Is HSBC or Santander better for your small business?
Below we look at both HSBC and Santander reviews on Trustpilot along with their App reviews from Apple and Google.
We then look at typical fees, business savings rates, foreign currency options and a whole bunch of other account features to help you make up your mind.


HSBC vs Santander Trustpilot Reviews
HSBC | Santander | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 1.5 | 1.4 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 7% | 8% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 88% | 85% |
Total Number of Reviews | 8,399 | 6,868 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hsbc.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.santander.co.uk
HSBC vs Santander App Reviews
HSBC | Santander | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 1,400,000 | 1,100,000 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.4 |
Number of Android Reviews | 260,000 | 54,300 |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hsbc-uk-mobile-banking/id1220329065
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/santander-mobile-banking/id482973524
HSBC vs Santander Account Fees & Charges
HSBC | Santander | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | 12 Months | 18 Months |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | £6.50 | Free |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £10 | £7.50 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | 35p | Free |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | £1.50 | 70p per £100 |
Cheques (in/out) | 50p per cheque | Unknown |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £17 | £25 |
SEPA Payments Cost | 20p | No |
HSBC vs Santander Business Savings Rates
HSBC | Santander | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Business Money Manager, Business Money Market, Clients Deposit | Instant access, Business Reward Saver, Fixed Rate Business Bond, Treasurer’s Savings Account |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 0.10% | 0.40% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 2.02% | 3.60% |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1 | £1 |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
HSBC vs Santander Account Opening Times
HSBC | Santander | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | 7 to 10 Working days | Few minutes |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | Yes |
HSBC vs Santander Features & Account Types


HSBC | Santander | |
Business Current Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Savings Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Credit Card | Yes | Yes |
Business Overdraft | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Startups | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Charities | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Sole Traders | Yes | Yes |
Joint Business Accounts Available | Yes | Yes |
Card Type | Visa | Mastercard |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | Yes |
Branch Locations | UK-wide | UK-wide |
HSBC vs Santander Customer Support Options
HSBC | Santander | |
Phone Support Available | Yes | Yes |
Email Support Available | Yes | Yes |
App Based Support | Yes | Yes |
Web Based Support | Yes | Yes |
In person Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
HSBC vs Santander Foreign Currency Accounts
HSBC | Santander | |
US Dollar (USD) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Euro (EUR) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Other Currencies Available: |
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Other Business Services From HSBC and Santander


HSBC | Santander | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | Yes | Yes |
Invoice Financing | Yes | Yes |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes | Yes |
Card Machines | Yes | Yes |
Free Accounting Software | No | Yes |
HSBC vs Santander Banking Basics
HSBC | Santander | |
Bank Type | High Street | High Street |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 765112 | 106054 |
Website | HSBC Website | Santander Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does HSBC or Santander have better customer reviews?
HSBC scores 1.5 out of 5 based 8,399 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 7% are 5-star and 88% are 1-star.
Whereas, Santander scores 1.4 out of 5 based 6,868 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 8% are 5-star and 85% are 1-star.
Does HSBC or Santander have a better App?
HSBC’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 1,400,000 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 260,000 reviews.
In comparison, Santander’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 1,100,000 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 54,300 reviews.
Does HSBC or Santander have better business savings rates?
HSBC offers the following types of business savings accounts: Business Money Manager, Business Money Market, Clients Deposit with interest rates ranging from 0.10% to 2.02%. (AER)
In contrast, Santander offers Instant access, Business Reward Saver, Fixed Rate Business Bond, Treasurer’s Savings Account accounts with interest rates ranging from 0.40% to 3.60% (AER).
See Other Comparisons:HSBC vs Nationwide
HSBC vs Lloyds Bank
HSBC vs Tide
HSBC vs Virgin Money
HSBC vs Monzo
For other business bank accounts see our guide here.