Metro Bank vs Santander UK: what each publishes
As of October 17, 2026, we hold published rules from Metro Bank on 0 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 | Metro Bank | Santander UK |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto | No published rule | No |
| Unlicensed financial services | No published rule | 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
Metro Bank
If you are a sole trader/sole signatory you need to be a UK resident to open this account. If there is more than one signatory, director or beneficial owner associated with the account, at least half of them must be UK residents.
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
Metro Bank
No published rule
Santander UK
No published rule
Fees
Metro Bank
| Plan | Account opening | Monthly | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Bank Account | Not stated | GBP 8 in a month the balance falls below GBP 6,000 on any day (UK transactions GBP 0.30 each); no monthly fee in a month the balance stays at GBP 6,000 or more (30 free UK transactions, then GBP 0.30 each). New customers: 12 months fee-free (offer terms 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
Metro Bank
If we can, we will tell you before we suspend the service or close the account (giving you two months’ 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 | Metro Bank | Santander UK |
|---|---|---|
| Licensee | Metro Bank PLC · bank authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA (FRN 488982) | Santander UK plc · bank authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA (FRN 106054) |
| Regulator | FCA / PRA · | FCA / PRA · |