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.

What is xChief？

xChief (formerly ForexChief) is an online Forex and CFD trading broker that offers multiple assets for trading online via the MetaTrader4/5 platforms. Founded in 2014, its head office is in Vanuatu while other representative offices are in Singapore and Nigeria. xChief Ltd is incorporated in the Republic of Comoros .

Regulatory Status

xChief Ltd is a retail forex broker regulated by the Mwali International Services Authority (MISA) in Comoros with the license number T2023379.

Pros & Cons

xChief has several notable pros and cons. The broker offers a wide range of trading instruments, multiple account types, and user-friendly MetaTrader platforms. They also prioritize the safety of client funds with segregation and negative balance protection. Additionally, their transparent and competitive spreads, along with various deposit and withdrawal options, add to their appeal.

xChief Alternative Brokers

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

• TigerWit - offers innovative trading technology and social trading features, making it a suitable choice for traders looking for a unique trading experience.
• Trading - provides a comprehensive range of trading instruments, competitive pricing, and reliable trading platforms, making it a recommended choice for traders of all levels.
• TrioMarkets - offers a wide selection of trading instruments, advanced trading tools, and strong customer support, making it a recommended broker for traders seeking a professional trading environment.

Market Instruments

xChief provides a diverse range of over 150 trading instruments, enabling traders to access various financial markets. The broker offers a wide selection of Forex currency pairs, allowing traders to engage in currency trading across major, minor, and exotic pairs. Additionally, xChief offers trading opportunities in precious metals like gold and silver, which are popular for their perceived value and safe-haven status. Traders can also explore the commodities market, including energies like crude oil and natural gas, as well as agricultural products like wheat and corn.

Furthermore, xChief provides access to a range of global stock indices, enabling traders to speculate on the performance of leading stock markets worldwide. Lastly, the broker offers exposure to the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market, allowing traders to trade popular digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. With this extensive selection of trading instruments, xChief aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of traders.

Accounts

xChief offers a variety of trading accounts to suit the needs of different traders. The MT4/5.DirectFX and MT4/5.Classic+ accounts are designed for standard trading, providing access to a wide range of trading instruments. These accounts have a minimum deposit requirement of $10, making them accessible to traders with different budget sizes.

For those interested in PAMM (Percentage Allocation Management Module) trading, xChief offers pamm-MT4/5.DirectFX and pamm-MT4/5.Classic+ accounts, which allow investors to allocate their funds to experienced traders for potential profits.

Additionally, xChief provides cent-MT4/5.DirectFX and cent-MT4/5.Classic+ accounts for traders who prefer to trade with smaller volumes, as these accounts are denominated in cents instead of dollars.

Demo accounts are available for traders to practice their strategies and familiarize themselves with the trading platform without risking real money. xChief also offers Islamic/Swap-free accounts for clients who follow Islamic principles and wish to trade without incurring interest charges. With this wide range of account types, xChief aims to cater to the diverse preferences and trading styles of its clients.

Leverage

xChief offers leverage of up to 1:1000, which provides traders with the opportunity to amplify their trading positions and potentially increase their profit potential. With high leverage, traders can control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital, allowing for greater flexibility and potential returns. However, it's important to note that while leverage can enhance profits, it also magnifies losses, so proper risk management is crucial when trading with high leverage.

Spreads & Commissions

xChief offers competitive spreads and commissions to its traders. The spread for DirectFX accounts is floating from 0 pips, which means traders can benefit from tight spreads on their trades. For Classic+ accounts, the spread is floating from 0.3 pips, still providing traders with favorable trading conditions. It's important to note that spreads may vary depending on market conditions and the specific trading instrument.

As for commissions, xChief provides detailed information on its website. Commissions are charged based on the account type and vary accordingly. More deails can be founded in the table below.

By offering competitive spreads and transparent commission structures, xChief aims to provide its clients with cost-effective trading solutions and enhance their overall trading experience.

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

Trading Platforms

xChief offers a wide range of trading platforms to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. One of the primary platforms provided is MetaTrader 5 (MT5), a powerful and advanced trading platform known for its comprehensive features and flexibility. Traders can access MT5 through various versions, including MT5 for Android, MT5 for iPhone and iPad, and MT5 WebTerminal, allowing them to trade on the go from their mobile devices or through a web browser.

Additionally, xChief also offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular and widely used platform known for its user-friendly interface and extensive charting capabilities. Traders can access MT4 through MT4 for Android, MT4 for iPhone and iPad, and take advantage of its features to execute trades efficiently. Moreover, xChief provides its own xChief App, offering a convenient and intuitive trading experience for clients.

With these robust and versatile trading platforms, xChief aims to empower traders with the necessary tools and technologies to make informed trading decisions and execute trades effectively.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Copy Trading

xChief offers a copy trading feature, which allows traders to automatically replicate the trades of experienced and successful traders in real-time. With copy trading, traders can benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals without the need for extensive market knowledge or analysis. xChief's copy trading platform enables users to browse through a selection of skilled traders, evaluate their performance metrics, and choose to copy their trades with a simple click.

This feature is particularly beneficial for novice traders who can learn from experienced traders and potentially achieve similar trading results. It also saves time and effort as traders can rely on the expertise of others while still having control over their trading activities. xChief's copy trading feature provides a convenient and efficient way for traders to access profitable trading strategies and potentially enhance their trading performance.

Deposits & Withdrawals

In terms of deposit and withdrawal, like many good brokers, xChief provides a detailed form with important information about payment options, transfer currencies, fees, and transfer time. The feasible payment methods are Bank Wire Transfer, Local Transfer Solutions, Credit/Debit cards, and Electronic Payments including Skrill, Neteller, Advanced Cash, Perfect Money, and FasaPay.

The minimum deposit requirement is set at a competitive $10, allowing traders with different budgets to access the platform. The acceptable currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, and JPY, providing flexibility for traders from different regions.

xChief minimum deposit vs other brokers

While Credit/Debit card deposits incur a 2% fee, Perfect Money deposits have a fee of 1.99%, and other deposit methods are fee-free. The processing times for deposits vary, with Bank Wire Transfer taking 1-2 business days, Local Transfer Solutions being processed within 24 hours, and Credit/Debit cards and Electronic Payments being instant.

Withdrawals from xChief generally take up to 1 business day, and withdrawal fees depend on the chosen method. Clients are encouraged to refer to the provided screenshot for specific information.

Customer Service

xChief is committed to providing excellent customer service to its clients. Traders have access to multiple channels to reach out for support, including live chat, phone, and email. The availability of live chat ensures quick and real-time assistance, while phone support offers the convenience of direct communication. Additionally, clients can utilize email support for more detailed inquiries or requests. The broker values transparency and provides its company address openly, which adds to the trustworthiness of their operations.

Traders can also find answers to common questions through the readily available FAQs section, which offers self-help resources. Furthermore, xChief maintains a strong presence on various social networks such as Telegram, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. By following the broker on these platforms, traders can stay updated with the latest news, market insights, promotions, and engage with the xChief community.

With their comprehensive customer service options and active social media presence, xChief aims to ensure that clients receive the necessary support and stay well-informed throughout their trading journey.

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

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some reports of unable to withdraw and severe slippage. 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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, xChief offers a diverse range of trading instruments, competitive spreads, and multiple account types to cater to different trading preferences. They prioritize the safety of client funds through segregation and negative balance protection. The availability of popular MetaTrader platforms enhances the trading experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.