Frequently Asked Savings Account Questions

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Just getting started with savings accounts, or have a question about a long-standing account? Start here for answers to common savings account questions.

How do I open a savings account?

All savings accounts can be opened in a Santander Bank branch and the Santander^® Savings account can be opened online. Santander^® Money Market Savings, Santander Select^® Money Market Savings and Santander^® Private Client Money Market Savings accounts can only be opened online in conjunction with an online personal checking account opening. To open an account, you will need:

Your Social Security number
A government-issued ID
Funds for an opening deposit (For online, can be paid with a credit or debit card)
A valid email address

How long does it take to apply for a savings account online?

As long as you have everything you need, applying for a savings account online should only take 15 minutes.

Is there a minimum opening balance for a savings account?

Yes, each account has a minimum deposit:

Santander^® Youth Savings: $10
Santander^® Savings: $25
Santander^® Money Market Savings: $25
Santander Select^® Money Market Savings: $25
Santander^® Private Client Money Market Savings: $25

When do I start earning interest on my account?

You will begin to earn interest as soon as the funds in the account clear and are available in the bank.

Can a minor open a savings account?

Yes, minors can open an account with a parent or legal guardian as the co-owner of the account. Consider Santander^® Youth Savings, a great starter account for children under the age of 18.

Can I open a joint savings account?

Yes, you can open a savings account jointly in branch or online with anyone 18 years of age or older, or a child under the age of 18 if you are their parent or legal guardian. Learn more about joint savings accounts.

How is interest paid on my savings account?

Interest accrues daily and is credited to your account monthly.

How much interest does a savings account earn per year?

The actual amount of interest paid on your savings account each year is dependent on how much money you keep in your account. You will receive an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) when you open your account, which is your estimated annual rate of return including compound interest. The APY may vary depending on your average daily balance.

Learn more about earning interest on a savings account.

How do I check my savings account balance?

You can check your balance in your Online Banking profile, on the Santander Mobile Banking App, on your account statement, at an ATM with your ATM card or linked debit card, or at your local Santander branch.

Are there any savings account fees?

Fees vary by account, and some fees, like the Monthly Fee, may be waived by having a personal checking account.^¤ Compare fees for different types of savings accounts, or refer to the Personal Deposit Product Guide and Fee Schedule for a complete list.

Can I use my savings account to avoid overdraft fees?

Yes, you can elect to use your savings account as overdraft protection.

Do savings accounts have routing numbers?

Yes, you can find your routing number by logging into Online Banking or your Santander Mobile Banking App and viewing Account Info.

How many withdrawals can I make from a savings account or money market account?

We limit withdrawals and transfers out of your savings and money market savings accounts. You can withdraw or transfer funds from a savings or money market savings account a total of six (6) times per Service Fee Period (such as by automatic or pre-authorized transfers using telephone, online banking, mobile banking, overdraft protection, payments to third parties, wire transfers, checks, anddrafts). If you repeatedly exceed these limits, we may close or convert your account to a checking account, which may be a non-interest-bearing checking account.

Can you pay bills from a savings account?

Savings accounts cannot be used for Santander BillPay.

Can you write checks from a savings account?

While you cannot write checks from standard savings accounts, you can write checks from money market accounts. Checks written on a money market account count towards your 6 convenient withdrawals or transactions.

Can I direct deposit to my savings account?

Yes, you can direct deposit into your savings account by including your savings account number and routing number on the direct deposit form.

Learn how to set up direct deposit.

Do I need emergency savings?

Emergency savings can be beneficial if you lose a source of income or face unexpected expenses. Consider keeping several months of your monthly expenses saved up in case of emergency.

Learn more about emergency savings.

Have any additional questions? Learn more about how savings accounts work, or get in touch with a Santander Bank representative.

Frequently Asked Savings Account Questions | Santander Bank - Santander

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