Quick Answer
Mon – Fri
9 AM – 5 PM
Some extend to 6 PM
Saturday
9 AM – 1/2 PM
Sunday
Closed
CVS ATMs
2,000+
Surcharge-free
Santander Bank operates ~400 branches across 9 Northeast states. Use the Santander branch locator to confirm your branch's exact hours. CVS Pharmacy ATMs are surcharge-free for all Santander customers.
🕑 Last verified: August 2026. Branch hours may vary.
What Makes Santander Different: Global Parent, Local Banking§
Santander Bank is the U.S. subsidiary of Banco Santander S.A., headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Banco Santander is one of the largest banking groups in the world, with over $1.8 trillion in total assets, operations in 40+ countries, and over 160 million customers globally. By total branch count worldwide, Banco Santander operates more branches than any other bank on Earth. In the U.S., Santander operates as a regional Northeast bank — but it has the financial backing of a global powerhouse that dwarfs even JPMorgan Chase in global branch footprint.
The bank's American roots go back to 1902, when it was founded as Penn Savings Bank in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. It became Sovereign Bank in 1986 and grew into one of the largest banks in the Northeast through decades of acquisitions across New England, New Jersey, and New York. Banco Santander acquired Sovereign Bank in 2009 and rebranded it to Santander Bank in October 2013. If you banked with Sovereign, you're now a Santander customer at the same locations with the same staff — just a different name and a Spanish parent company.
What the Spanish ownership means practically: For everyday banking — checking, savings, ATMs, mobile deposit — nothing changes. Santander operates under American banking regulations, supervised by the OCC, and your deposits are FDIC-insured. Where the global parent matters: international wire transfers to Santander-served countries (Spain, Portugal, UK, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina) may process faster and cheaper through Santander's internal network rather than through correspondent banks. If you send money internationally to Latin America or Europe regularly, this is a genuine advantage no other Northeast bank offers.
The 2026 game-changer: On February 3, 2026, Banco Santander announced a $12.2 billion acquisition of Webster Financial Corporation (parent of Webster Bank). Webster operates ~200 branches primarily in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. When this deal closes (expected late 2026 or early 2027), Santander will gain approximately 200 additional branches, becoming one of the largest banks in the entire Northeast — rivaling TD Bank and M&T Bank in branch count. Webster also owns HSA Bank, one of the largest health savings account administrators in America, which could expand Santander's product offerings significantly.
CVS Pharmacy ATMs
Santander customers can use ATMs inside 2,000+ CVS Pharmacy locations surcharge-free. This effectively triples Santander's ATM reach beyond its own branch ATMs. CVS stores are open early morning through late evening (some 24 hours), giving you ATM access well beyond bank hours. This is a genuine competitive advantage that Chase, TD Bank, and PNC don't match.
Simply Right $0 Checking
Santander's Simply Right Checking has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no conditions. It's truly free — no direct deposit requirement to waive the fee (because there is no fee). Includes a debit card, mobile banking, Zelle, and surcharge-free access to all Santander and CVS ATMs. Chase charges $12/month, BofA charges $12, Wells Fargo charges $10.
Global Stability
Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (certificate #29950) — the same protection as any American bank. But Santander's parent company has $1.8 trillion in assets globally, making it one of the world's most systemically important banks. For customers who value institutional stability, Santander's backing is unmatched by any regional competitor in the Northeast.
The Webster Bank Acquisition: What It Means for You§
The $12.2 billion Webster Financial acquisition is the biggest change to Santander's U.S. operations since the Sovereign Bank rebranding in 2013. Webster Bank operates ~200 branches primarily in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and also owns HSA Bank — one of the largest health savings account administrators in the United States, managing over $12 billion in HSA assets. Here's what current Santander and Webster customers need to know:
For Current Santander Customers
More branches: ~200 Webster branches (mainly CT, NY, MA, RI) become Santander locations after merger completion.
Expanded ATM network: Webster ATMs added to the surcharge-free network alongside CVS Pharmacy ATMs.
