Closing Santander account: Everything you need to know

Santander Bank operates in the northeastern US and Florida. You might want to close your account because you moved, found better fees elsewhere, or need stronger international banking options.

For example, you may have noticed that Santander's multi-currency features in the US are limited, which can be frustrating if you need to manage money across borders.

Unfortunately, Santander US doesn't publish account closure instructions on their website, but here's what the process typically involves.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

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Can you close your Santander account?

Yes, you can close your Santander account anytime if you no longer need it.

According to instructions on Santander UK's website, you can log into your mobile app or online banking and chat with the digital assistant to close your accounts.¹

Santander US probably offers something similar through online banking, though they don't advertise it clearly.

Can you close your Santander account online?

Probably, but Santander US doesn't say for sure.

Santander UK lets customers close accounts through their online platform, so the US likely works the same way, possibly through chat or secure messaging.

Try logging into your online banking to see what options exist. If nothing's available, you'll have to get in touch with customer support or visit a branch.

Closing your Santander account from abroad: step by step

If you're outside the US, you'll likely want to handle the closure remotely. Here's how to do it:

1. Open a new bank account

Before closing your Santander account, make sure to set up a new one.

Depending on your needs, you can open an account with another US bank or use a local bank in the country where you live now. There are also international solutions like Wise.

2. Update your automatic payments and deposits

Look through your Santander statements from the past few months, and identify automatic payments like utilities and subscriptions, as well as incoming direct deposits like your salary.

You'll need to switch all of these to your new account, or you'll face missed payments and potential late fees.

3. Clear out pending transactions

Before you close your account, you'll need to wait until all your recent transactions finish processing.

For example, if you have pending purchases or checks that haven't cleared yet, you won't be able to close your Santander account.

4. Move your money out

If you have a remaining balance in your Santander account, you'll need to move this money to your new bank account or get a check.

You can wire the funds, but keep in mind that sending money internationally comes with fees. However, this is typically the easiest and fastest option to receive your funds.

Alternatively, you can request a physical check to be sent to your address abroad, but it can be hard to deposit it at a foreign bank. Many banks outside of the US don't accept checks.

5. Download your records

Save copies of all your statements and any tax-related documents before closing your Santander account.

Once it's closed, you'll lose access to these records through online banking, and you may need them for taxes or other important purposes.

6. Contact Santander to close the account

From abroad, first try logging in to your online banking and looking for a chat or support feature. You may be able to close your Santander US account online, the same way you can with Santander UK.¹

Make sure to have important information like your account number, Social Security number, and current mailing address nearby because you'll likely need it during the closure process.

If you can't close your Santander account online, then you'll have to wait until your next trip to the US to visit a branch in person.

7. Get closure confirmation

Once Santander says they've closed your account, ask for written proof.

This could be an email or a letter, and you should keep this document in case questions come up later about your account status or any fees.

How much does it cost to close your Santander account?

Most banks don't charge fees for closing accounts, and Santander likely follows this practice.

However, Santander doesn't publish explicit information on this online, so you may want to contact them directly to see if there are any charges that apply to your situation.

For example, some banks charge early closure fees.

How long does it take to close your Santander account?

Santander doesn't disclose how long the closure takes, but it likely happens rather quickly as long as your account doesn't have any pending transactions.

Tips and challenges for closing your Santander account

Here are a few issues that commonly come up when you're closing a bank account:

• Joint accounts usually need all account holders to agree to the closure, which gets tricky when people live in different countries or time zones
• Some banks hold your final balance for a few days after closure to catch any late transactions, so don't expect immediate access to your money
• Santander's branch network is in the Northeast US and Miami, so if you can't close your account online, you'll have to travel to these specific areas

Overall, unfortunately, Santander US doesn't provide clear and easily accessible information online on how to close an account with them, so you'll have to experiment with different methods to see what works.

Once you close your Santander account, it'll be time to think about how you'll manage your money in the future.

If you split your life between multiple countries or need to send international money transfers, banks are often inconvenient because they charge high fees, foreign transaction fees, and currency exchange rate markups.

Learn more about Wise

Sources

1. Santander - Closing an account
2. Santander - Digital banking

Sources checked 12/11/2025