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 GKFX Prime？

GKFX Prime is an online forex and CFD broker that was established in 2012. The broker is based in the United Kingdom. GKFX Prime provides traders with a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. They offer various account types and trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms. GKFX Prime also provides educational resources and customer support in multiple languages.

What Type of Broker is GKFX Prime？

GKFX Prime is a Straight Through Processing (STP) broker that offers clients direct access to interbank markets without the need for a dealing desk or human intervention. This means that trades are executed instantly and efficiently without any conflict of interest between the broker and the client.

Pros & Cons

GKFX Prime's main advantages are their competitive trading conditions, including tight spreads and low commissions, as well as their extensive range of trading instruments and educational resources.

However, their lack of regulatory oversight in major jurisdictions and too many complaints from users may be a concern for some traders.

Ultimately, it's important for traders to weigh these factors against their own priorities and preferences when choosing a broker.

GKFX Prime Alternative Brokers

Some alternative brokers to GKFX Prime include:

• IC Markets: An Australian-based broker that offers ECN trading with tight spreads and low commissions. They also have a wide range of trading instruments and multiple trading platforms.

• Admiral Markets: A European-based broker with a strong focus on education and research. They offer a variety of account types and trading platforms, as well as a wide range of trading instruments.

• FxPro: A UK-based broker with over 15 years of experience in the industry. They offer a range of trading platforms and account types, including ECN trading with tight spreads.

• Pepperstone: An Australian-based broker that offers low spreads, fast execution, and a variety of trading platforms. They also offer a range of educational resources for traders.

• XM: A global broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments and multiple account types. They also offer a demo account for traders to practice trading strategies without risking real money.

It is important to thoroughly research and compare different brokers before choosing one that suits your trading needs and preferences.

Is GKFX Prime Safe or Scam？

As GKFX Prime is an unregulated broker, its reliability may be a concern for some traders. While the company has been operating for several years, the lack of regulatory oversight may make it less attractive to traders who prioritize safety and security. The worse is that there are too many complaints from their users.

Also, it's important to note that being unregulated doesn't necessarily mean that a broker is unreliable. However, it does mean that there is no external oversight of the broker's activities and no protection for clients in the event of financial difficulty or fraud. Clients should exercise caution when dealing with unregulated brokers and conduct thorough research before opening an account.

Market Instruments

GKFX Prime offers 400+ financial instruments to trade, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

Forex: over 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

Commodities: including gold, silver, oil, and natural gas.

Indices: over 20 global indices, including popular indices like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and DAX 30.

Stocks: over 300 stocks from companies listed on exchanges in the US, UK, Germany, and France.

Cryptocurrency: including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Accounts

Apart from free demo accounts, there is a large variety of live trading accounts available at GKFX Prime, and each one is tailored to the specific requirements of the clients.

A trader's risk appetite, the quantity of their initial investment, and the amount of free time they have daily to devote to trading the Forex market are all important considerations when deciding which account type will best suit their needs.

The account types include the following: Standard Fixed, Standard Variable, VIP Variable and ECN Zero. Additionally, Islamic accounts are available for clients who follow Sharia laws. There is no minimum deposit requirement for Standard Fixed, Standard Variable and ECN Zero accounts, while $5,000 for VIP Variable accounts.

How to open an account with GKFX Prime？

To open a new forex trading account with GKFX Prime, you must first pass a simple “know your customer” test. Because of this, GKFX Prime can verify your identity, your account information, and the security of your cash.

Login information for the trading platform that is best suited to the type of account you opened will typically be emailed to you after the initial registration.

Step 1 – Register an account

Open your Live Trading Account.

Step 2 – Fill out the 5-page form

Supply personal detail, financial information, trade knowledge and experience, etc.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered by GKFX Prime is 1:400. However, the leverage available to you may vary depending on your location and the regulatory restrictions in place.

Spreads & Commissions

Different account types have different trading conditions. Specifically, Standard Fixed accounts have spread from 1.8 pips and no commissions; Standard Variable accounts have spread from 1.2 pips and no commissions; VIP Variable accounts have spread from 0.6 pips and no commissions; ECN Zero accounts have spread as low as 0.0 pips but have to pay a commission of 10/lot.

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

Note: The above information is subject to change and may vary based on account types and market conditions.

Trading Platforms

GKFX Prime offers the MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are popular and widely used platforms among traders. They provide access to a range of tools and features, including advanced charting, technical analysis tools, automated trading capabilities, and the ability to customize and use third-party indicators and trading algorithms.

They are both available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, making it convenient for traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time. Additionally, GKFX Prime offers a VPS (Virtual Private Server) service to clients who require faster and more reliable connection to the MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Overall, GKFX Prime'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:

Deposits & Withdrawals

While there is no minimum deposit requirement with GKFX Prime, we advise putting up at least five dollars so that you have more flexibility and a higher chance of building positions large enough to make a difference in the markets. The company offers quick deposit and withdrawal alternatives to GKFX Prime traders so that regular traders can have more faith in the platform and gain more market access.

Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Maestro), bank transfers and e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill are all acceptable methods of payment, so long as the buyer has provided the necessary “know your customer” papers to comply with AML regulations. The most common of them is a photocopy of your passport and some form of the recent bill showing your current address.

Credit cards and bank transfers are both acceptable withdrawal methods. Transfers made with a credit card take three to five business days to process, while wire transfers can take anywhere from one to five days. Withdrawal is free of charge.

Please note that some deposit and withdrawal methods may not be available in certain regions/countries, and fees and processing times may vary depending on the chosen method.

GKFX Prime minimum deposit vs other brokers

GKFX Prime Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds, clients need to log in to their account, go to the “Withdrawal” section, select the preferred withdrawal method, and follow the instructions provided. It's worth noting that GKFX Prime may require additional documentation for verification purposes before processing the withdrawal request.

Bonus & Fees

GKFX Prime claims to offer a 100% welcome bonus and a 50% re-deposit bonus. In any case, you should be very cautious if you receive a bonus. First of all, bonuses aren't client funds, they're company funds, and fulfilling the heavy requirements that are usually attached to them can prove a very daunting and difficult task.

Apart from commission fees on the ECN Zero account, there are no other fees charged.

See the fee comparison table below:

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the country of residence and the payment method used.

Customer Service

GKFX Prime offers customer support in multiple languages through various channels including live chat, phone, and email. Their customer support is available 24/5, which means that traders can get assistance during the trading week. Additionally, GKFX Prime provides support through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

The broker also provides an FAQ section and educational resources on its website to assist traders. Overall, GKFX Prime has a good reputation for customer support.

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

Education

Those interested in opening an account with GKFX Prime should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the ins and outs of forex and commodity trading before placing any trades. If a trader needs more information than is available on the GKFX Prime website, they should look elsewhere.

GKFX Prime offers a range of educational resources for traders of all levels, including video tutorials, articles, ebooks, webinars, seminars.

Webinars: GKFX Prime provides free webinars to its clients, covering various trading topics, such as market analysis, risk management, and trading strategies.

Video tutorials: The broker offers a collection of video tutorials covering a range of trading topics, including technical analysis, trading psychology, and risk management.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided, GKFX Prime is an unregulated broker with a wide range of trading instruments and account types. While their trading conditions are relatively competitive, the lack of regulation raises concerns about the safety of client funds. Their customer support and educational resources are adequate but not exceptional. Overall, traders should approach GKFX Prime with caution and consider alternative brokers that are regulated and offer more comprehensive services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)