Barclays vs Santander UK: what each publishes
As of October 17, 2026, we hold published rules from Barclays on 1 of 7 industries and from Santander UK on 2.
Not a ranking: the two names are in alphabetical order. The free check applies every provider’s rules to your own answers.
Where it takes companies from
Policy by industry
| Industry | Barclays | Santander UK |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto | No published rule | No |
| Unlicensed financial services | No | No |
| iGaming | No published rule | No published rule |
| Adult | No published rule | No published rule |
| AI and SaaS | No published rule | No published rule |
| Forex and CFD | No published rule | No published rule |
| Marketplace | No published rule | No published rule |
Where owners must live
Santander UK
have a maximum of two directors, owners (shareholders) or partners who are 18 or over and live in the UK.
Rules about countries
Barclays
No published rule
Santander UK
No published rule
Fees
Barclays
| Plan | Account opening | Monthly | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Current Account | Not stated | None for the first 12 months (not for businesses that already hold a Barclays business current account), then GBP 8.50 a month; transaction charges apply | · Source |
Santander UK
| Plan | Account opening | Monthly | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Current Account Classic | Not stated | GBP 9.99 a month; none for the first 12 months for start-ups and switchers; cash, cheque, CHAPS and foreign currency transactions are charged | · Source |
Closing an account
Barclays
We can close an account (and stop providing any services and end this agreement) by giving you at least 90 days’ notice.
Santander UK
If we want to close your account or end this agreement, we'll normally give you notice and explain the reasons for our decision before we do this. We'll give you 90 days' notice if your account is a payment account.
Licence
| Licensee | Barclays | Santander UK |
|---|---|---|
| Licensee | Barclays Bank UK PLC · bank authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA (FRN 759676) | Santander UK plc · bank authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA (FRN 106054) |
| Regulator | FCA / PRA · | FCA / PRA · |