Santander UK vs Virgin Money: what each publishes
As of October 17, 2026, we hold published rules from Santander UK on 2 of 7 industries and from Virgin Money on 1.
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 | Santander UK | Virgin Money |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto | No | No published rule |
| 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.
Virgin Money
At least one of the main parties (owner/partner/director) must also be a UK resident.
Rules about countries
Santander UK
No published rule
Virgin Money
No published rule
Fees
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 |
Virgin Money
| Plan | Account opening | Monthly | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| M Account for Business (turnover under £1m) | Not stated | GBP 0 monthly account fee; free day-to-day app and online banking; cash withdrawals, CHAPS and international payments are charged under the tariff guide | · Source |
| Business Current Account (turnover under £6.5m) | Not stated | None for the first 25 months (free day-to-day banking offer for new businesses or businesses new to Virgin Money), then GBP 6.50 a month | · Source |
Closing an account
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.
Virgin Money
We can close your account at any time. If we do this, we'll write to you or email you to let you know 90 days before it closes.
Licence
| Licensee | Santander UK | Virgin Money |
|---|---|---|
| Licensee | Santander UK plc · bank authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA (FRN 106054) | Nationwide Building Society (trading as Virgin Money) · building society authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA (FRN 106078) |
| Regulator | FCA / PRA · | FCA / PRA · |