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.

Note: Oval X (ETX)s services have now been discontinued.

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 Oval X？

ETX have completed a re-branding exercise and it is called “Oval X”. Oval X is a trading brand of Monecor (London) Limited, company registration number 00851820. As a member firm of the London Stock Exchange, Monecor (London) Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Registration Number. 124721), however, it is a suspicious clone.

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

Oval X Alternative Brokers

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

• Z.com Trade - a reputable online broker with a user-friendly platform and competitive trading conditions, making it a good choice for traders of all experience levels.

• AETOS - a trusted broker known for its strong regulatory compliance, extensive product offerings, and comprehensive trading tools, making it a reliable option for traders looking for a diverse range of investment opportunities.

• Hirose Financial - offers a reliable trading environment, competitive spreads, and a wide range of trading instruments, making it a recommended choice for traders seeking a trusted broker with a solid track record.

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

Is Oval X Safe or Scam？

Based on the information available, Oval X is an unregulated broker with a suspicious Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, License No. 124721) license. Furthermore, there are reports of withdrawal issues and scams associated with the company. These factors raise significant concerns about the safety and legitimacy of Oval X as a trading platform.

Traders are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with unregulated brokers, as the risks of financial loss and fraudulent activities are higher in such cases. It is recommended to choose regulated brokers that adhere to industry standards and provide a higher level of investor protection.

Market Instruments

Oval X offers investors a diverse range of tradeable financial instruments across various markets. Traders can access a wide selection of currency pairs in the Forex market, allowing them to participate in global currency trading. Additionally, Oval X provides access to popular stock indices, enabling traders to speculate on the performance of major equity markets.

The platform also offers a range of individual stocks, giving investors the opportunity to trade shares of well-known companies. Furthermore, Oval X provides access to Contracts for Difference (CFDs), allowing traders to speculate on the price movements of various underlying assets such as commodities and more. With this comprehensive offering of market instruments, Oval X aims to cater to the diverse trading preferences of its clients.

Accounts

Oval X provides two distinct account types that align with the trading platforms it offers. The first account type is the Trader Pro account, which is designed to cater to the needs of traders using Oval X's proprietary trading platform. The second account type is the MT4 account, specifically tailored for traders who prefer the popular MetaTrader4 platform.

One notable advantage of Oval X's account offerings is the relatively low minimum initial deposit requirement of $100. This lower entry barrier makes Oval X an attractive choice for new beginners in the trading industry who may have limited initial capital.

Leverage

Oval X offers traders different leverage options depending on the financial instruments they choose to trade. For currency pairs, Oval X provides leverage of up to 1:200, allowing traders to amplify their trading positions in the foreign exchange market. When it comes to indices, the leverage offered is 1:20, providing traders with increased exposure to a basket of stocks representing a specific market. For individual stocks, Oval X offers leverage of 1:5, enabling traders to potentially magnify their gains or losses based on their trading decisions.

In the case of precious metals like gold, Oval X provides leverage of 1:20, allowing traders to capitalize on price movements in this popular commodity. For silver, copper, and platinum, Oval X offers leverage of 1:10, giving traders the opportunity to participate in the market with enhanced trading power. It's important to note that while leverage can amplify potential profits, it also increases the risk of losses, and traders should exercise caution and proper risk management strategies when utilizing leverage in their trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions

Oval X offers competitive spreads on a range of financial instruments. For popular currency pairs such as EUR/USD, the minimum spread is as low as 0.6 pips and the average spread is 0.81 pips, allowing traders to access tight pricing and potentially reduce trading costs. Similarly, for other currency pairs like EUR/JPY, the minimum spread is 0.9 pips, providing traders with favorable pricing conditions. When it comes to indices, Oval X offers spreads of 1 pip for both UK and Wall Street indices, enabling traders to participate in the movements of these key markets with competitive pricing.

For precious metals like gold, the minimum spread is as low as 0.4 pips, offering traders favorable conditions for trading this popular commodity. The spread for silver is even narrower at 0.03 pips, providing traders with tight pricing on this metal. For commodities such as crude oil and natural gas, Oval X offers spreads of 0.03 and 0.02 pips respectively, giving traders access to these markets with low trading costs.

In terms of commissions, Oval X charges 0.1% per deal for UK and European stock trades, 2 cents per share for US major and minor stock trades, and 0.2% per deal for Australian stock trades. These commission rates are competitive and transparent, allowing traders to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with their trades.

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

Note: The information presented in this table may be subject to change and it is always recommended to check with the broker's official website for the latest information on spreads and commissions.

Please note that spreads and commissions may vary based on market conditions and account type. It's always recommended to check with the respective broker for the most up-to-date information.

Trading Platforms

Oval X offers traders a choice between two robust and versatile trading platforms: MetaTrader4 and Oval X Trader Pro. The MetaTrader4 platform is widely recognized and highly regarded in the industry, known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting capabilities, and a wide range of technical indicators. Traders can access the MetaTrader4 platform on their computers, smartphones, or tablets, providing flexibility and convenience in managing their trades.

On the other hand, Oval X Trader Pro is the broker's own developed trading platform, offering similar features and functionality to MetaTrader4. Traders using Oval X Trader Pro can also enjoy multiple chart types, a comprehensive suite of technical indicators, and customizable tools to suit their trading preferences.

Whether traders prefer the familiarity of MetaTrader4 or the tailored experience of Oval X Trader Pro, both platforms offer a seamless trading experience across different devices, allowing traders to access the markets and execute trades with ease and efficiency.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Oval X provides its clients with a variety of convenient and secure deposit methods. Traders can fund their accounts using bank wire transfers, internet wire transfers, VISA/MasterCard/Maestro, UnionPay, e-wallets including Skrill and NETELLER, with no commissions charged for these transactions. This flexibility allows traders to choose the payment method that suits them best.

Oval X minimum deposit vs other brokers

When it comes to withdrawals, Oval X Capital offers its clients the benefit of 5 free withdrawals per calendar month for amounts over $100, ensuring that traders can access their funds without incurring additional costs. However, it is important to note that Oval X Capital incurs fees from the bank for processing withdrawal requests. As a result, if a client exceeds the 5 monthly free withdrawals, a fee of $25 per withdrawal will be charged. This fee applies to withdrawals made after the fifth withdrawal in a calendar month and ensures the sustainability of the withdrawal process while maintaining the convenience and affordability of withdrawals for most traders.

See the deposit/withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

If potential clients or existing clients encounter some problems during their trading process, they can reach out to this Oval X through the following contact channels:

• Service Time: Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 9 am - UK time

• Telephone: +44 (0)207 392 1434, +44 (0)207 392 1400

• Email: customer.service@ovalx.com

Or you can also follow this broker on some social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Telegram.

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

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Oval X's customer service.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some reports of unable to withdraw and scams. Traders are encouraged to carefully review the available information and consider the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform. 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.

Education

Oval X places great emphasis on providing valuable educational resources to its clients. Through regular publication of webinars, blogs, news, and analysis, Oval X aims to empower traders with knowledge and insights to enhance their understanding of the market and refine their investment strategies. These educational materials cover a wide range of topics, including market trends, trading techniques, risk management, and fundamental and technical analysis.

Conclusion

Based on the available information, it is important to approach Oval X with caution. The lack of regulation and reports of withdrawal issues raise concerns about the safety and reliability of the platform. Traders are advised to thoroughly assess the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform and consider alternative options that offer stronger regulatory oversight. It is crucial to prioritize the security of funds and ensure transparency when choosing a trading platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)