No disruption expected: Your accounts, routing numbers, and online banking should remain unchanged. Santander is the acquiring bank.
Enhanced services: Webster's HSA Bank (one of the largest HSA administrators in the U.S.) may expand Santander's product offerings.
For Current Webster Customers
Accounts will migrate: Similar to the Sovereign→Santander conversion, Webster accounts will eventually become Santander accounts.
Routing numbers will change: Update direct deposit and auto-pay forms after the migration notice.
New app and online banking: Webster's digital platform will be replaced by Santander's.
Branch closures possible: Where Santander and Webster have overlapping locations (mainly CT and western MA), some branches may close.
Timeline: Regulatory approval pending. Expected close late 2026 or early 2027. Full system migration may take 6–12 months after close.
Santander Checking Accounts: Simply Right vs. Select§
Santander keeps its checking lineup simple — two tiers, clearly differentiated. Simply Right is genuinely free with no conditions (a rarity among major banks), while Select is a premium account for higher-balance customers who want perks like nationwide fee-free ATMs and relationship loan pricing.
Simply Right Checking
Monthly fee: $0. No conditions whatsoever — no direct deposit requirement, no minimum balance, no age restriction, no fine print.
Minimum balance: None. Your account can sit at $1 without penalty.
Includes: Debit card, mobile banking, Zelle, bill pay, surcharge-free Santander branch ATMs and CVS Pharmacy ATMs (2,000+ locations).
Overdraft: $15 per item — the lowest among major Northeast banks. TD Bank charges $35, Chase charges $34.
Best for: Anyone who wants zero-fee checking with no hoops. This is the simplest free checking offer in the Northeast. While KeyBank's Hassle-Free Checking and M&T's EZChoice are also $0, Santander's adds the CVS ATM network which neither competitor matches.
Santander Select Checking
Monthly fee: $25 (waived with $5,000 daily balance or $25,000 combined relationship balance including savings and CDs).
Includes: Everything in Simply Right plus preferred interest rates on deposits, fee-free ATMs at ANY ATM nationwide (not just Santander and CVS), free cashier's checks, free incoming wire transfers, and relationship pricing on mortgages and personal loans.
Nationwide ATMs: The fee-free ATM benefit at any ATM is powerful for travelers. No other Santander product offers this.
Best for: Higher-balance customers who want premium features without the $100K+ thresholds of private banking. Comparable to Chase Premier Plus ($25/month), BofA Advantage Relationship ($25/month), and PNC Performance Select ($25/month).
Where Santander Has Branches: 9 Northeast States§
Santander's ~400 branches are concentrated in the northeastern United States, following the footprint of its predecessor Sovereign Bank. Coverage is densest in the Boston-to-Philadelphia corridor — the most competitive banking market in America, where Santander goes head-to-head with TD Bank, Chase, M&T Bank, PNC, and KeyBank. After the Webster Bank acquisition closes, the branch count will increase to approximately 600, with particularly strong expansion in Connecticut where Webster has deep roots. The combined entity will become one of the top 10 banks in the Northeast by branch count.
Strongest Markets
Massachusetts: Largest market with 80+ branches. Dense coverage across greater Boston, Worcester, Springfield, New Bedford, Fall River, and Cape Cod. Santander is one of the biggest banks in MA by branch count. New Jersey: 70+ branches across northern and central NJ, strong in Bergen County, Essex County, and the Jersey Shore communities. Pennsylvania: 60+ branches in the Philadelphia metro, Lehigh Valley, Berks County (original Penn Savings/Sovereign territory — Santander has deeper roots here than anywhere else), and Pittsburgh area. New York: 50+ branches in the NYC metro (Brooklyn 20, Staten Island 20, Manhattan 15), Long Island, and the Hudson Valley.
Also Available
Rhode Island: Solid statewide coverage with 15+ branches, particularly in Providence metro. Connecticut: Growing presence, will expand dramatically with the Webster Bank acquisition adding ~60 CT branches. New Hampshire: 10+ branches primarily in southern NH communities (Nashua, Manchester, Concord). Delaware: Limited presence in the Wilmington area. Florida: Small number of branches primarily in Miami-Dade County — this is not a full-service market but provides a warm-weather outpost for Santander's Northeast customers who winter in Florida.
