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.

It is important to note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies. In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.

In this review, if there is a conflict between the image and the text content, the text content should prevail. However, we recommend that you open the official website for further consultation.

Pros and cons of MTrading

Pros:

• Wide range of trading instruments, including currencies, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, commodities and other highly liquid financial assets.

• Low account opening requirements, with the ability to start trading with as little as $10 on the M.Cent account.

• Flexible and convenient deposit and withdrawal options, including a variety of electronic payment systems, bank cards and wire transfer options.

• Copy trading features allow novice traders to learn from experienced traders and potentially increase profits.

• Educational resources such as articles, news and technical analysis are available to help traders stay informed and make more informed decisions.

Cons:

• Customer support may not be able to provide quick responses due to the high volume of requests.

• Limited options for contacting customer support, with only a few social media accounts and an online chat button available.

• Limited educational resources compared to some other brokers in the market.

• Limited trading platforms available, with only MT4 and a mobile application offered.

• The high maximum leverage of up to 1:1000 can increase the risk of losses for traders who are not experienced with high leverage trading.

What type of broker is MTrading？

MTrading is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, MTrading acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that MTrading has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients. It is important for traders to be aware of this dynamic when trading with MTrading or any other MM broker.

General information and regulation of MTrading

MTrading is a global forex and CFD broker that was established in 2013. It is not regulated and offers trading services to both retail and institutional clients. MTrading provides its clients with access to over 100 trading instruments, including forex, commodities, and indices, with flexible leverage options of up to 1:1000. The company offers three types of accounts to cater to different trading needs and experience levels. In addition to its trading services, MTrading also provides educational resources and copy trading capabilities to its clients.

In the following article, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

Market instruments

MTrading offers a diverse selection of trading instruments for traders to choose from. With access to currencies, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, commodities, and other highly liquid financial assets, traders have the opportunity to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of market trends across multiple markets. However, the lack of regulation makes it difficult to assess the safety of trading with MTrading. Additionally, the limited information available about the trading instruments and their underlying assets may make it challenging for traders to conduct thorough analysis and risk management. The absence of regulatory oversight may also lead to potential conflicts of interest and unethical business practices on the part of the company. Finally, traders should be aware of the high level of risk associated with some of the trading instruments, such as cryptocurrencies, which may not be suitable for all traders and can result in significant financial losses.

Spreads, commissions and other costs

MTrading offers competitive spreads on all account types, ranging from 0 pips on the M.Pro account to 1 pip on the M.Cent and M.Premium accounts. The M.Cent and M.Premium accounts do not have any commission charges, while the M.Pro account charges a commission of 4USD per standard lot traded. The trading specifications are transparent and available for all accounts, allowing traders to make informed decisions based on the trading conditions. Another advantage is the low minimum deposit requirements on all account types, which makes trading accessible for a wider range of traders. However, the disadvantage of the commission charge on the M.Pro account may be a consideration for some traders.

Trading accounts available in MTrading

MTrading offers three different account types to cater to the needs of different types of traders. The M.Cent account is ideal for beginners who are just starting with trading and want to practice with micro lot trading. The M.Premium account offers a wider range of trading instruments and is suitable for traders with some experience who want to trade with larger positions. Finally, the M.Pro account is designed for more experienced traders who want to take advantage of zero spread trading with a commission of $4USD. It is important to note that the low starting capital requirement of M.Cent and M.Premium accounts makes it easy for traders to start trading with MTrading. However, the limited account types offered by MTrading may not be suitable for all traders.

Trading platform(s) that MTrading offers

MTrading offers its clients the popular MT4 platform, which is widely used and highly regarded by traders around the world. MT4 is a customizable and user-friendly platform that supports a wide range of technical indicators and trading strategies. The platform also has a large and active online community that provides access to a wealth of resources for traders. In addition, MTrading also offers its own mobile trading application, which provides convenience for traders who need to manage their trades on-the-go. However, some traders may prefer a more advanced platform with additional features and tools, and the mobile application may have limited features compared to the desktop version of MT4.

Here is a video about their own app on their official YouTube channel.

Maximum leverage of MTrading

MTrading offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:1000, which is significantly higher than what is typically offered by regulated brokers. While high leverage can offer traders the potential for higher profits with smaller amounts of funds, it can also magnify losses and increase the risk of losing capital. Traders must exercise responsible risk management and avoid overuse of leverage to avoid significant losses. High leverage can offer more trading opportunities and flexibility, but it also requires careful monitoring of positions and market movements. It is important for traders to have a solid understanding of leverage and its potential risks before using it in their trading strategy.

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

MTrading offers a wide range of flexible and convenient ways to deposit and withdraw funds. Clients can choose from a variety of electronic payment systems, bank cards, and wire transfer options to make deposits or withdrawals. The processing time for deposits is fast, and the withdrawal processing time depends on the payment method used, with some methods taking longer than others. However, there may be additional fees for certain deposit and withdrawal methods, and some regions may have limited options available. Overall, MTrading provides its clients with a convenient and reliable service for managing their funds.

Educational resources in MTrading

MTrading provides a range of educational resources to help traders stay informed and improve their trading skills. The company offers free access to articles, news, and technical analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and market conditions. These resources are updated regularly to ensure traders are always up to date with the latest developments in the financial markets. However, MTrading doesn't offer live webinars or educational courses, which may limit the opportunities for beginner traders to learn and improve their skills. Additionally, the company has limited video resources, which may also be a disadvantage for some traders. Overall, the educational resources offered by MTrading are comprehensive and up to date, providing valuable insights and analysis for traders looking to stay informed and make informed trading decisions.

Copy trading

MTrading offers the copy trading feature, which allows traders to automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders on the platform. This feature can be beneficial for beginner traders who lack the necessary skills and knowledge to make profitable trades independently. Copy trading can be customized to fit individual risk preferences and can reduce emotional trading by removing the need for constant decision making. However, copy trading comes with its own set of disadvantages, such as blindly following a strategy without understanding its rationale, copy trading fees that can add up over time, and copy trading performance being highly dependent on the performance of the trader being copied. Therefore, traders need to carefully consider the pros and cons of copy trading before deciding to use this feature.

Customer service of MTrading

There are only a few social media accounts, an online chat button, and an extensive FAQ section available for customer care on MTrading. While the FAQ section is detailed and informative, the lack of multiple contact options may not be enough for some clients who require immediate assistance. The support team's response time may be slow due to the large volume of requests.

Conclusion

MTrading appears to be a reputable online broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, flexible account types, and platforms suitable for both novice and experienced traders. The company also provides various educational resources such as articles, news, and technical analysis to assist traders in making informed decisions. The leverage offered by MTrading is also high, up to 1:1000, allowing traders to increase their potential profits. However, the lack of transparency regarding its regulation status and the limited customer support channels may be a concern for some traders. Overall, MTrading seems to be a good option for traders seeking a diverse range of trading options and educational resources.

Frequently asked questions about MTrading

• Is MTrading a regulated broker？

• No, MTrading is not regulated by any financial authority. However, it is registered in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

• What is the minimum deposit to open an account with MTrading？

• The minimum deposit for M.Cent account is only $10, for M.Premium account is $100 and for M.Pro account is $500.

• What trading platforms are available at MTrading？

• MTrading offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its own mobile application for trading.

• Does MTrading offer copy trading？

• Yes, MTrading provides copy trading for its clients.

• How can I deposit and withdraw funds with MTrading？

• MTrading provides a variety of electronic payment systems, bank cards, and wire transfer options for deposit and withdrawal of funds. The company also allows internal transfers between accounts of its clients.