Is Santander or AIB (Allied Irish Bank) better for your small business?
Below we look at both Santander and AIB (Allied Irish Bank) 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.


Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Trustpilot Reviews
Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 1.4 | 2.8 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 8% | 20% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 85% | 70% |
Total Number of Reviews | 6,868 | 10 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.santander.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/aibgb.co.uk
Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) App Reviews
Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 1.7 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 1,100,000 | 227 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.4 | 1.9 |
Number of Android Reviews | 54,300 | 21,400 |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/santander-mobile-banking/id482973524
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/aib-mobile/id468042881
Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Account Fees & Charges
Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | No |
Free Business Account Term Length | 18 Months | NA |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | Free | £10 |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £7.50 | £10 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | Free | 35p |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | 70p per £100 | 65p per £100 |
Cheques (in/out) | Unknown | 70p |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £25 | £25 |
SEPA Payments Cost | No | £20 |
Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Business Savings Rates
Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Instant access, Business Reward Saver, Fixed Rate Business Bond, Treasurer’s Savings Account | Demand deposit account, Business fixed term deposit account, Currency deposit account |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 0.40% | 0.25% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 3.60% | 3.02% |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1 | £1 |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Account Opening Times
Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | Few minutes | 15 minutes |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | Yes |
Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Features & Account Types


Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
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 | Mastercard | Visa |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | Yes |
Branch Locations | UK-wide | Belfast, London and Dublin |
Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Customer Support Options
Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
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 |
Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Foreign Currency Accounts
Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
US Dollar (USD) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Euro (EUR) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Other Currencies Available: |
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Other Business Services From Santander and AIB (Allied Irish Bank)


Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
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 | Yes | No |
Santander vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Banking Basics
Santander | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) | |
Bank Type | High Street | High Street |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 106054 | 204793 |
Website | Santander Website | AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does Santander or AIB (Allied Irish Bank) have better customer reviews?
Santander scores 1.4 out of 5 based 6,868 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 8% are 5-star and 85% are 1-star.
Whereas, AIB (Allied Irish Bank) scores 2.8 out of 5 based 10 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 20% are 5-star and 70% are 1-star.
Does Santander or AIB (Allied Irish Bank) have a better App?
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.
In comparison, AIB (Allied Irish Bank)’s iPhone App is rated 1.7 out of 5 based on 227 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 1.9 out of 5 based on 21,400 reviews.
Does Santander or AIB (Allied Irish Bank) have better business savings rates?
Santander offers the following types of business savings accounts: Instant access, Business Reward Saver, Fixed Rate Business Bond, Treasurer’s Savings Account with interest rates ranging from 0.40% to 3.60%. (AER)
In contrast, AIB (Allied Irish Bank) offers Demand deposit account, Business fixed term deposit account, Currency deposit account accounts with interest rates ranging from 0.25% to 3.02% (AER).
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For other business bank accounts see our guide here.