Santander® Essential Checking
When all you need are the essentials without surprises like unexpected overdrafts1, Essential Checking offers predictability and a low Monthly Fee.
Bank better with no overdrafts or overdraft fees1
Account Details
Certified low-fee account
Santander Essential Checking has been certified by Bank On as a low-cost, low-fee checking account.
Monthly Fee2
$4 Monthly Fee, waived if any owner on the account is under age 26 or 65 years of age or over.
Minimum balance
No minimum balance requirement.
ATM withdrawal fee3
Reduced cash withdrawal fee of $2.50 for domestic non Santander ATM withdrawals.
Account opening deposit
$10 minimum.
Interest
This account is not interest bearing.
Statement delivery options
- Reduced Paper Statement Fee of $2 per statement.
- $0 for paperless statements.
All the ways we help you bank better
Convenience in the palm of your hand
Deposit with Mobile Check Deposit
Just take a picture of your signed check while you’re on the go.
Manage your account
Pay bills, send money with Zelle®**, make transfers, and more, all from the Mobile Banking App.
Control over your cards
Create or update your PIN, update contact information, and report a lost or stolen card.
Bank anywhere, anytime
Manage your account whenever and wherever you want with our Mobile Banking App.
Download our Mobile Banking App
Unlock on-the-go features with our highly-rated Mobile Banking App.
Enroll in Santander Online Banking
Manage your money securely by enrolling in Online Banking.
Learn more about Online Banking
4.8 out of 5 Rating
Based on 400k ratings on the App Store as of 12/16/2025
FAQs: Checking
To open an account in a branch, you will need two forms of Identification, including a Primary ID — which is a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver s license, passport, state or military ID), AND a Secondary ID — some examples include bank-issued ATM or debit cards, major credit cards, utility bills, and birth certificates. You ll also need your Social Security number (non-residents can still apply without a SSN or can use their Individual Tax Reporting Number, if they have one), a valid address and phone number, and an initial deposit.
We do not pay overdrafts at our discretion on the Santander Essential Checking account. This means that transactions that would overdraft your account will generally be declined or returned, and no overdraft fees would be charged. In rare situations where overdraft cannot be avoided, you will still not be charged any overdraft fees but must pay the overdrawn amount promptly according to your account agreement.
The Monthly Fee for Essential Checking is $4. This is waived if any owner of the account is under age 26 or age 65 and over. If these conditions are no longer met, the waiver may be removed.
Yes! You can receive a 50% discount when you order Santander Exclusive checks and reduced non-Santander ATM withdrawal fees.
You may fund your account with a check or by depositing cash. Speak to a Banker about the different ways to fund your account.
Your new debit card will typically arrive in 5 - 7 business days. If requested, your PIN is mailed separately from the debit card, and both are mailed to the address on file. You can activate your debit card through our Mobile Banking App, at any Santander ATM, with a branch teller, or by calling 877-726-0631.
Support resources: Checking Accounts
We’ll guide you on your financial journey.
Santander Mobile Banking App
Learn more about getting started with our highly-rated Mobile Banking App.
Direct Deposit
Learn more about how direct deposit works, and how to set up deposits directly to your checking account.
Getting Started with Online Banking
If you haven’t enrolled yet, read this easy step-by-step guide to get started.
Find Us
Branches across the Northeast and in Miami, Florida, plus 2,000+ ATMs.
1We do not pay overdrafts at our discretion on this product. This means transactions that would overdraw your account will generally be either declined or returned, and no overdraft fees will be charged. In rare situations where an overdraft cannot be avoided, you will still not be charged any overdraft fees, though you must promptly repay the overdrawn amount per your account agreement.
2Per service fee period.
3Domestic ATMs are ATMs in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. ATM owner may charge a separate fee.
4U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes and generally do not incur transaction fees. In order to send payment requests or split payment requests to a U.S. mobile number, the mobile number must already be enrolled with Zelle®. Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
††If you share your device with other individuals, please note any fingerprints or face image stored on your device may be used to log in to the Santander Mobile Banking App and access your account.
‡‡Digital Banking Guarantee: When you use Online Banking, we guarantee that your money is protected against online fraud or losses and that your bills will be paid on time. You are protected against unauthorized online transactions as long as you check your statement and promptly notify us of any unauthorized activity. Refer to your Digital Banking Agreement for details on guarantees and your responsibilities for promptly reporting unauthorized transactions, as well as a list of supported mobile devices.
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