Not Available
No branches in the Midwest, South (except limited FL), Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, or West Coast. If you're moving outside the Northeast corridor, you'll need to switch banks. Chase (48 states) or Wells Fargo (36 states) are safer choices if relocation is possible.
The CVS Pharmacy ATM Advantage§
Santander's partnership with CVS Pharmacy gives customers surcharge-free ATM access at over 2,000 CVS locations throughout the Northeast and beyond. This is one of Santander's most underappreciated advantages — no other major Northeast bank offers a comparable retail ATM partnership. While Chase has 16,000 of its own ATMs nationally, within Santander's 9-state footprint, the combination of Santander branch ATMs plus CVS ATMs often provides comparable or better coverage, especially in suburban and rural areas where CVS stores outnumber bank branches.
The practical impact: You're at a CVS in suburban Connecticut at 9 PM on a Wednesday — every bank branch within 10 miles closed at 5 PM. As a Santander customer, you walk to the ATM inside CVS and withdraw cash with zero surcharge. A TD Bank or PNC customer at the same CVS pays a $2.50–3.00 surcharge for the same transaction. Over a year of regular ATM use, this saves $50–100 in fees. It also means you rarely need to plan your day around finding a Santander ATM — CVS locations are everywhere.
What CVS ATMs Offer
Surcharge-free withdrawals: No fees for Santander debit card holders. Standard $2–3 surcharge for non-Santander customers.
Balance inquiries: Free for Santander customers.
Extended hours: CVS stores are typically open 7 AM–10 PM or later. Some CVS locations are 24 hours. ATM access follows store hours.
Nationwide reach: While Santander branches are in 9 states, CVS ATMs extend your surcharge-free access into states where Santander has no branches.
What CVS ATMs Don't Offer
No deposits: CVS ATMs are withdrawal-only. For deposits, you need a Santander branch ATM or mobile deposit.
No check cashing: Cash and check deposits require a branch visit or the mobile app.
Withdrawal limits apply: Standard daily ATM withdrawal limits (typically $500–1,000) apply at CVS ATMs.
Not all CVS stores have ATMs: The majority do, but verify on the Santander or CVS locator before making a trip.
Mobile Deposit, Wire Transfers & Direct Deposit§
Mobile Check Deposit
Cutoff: 9:00 PM Eastern Time on business days.
Daily limit: $5,000 standard personal accounts.
Availability: First $225 same business day (Reg CC). Remainder next business day for established accounts.
Wire Transfers
Domestic: Same-day if before 4 PM ET. In-branch or online banking.
International: 1–5 business days. Santander's global network may provide faster processing to Santander-served countries (Spain, UK, Brazil, Mexico).
Fees: Domestic ~$30, international ~$45.
Direct Deposit
Posting: Midnight–6 AM ET on scheduled pay date.
Early deposit: Not widely offered. For early access, Woodforest offers up to 2 days early.
Note: Simply Right Checking has no fee to waive, so direct deposit isn't needed for fee avoidance.
Best Time to Visit, Drive-Through & Saturday Strategy§
Saturday: Arrive by 9:15 AM. With a 1–2 PM close and reduced staffing, the 4–5 hour Saturday window fills quickly — especially at high-traffic branches in Boston, NYC, and Philadelphia metros. Book banker appointments online if you need more than a teller transaction. Saturday is the busiest time for mortgage consultations and account openings at Santander — if possible, handle these mid-week instead.
Best weekday times: Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00–10:30 AM for the shortest waits. Monday mornings see weekend backlog — people depositing weekend checks, reporting lost cards, and handling transactions that couldn't wait until the branch reopened. Thursday and Friday afternoons get heavy with paycheck deposits, especially around the 1st and 15th of the month.
