, Standard and TradingView accounts. All require a moderate minimum deposit of 100 USD, which is quite friendly for beginners. Their most relevant differences consist in the spreads, the raw account has a lower spread. Standard and TradingView accounts offers a commission-free trading environment, yet compensated by wider spreads, while Raw accounts offers raw spreads, accompanied by additional commissions.

The Raw Account is designed for traders seeking tight spreads and transparent pricing. With a minimum deposit of $100, traders can access over 800 instruments with spreads starting from 0.0 pips. However, a commission is charged on each side of the trade, ranging from $3.5 for major currencies like AUD, USD, NZD, SGD, and CAD, to $2.25 for GBP and $2.75 for EUR per standard lot traded. This account type allows scalping and supports a wide range of base currencies, including AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, and SGD. The minimum trade size is 0.01 lots, with a maximum of 100 lots.

The Standard Account is designed for traders seeking a more straightforward pricing structure. With a minimum deposit of $100, traders can access over 800 instruments with spreads starting from 1.0 pips. No commissions are charged, making it a cost-effective option for traders who prefer to pay through the spread. Like the Raw Account, the Standard Account allows scalping, supports multiple base currencies, and offers the same minimum and maximum trade sizes, margin call levels, and stop-out levels.

The TradingView Account is a unique offering that integrates with the popular TradingView platform. With a minimum deposit of $100, traders can access over 800 instruments with spreads starting from 1.0 pip and no commissions charged. This account type is suitable for traders who prefer to use the TradingView platform for analysis and trading. Similar to the other account types, the TradingView Account allows scalping, supports a wide range of base currencies, and offers the same minimum and maximum trade sizes, margin call levels, and stop-out levels.

Demo Accounts

Aside from two types of live trading accounts, Eightcap offers a 30-day demo account for traders who want to practice and test their trading strategies without risking real money. The demo account is free and is designed to simulate real market conditions, allowing traders to get a feel for the platform and instruments before they start trading with a live account. The demo account is funded with virtual money and offers access to the same features as the live account, including a range of instruments and trading platforms.

Leverage

The maximum leverage is determined by the regulator; the maximum ASIC leverage is only 1:30, but the Bahamas SCB allows a leverage of 1:500. However, other trading conditions may vary accordingly and you can decide for yourself.

High leverage is ideal for active traders and scalpers, as it presents greater trading flexibility in general, which directly impacts profitability, but new users are advised to operate with caution with such large leverage.

Spreads and Commissions

Eightcap offers competitive spreads and commissions on their trading instruments. The spreads on forex pairs start from as low as 0.0 pips on the Raw account and 1.0 pips on the Standard account. The commissions charged on forex trades start from $3.50 per lot round trip on the Raw account and there are no commissions on the Standard account.

For indices, the spreads start from 0.5 pips on the Raw account and 1.0 pips on the Standard account.There are no commissions charged on indices trading. The spreads on commodities trading start from 0.03 pips on the Raw account and 0.5 pips on the Standard account, and there are no commissions charged on commodities trading. The spreads and commissions may vary depending on market conditions and the type of account held by the trader.

Non-Trading Fees

Eightcap charges non-trading fees, which are fees not directly related to trading, such as deposit and withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and currency conversion fees.

For deposits, Eightcap does not charge any fees, but there may be fees charged by the payment provider or bank. Withdrawals made via bank transfers are free, but there is a fee of $10 for withdrawals via credit/debit cards.

Additionally, Eightcap charges an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter if there are no trades or account activity for a period of 90 days or more. It's important to note that this fee is only charged if there are sufficient funds in the account, and it does not apply to demo accounts.

Eightcap also charges a currency conversion fee of 0.5% for clients who deposit or withdraw in a currency other than their account base currency. This fee can be higher for certain currencies, so it's important to check with Eightcap for the exact fee amount.

Trading Platforms

Eightcap offers multiple trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and Tradingview. These platforms are known for their user-friendly interface and advanced charting tools. Additionally, Eightcap also provides a web-based trading platform that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. This platform is ideal for traders who prefer a simpler interface or who don't want to download and install software on their device.

With the MetaTrader platforms, Eightcap offers a range of customizable features, including the ability to use custom indicators and expert advisors. These platforms also provide access to real-time market data and allow traders to execute trades quickly and efficiently. Traders can also use the platforms to set up automated trading strategies, which can be particularly useful for those who want to trade around the clock.

EightCap's TradingView leverages 15+ customizable chart types, including Kagi, Renko, and Point & Figure. Organize up to 8 synchronized charts per tab and utilize 90+ smart drawing tools for comprehensive analysis.

Furthermore, Eightcap's web-based trading platform is designed to offer a streamlined trading experience. It includes essential features such as real-time market news, customizable charts, and advanced order types. The platform also offers access to a range of educational resources, including trading videos, webinars, and tutorials, which can be helpful for new traders looking to improve their skills.

Deposit and Withdrawal

Eightcap offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, such as MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, Wire Transfer, BPAY, Skrill, Neteller, etc. (vary on the region). You can find more detailed info in the table below:

Customer Support

Eightcap offers live chat, phone, and email. Their live chat feature is available 24/5, which means clients can get instant assistance whenever they need it. Phone support is available during business hours, and email support promises a response within 24 hours.

In addition, Eightcap has an extensive FAQ section on its website that covers various topics, such as account opening, trading platforms, funding and withdrawals, and trading conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eightcap seems like a solid choice for traders looking for a reliable broker with a wide range of instruments, competitive pricing, and user-friendly platforms. Their customer support is also top-notch, with various ways to get in touch and a comprehensive FAQ section. While their educational resources may not be as extensive as some other brokers, they still provide useful tools and market analysis to help traders stay informed. The only potential downside is the lack of proprietary trading platforms, but with MT4, MT5, and TradingView available, there's still plenty of options to choose from.

FAQs

Is Eightcap regulated?

Yes, Eightcap is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC, and SCB (Offshore).

What trading platforms does Eightcap offer?

Eightcap offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and TradingView.

What are the minimum deposit requirements for Eightcap?

The minimum deposit requirement for Eightcap's Standard account is $100.

What is the maximum leverage available at Eightcap?

Up to 1:500.

Can I open a demo account with Eightcap?

Yes, Eightcap offers a 30-day demo account that allows traders to practice their trading strategies without risking real money.

What financial instruments can I trade at Eightcap?

You can trade CFDs on forex, commodity, crypto, index, and share on Eightcap.

Risk Warning

Online trading carries substantial risk, potentially leading to the total loss of invested funds. It may not be appropriate for all traders or investors. It's crucial to fully comprehend the associated risks before engaging in trading activities.