Santander Edge Student account review

Find out more about Santander’s student bank account option in our review, including how to apply for an account, what features and benefits it comes with, and what interest-free overdraft is available.

Rates, fees and limits

Santander has one current account available for students – the Santander Edge Student Current Account.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Santander Edge Student Current Account, you’ll need to be studying for an undergraduate course (for at least 2 years) or an apprenticeship (level 4 to 7).

You’ll also need to:

• be aged 18 or over;
• be permanently living in the UK;
• close or switch from any existing Santander bank account.

How to open an account

You can apply for an account once you’ve received an unconditional or a “confirmed conditional” offer.

You can open an account online or in-branch.

When registering an account, you’ll need to provide a few personal details, financial details and proof of your course, including your UCAS number.

Benefits

• Interest-free overdraft. With this account, you’ll get an interest-free overdraft of £1,500 for the first 3 years of your studies. You can increase this to £1,800 in year 4 and £2,000 in year 5, if your course lasts that long.
• Account opening incentives. Santander offers a free 4-year 16-25 Railcard, worth £115, when you open an account, to save you a third on rail travel.
• Santander Boosts. Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other offers personalised to you.

Customer service information for Santander

Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to get my student loan paid into this Santander account?

No, however the funding requirements of the account are min. £500 every 4 months.

How much does it cost to use the Santander student debit card overseas?

When you use your card overseas, you'll pay a non-sterling charge of 2.95%. For, example, if you spend the local equivalent of £250, you'll be charged £7.38.

Because it's a Mastercard, you'll find it's accepted pretty much anywhere that takes card payments.

Compare options for keeping costs down when spending abroad.

How much does it cost to withdraw cash overseas using the Santander student debit card?

You'll pay a currency conversion fee of 2.95%. For, example, if you take out the equivalent of £150, you'll be charged £4.43. Withdraw 250 euros (that's around £212.71) at an ATM in Paris and it'll cost you £6.27. Don't forget that the local cash machine provider may charge its own fee too.

Does Santander's interest-free student overdraft limit increase over time?

Yes. While the opening interest-free overdraft limit is capped at £1,500, this increases to a maximum of £2,000 in year five (£1,500 in year three). Check out our full comparison of student accounts to see the interest-free overdrafts available to UK students with a breakdown of each account's limit in each year of your course.

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