Drive-through: Available at suburban Santander branches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Typically opens with the lobby and may extend 15–30 minutes after close. Urban locations (Manhattan, downtown Boston, downtown Philadelphia) don't have drive-throughs due to space constraints. Where available, the drive-through is consistently faster than the lobby for deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments.
CVS ATM shortcut: If you only need cash, skip the branch entirely and use a CVS Pharmacy ATM. There are more CVS locations than Santander branches in every state Santander serves, they're open later (typically until 10 PM), and there's no wait. Reserve branch visits for transactions that require a teller: cashier's checks, notary services, account openings, and complex account issues.
Lunch hour (12–1 PM): The worst time to visit any bank branch, and Santander is no exception. Workers on lunch break create a rush that peaks around 12:15 PM and doesn't subside until 1:15 PM. If you must visit during lunch, the drive-through (where available) is faster than walking into the lobby.
International Banking: Santander's Global Network Advantage§
No other Northeast regional bank has Santander's international reach. As a subsidiary of Banco Santander — which operates in over 40 countries including Spain, Portugal, UK, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Poland, and Germany — Santander can process certain international transactions through its internal network rather than through correspondent banks. This can mean faster processing and lower fees for transfers to Santander-served countries.
Where Santander Has a Global Edge
Wire transfers to Spain/Portugal: Potentially same-day through Santander's internal network vs 2–3 days through correspondent banks at other U.S. banks.
Latin America transfers: Santander operates major banking operations in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. Transfers to these countries may process faster.
Foreign currency: Competitive exchange rates on euros, British pounds, Brazilian reais, and Mexican pesos through Santander's global treasury operations.
Expat banking: If you're a European or Latin American expat living in the Northeast, Santander can provide continuity with your home-country banking relationship.
Limitations
Not a multi-currency account: Santander U.S. accounts are in USD only. You can't hold euros or pounds in your American account.
Standard wire fees still apply: ~$45 for international outgoing wires regardless of destination. The speed advantage doesn't eliminate the fee.
Not available everywhere: The global network advantage applies only to Santander-served countries. Transfers to Asia, Africa, or the Middle East go through standard correspondent banking like any other U.S. bank.
Regulatory differences: Your U.S. account is governed by American banking law regardless of the Spanish parent company. FDIC insurance, Reg CC holds, and all U.S. regulations apply.
Santander vs. Northeast Competitors§
| Feature | Santander | TD Bank | Chase | M&T Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday close | 5 PM (some 6) | 5:30 PM | 5 PM (metro 6) | 5 PM (Fri 6) |
| Saturday close | 1–2 PM | 1 PM | 1–2 PM | 1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Open 11–3 | Closed | Closed |
| Branches | ~400 (9 states) | ~1,100 (15 states) | ~4,700 (48 states) | ~950 (12 states) |
| Free checking | Simply Right ($0) | None ($5.99) | None ($12) | EZChoice ($0) |
| CVS ATMs | Surcharge-free | No | No | No |
| Phone support | Mon–Sat 8–8 | Mon–Sun | Mon–Sat | 24/7 |
| Global parent | Banco Santander ($1.8T) | TD Group (Canada) | JPMorgan ($3.9T) | Independent |
| Overdraft fee | $15 | $35 | $34 | $36 |
| Pending merger | Webster Bank ($12.2B) | None | None | None |
Bottom line: Santander wins on free checking (Simply Right is truly $0 with no conditions — no direct deposit required, no minimum balance, no fine print), CVS ATM network (2,000+ surcharge-free locations — no other Northeast bank matches this), lowest overdraft fee in the region ($15 vs $34–36 at competitors), global parent backing (Banco Santander, $1.8 trillion in assets, the world's largest bank by branch count), international wire advantages (faster/cheaper to Santander-served countries), and the pending Webster expansion that will nearly double the branch count. TD Bank wins on Sunday hours (the dealbreaker for many), more branches currently (~1,100 vs ~400), and extended weekday hours. Chase wins on national coverage (48 states vs 9) and product depth. M&T Bank wins on 24/7 phone support and Wilmington Trust wealth management.
