Is Santander or Ulster Bank better for your small business?
Below we look at both Santander and Ulster 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 Ulster Bank Trustpilot Reviews
Santander | Ulster Bank | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 1.4 | 1.5 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 8% | 8% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 85% | 86% |
Total Number of Reviews | 6,868 | 114 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.santander.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ulsterbank.co.uk
Santander vs Ulster Bank App Reviews
Santander | Ulster Bank | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 1,100,000 | 15,700 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.4 | 4.1 |
Number of Android Reviews | 54,300 | 15,000 |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/santander-mobile-banking/id482973524
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ulster-bank-ni-mobile-banking/id469523324
Santander vs Ulster Bank Account Fees & Charges
Santander | Ulster Bank | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | 18 Months | 24 Months |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | Free | £8 |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £7.50 | £12 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | Free | 43p |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | 70p per £100 | 70p per £100 |
Cheques (in/out) | Unknown | 40p |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £25 | £18.75 |
SEPA Payments Cost | No | €0.51 |
Santander vs Ulster Bank Business Savings Rates
Santander | Ulster Bank | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Instant access, Business Reward Saver, Fixed Rate Business Bond, Treasurer’s Savings Account | Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 0.40% | 1.46% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 3.60% | 1.92% |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1 | No |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
Santander vs Ulster Bank Account Opening Times
Santander | Ulster Bank | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | Few minutes | 24 working hours |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | Yes |
Santander vs Ulster Bank Features & Account Types


Santander | Ulster 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 | Mastercard |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | Yes |
Branch Locations | UK-wide | Northern Ireland Only |
Santander vs Ulster Bank Customer Support Options
Santander | Ulster 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 Ulster Bank Foreign Currency Accounts
Santander | Ulster 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 Ulster Bank


Santander | Ulster Bank | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | Yes | No |
Invoice Financing | Yes | Yes |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes | Yes |
Card Machines | Yes | Yes |
Free Accounting Software | Yes | Yes |
Santander vs Ulster Bank Banking Basics
Santander | Ulster Bank | |
Bank Type | High Street | High Street |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 106054 | NA |
Website | Santander Website | Ulster Bank Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does Santander or Ulster 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, Ulster Bank scores 1.5 out of 5 based 114 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 8% are 5-star and 86% are 1-star.
Does Santander or Ulster 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, Ulster Bank’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 15,700 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.1 out of 5 based on 15,000 reviews.
Does Santander or Ulster 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, Ulster Bank offers Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts accounts with interest rates ranging from 1.46% to 1.92% (AER).
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For other business bank accounts see our guide here.