Is Santander or Recognise Bank better for your small business?
Below we look at both Santander and Recognise 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 Recognise Bank Trustpilot Reviews
Santander | Recognise Bank | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 1.4 | 4.6 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 8% | 77% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 85% | 5% |
Total Number of Reviews | 6,868 | 539 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.santander.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/recognisebank.co.uk
Santander vs Recognise Bank App Reviews
Santander | Recognise Bank | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | No Rating |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 1,100,000 | No Reviews |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.4 | No Rating |
Number of Android Reviews | 54,300 | No Reviews |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/santander-mobile-banking/id482973524
https://www.apple.com/uk/app-store/
Santander vs Recognise Bank Account Fees & Charges
Santander | Recognise Bank | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | 18 Months | No Limit |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | Free | No |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £7.50 | No |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | Free | Free |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | 70p per £100 | Free |
Cheques (in/out) | Unknown | Free |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £25 | £15 |
SEPA Payments Cost | No | 25p |
Santander vs Recognise Bank Business Savings Rates
Santander | Recognise Bank | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Instant access, Business Reward Saver, Fixed Rate Business Bond, Treasurer’s Savings Account | Notice account, Fixed Rate, Instant access |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 0.40% | 3.15% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 3.60% | 4.50% |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1 | £1,000 |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
Santander vs Recognise Bank Account Opening Times
Santander | Recognise Bank | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | Few minutes | Few minutes |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | No |
Santander vs Recognise Bank Features & Account Types


Santander | Recognise Bank | |
Business Current Account | Yes | No |
Business Savings Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Credit Card | Yes | No |
Business Overdraft | Yes | No |
Accounts For Startups | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Charities | Yes | No |
Accounts For Sole Traders | Yes | Yes |
Joint Business Accounts Available | Yes | Yes |
Card Type | Mastercard | None |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | No |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | No |
Branch Locations | UK-wide | None, online and phone only |
Santander vs Recognise Bank Customer Support Options
Santander | Recognise Bank | |
Phone Support Available | Yes | Yes |
Email Support Available | Yes | Yes |
App Based Support | Yes | No |
Web Based Support | Yes | Yes |
In person Customer Support | Yes | No |
Santander vs Recognise Bank Foreign Currency Accounts
Santander | Recognise 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 Recognise Bank


Santander | Recognise Bank | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | Yes | Yes |
Invoice Financing | Yes | No |
International Payments | Yes | No |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes | No |
Card Machines | Yes | No |
Free Accounting Software | Yes | No |
Santander vs Recognise Bank Banking Basics
Santander | Recognise Bank | |
Bank Type | High Street | Challenger |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 106054 | 849404 |
Website | Santander Website | Recognise Bank Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does Santander or Recognise 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, Recognise Bank scores 4.6 out of 5 based 539 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 77% are 5-star and 5% are 1-star.
Does Santander or Recognise 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, Recognise Bank’s iPhone App is rated No Rating out of 5 based on No Reviews reviews. And it’s Android App is rated No Rating out of 5 based on No Reviews reviews.
Does Santander or Recognise 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, Recognise Bank offers Notice account, Fixed Rate, Instant access accounts with interest rates ranging from 3.15% to 4.50% (AER).
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For other business bank accounts see our guide here.