Who should choose Santander: Northeast residents who want truly free checking with absolutely no conditions. People who value the CVS ATM network for after-hours cash access without surcharges. International customers — particularly those with ties to Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, or other Latin American countries — who benefit from Santander's global banking network for transfers and currency exchange. Former Sovereign Bank customers who are already in the system. And anyone who wants a bank backed by one of the world's largest financial institutions while still getting community-bank-level service in the Northeast.
Who should NOT choose Santander: People who need Sunday branch access (TD Bank is your answer). People who travel or may relocate outside the Northeast (Santander has only 9 states — Chase at 48 states is safer). People who want 24/7 phone support (Santander's line closes at 8 PM, M&T Bank offers true 24/7). And people in the Midwest, South, or West Coast where Santander simply doesn't exist.
What Works When Your Branch Is Closed§
Santander's after-hours experience is stronger than most regional banks thanks to the CVS ATM partnership. While your branch closes at 5 PM, your ATM network extends to 10 PM or later through CVS locations. Combined with mobile banking and Zelle, most routine banking tasks don't require a branch visit at all.
24/7 Services
Santander branch ATMs: Vestibule ATMs accessible 24/7 with debit card. Cash withdrawals, check and cash deposits, balance checks.
CVS Pharmacy ATMs (2,000+): Surcharge-free withdrawals during CVS store hours (typically 7 AM–10 PM, some 24 hours). Withdrawals and balance inquiries only — no deposits.
Santander Mobile app: Mobile check deposit (9 PM ET cutoff), bill pay, Zelle instant transfers, card lock/unlock, spending alerts, account management.
santanderbank.com: Full online banking including wire transfer initiation, statements, and secure messaging with support.
Zelle: Instant person-to-person transfers 24/7/365, integrated in the Santander app.
Phone support: Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PM ET at 1-877-768-2265. Not 24/7 for general inquiries, but the lost/stolen card line is always available.
Branch-Only
Cashier's checks: During lobby hours only (free with Select Checking, fee with Simply Right).
Safe deposit boxes: Lobby hours only at branches with vaults — not all Santander branches have vault service.
Notary services: At branches with notary staff, by appointment recommended.
Account openings: Complex accounts (business, trust, Select Checking) require in-person verification.
Foreign currency: Order through branch. Santander's global network may offer competitive rates and faster delivery for euros, British pounds, and Latin American currencies.
Mortgage & loan applications: In-person at the branch with a loan officer. Santander offers competitive mortgage rates in its Northeast markets.
Holiday Schedule§
Santander closes on all 11 federal holidays. In Santander's Northeast markets, TD Bank stays open on Columbus Day and Presidents' Day — making TD Bank the nearest alternative on those two days. Santander's CVS ATMs remain available during CVS store hours on all holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas when most other ATMs are less accessible.
Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve: Most Santander branches close early (~2 PM) on both days. Plan cashier's check requests and wire transfers for earlier in the week. The CVS ATM network continues operating on its regular schedule.
Three-day weekend gaps: Monday holidays (MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day) create 72-hour settlement gaps where no ACH or wire transfers process from Friday 5 PM through Tuesday morning. For Santander customers sending international wires to Spain or Latin America through Santander's global network, keep in mind that the destination country may have its own holidays that extend the gap further.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, Jan 1 | Closed |
| MLK Day | Mon, Jan 19 | Closed |
| Presidents' Day | Mon, Feb 16 | Closed |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25 | Closed |
| Juneteenth | Fri, Jun 19 | Closed |
| Independence Day | Sat, Jul 4 (obs Fri) | Closed |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7 | Closed |
| Columbus Day | Mon, Oct 12 | Closed |
| Veterans Day | Wed, Nov 11 | Closed |
| Thanksgiving | Thu, Nov 26 | Closed |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25 | Closed |
Still Searching for Sovereign Bank Hours?§
If you searched for “Sovereign Bank hours” and landed here — you're in the right place. Sovereign Bank is now Santander Bank. The rebranding happened in October 2013 when parent company Banco Santander unified its U.S. operations under the Santander name. Every Sovereign Bank branch became a Santander branch, and all accounts transferred automatically.
