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SANTANDER is axing a popular banking feature from today, Monday 12.
Money experts claim the change will be a major blow for customers.
Santander is axing a popular banking feature from today
The banking giant, which has 14million UK account holders, is axing a string of text alerts that help people keep on top of their money.
Until now, customers could set up free texts or emails to flag things like when a big payment goes out or when your balance drops below a certain level.
But that all ends today.
The bank confirmed it’s ditching five non-essential alerts, including messages for:
Big deposits Large withdrawals Weekly balance round-ups When your balance hits a set amount When your balance falls below a set limitSantander says the decision is part of a shift towards mobile and online banking.
A spokesperson said: “We have written to customers to advise that, from 12 May 2025, we will be removing five non-regulatory text message alerts from our alerts service.
“These specific alerts were set-up pre-mobile banking and customers can now obtain a more accurate up-to-date view of their account movements through mobile, online or telephone banking or via push notifications.
“We will continue to send regulatory text message alerts as usual, including notifying customers of any account activity that could lead to additional charges.”
That includes alerts if your balance dips into an unarranged overdraft or gets close to it, which banks are required to send under FCA rules.
But the move has sparked backlash, especially as around 10% of customers using these alerts aren’t currently online or app users.
Consumer champion Martyn James slammed the change, saying: “With the closure of the bank networks, it’s more important than ever that banks and financial institutions make sure we know about the important things that affect our money.
“Text alerts are vital as people actually read them and act on them. We forget about checking our online accounts or go into denial about them – and most people don’t read their app messages.
“So, this decision can only be a bad thing for consumers and I hope that it is reversed.”
The axed alerts were a handy way to help people avoid surprise fees or spot suspicious activity early which is something many banks including NatWest, Lloyds, Barclays and Nationwide still offer.
What you can do now
If you relied on the alerts, you’ll now need to check your Santander account manually, either via the app, online, or by calling customer services.
For those who are not a fan of app banking, you might want to consider switching banks altogether.
Many still offer free text alerts and some are even offering cash incentives to switch.
Make sure to check if the new bank offers the features you need before making the move.
Last year Martin Lewis urged bank account holders to think carefully before committing to a switch.
He said: “If you do one switch, it’s an application on your credit file which has a very minor, short-term negative effect.
“Lots of those in a short space of time can have an impact. Banks also like to see evidence of longevity, so that’s also slightly negative.
“So I wouldn’t switch my bank account if I had a mortgage application during the next two months.”
How do I switch bank accounts?
SWITCHING bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
Dozens of high street banks and building societies are signed up – there’s a full list on CASS’ website.
Under the switching service, swapping banks should take seven working days.
You don’t have to remember to move direct debits across when moving, as this is done for you.
All you have to do is apply for the new account you want, and the new bank will tell your existing one you’re moving.
There are a few things you can do before switching though, including choosing your switch date and transferring any old bank statements to your new account.
You should get in touch with your existing bank for any old statements.
When switching current accounts, consider what other perks might come with joining a specific bank or building society.
Some banks offer 0% overdrafts up to a certain limit, and others might offer better rates on savings accounts.
And some banks offer free travel or mobile phone insurance with their current accounts – but these accounts might come with a monthly fee.
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