Your former Sovereign branch likely has the same staff at the same location — just with Santander signage. If you haven't visited since the conversion, the hours are largely unchanged: Mon–Fri 9–5, Saturday 9–1/2 PM, closed Sunday. The routing number changed during the conversion — if you still have old Sovereign checks, they won't work. Your current routing number is available in the Santander app, at santanderbank.com, or by calling 1-877-768-2265.
The Sovereign Bank story: Originally founded as Penn Savings Bank in 1902 in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, it became Sovereign Bank in 1986. Over the next two decades, Sovereign grew aggressively through acquisitions — buying FleetBoston's branches, Independence Community Bank in Brooklyn, and dozens of smaller banks throughout New England. By the time Banco Santander acquired it in 2009, Sovereign was one of the 20 largest banks in the United States with over 700 branches. The Santander rebranding in 2013 retired one of the most recognized bank names in the Northeast.
And now Webster Bank: History is repeating. Just as Sovereign customers became Santander customers in 2013, Webster Bank customers will become Santander customers after the 2026 acquisition closes. The pattern is the same: same branches, same staff, new name, new app, new routing number. If you're a current Webster customer, the transition will be smoother than you expect — Santander has done this before.
Customer Service & Support§
Santander's customer service operates Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time — wider Saturday hours than most competitors who stop at 3 PM. The Saturday 8 PM close means you can call for help well after your branch has closed for the day. However, Santander does not offer 24/7 general phone support like M&T Bank or Navy Federal. For after-hours emergencies (lost/stolen cards, suspected fraud), the card services line on the back of your debit card is available 24/7. Santander also offers secure messaging through the mobile app and santanderbank.com for non-urgent questions — expect a response within 1 business day.
| Service | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General banking | 1-877-768-2265 | Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PM ET |
| Lost/stolen card | Card back number | 24/7 |
| Mortgage | 1-877-768-2265 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM ET |
| Business banking | 1-877-768-2265 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM ET |
| TTY (hearing impaired) | 711 | Relay service hours |
Phone support on Saturdays: Santander's Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PM ET schedule means you can call for help on Saturday until 8 PM — well after your branch has closed for the day. Most competitors shut phone support at 3–5 PM on Saturday. This extended Saturday phone access is particularly useful when you discover an issue with your account on Saturday afternoon and your branch has already closed. You can resolve fee disputes, report suspicious transactions, and get answers about pending deposits without waiting until Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions§
What time does Santander Bank open and close?
Most Santander Bank branches open at 9:00 AM Monday through Friday and close at 5:00 PM. Some branches in high-traffic areas (shopping centers, urban corridors) extend to 6:00 PM on select weekdays. Saturday hours are typically 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM. All branches are closed Sunday. Drive-through service where available may extend 15–30 minutes beyond lobby hours. Hours vary by location — confirm through the Santander locator at santanderbank.com.
Is Santander Bank open on Saturday?
Yes. Most Santander branches are open Saturday, typically 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM. Suburban and shopping center locations are most reliably open. Downtown business-district branches may skip Saturday. The locator shows Saturday status for each branch.
Is Santander Bank open on Sunday?
No. Santander Bank branches are closed every Sunday with no exceptions. For Sunday banking, use Santander ATMs (including CVS Pharmacy locations), the Santander Mobile app, or santanderbank.com. TD Bank is the only major bank in Santander's Northeast markets that offers Sunday branch hours.
Where does Santander Bank have branches?
Santander operates approximately 400 branches across 9 states, concentrated in the Northeast: Massachusetts (largest market), New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware, and a limited presence in Florida. Coverage is densest in the Boston metro, NYC/NJ metro, and Philadelphia areas. Santander has no branches in the Midwest, South (except limited FL), or West Coast.
What is Santander Simply Right Checking?
Simply Right Checking is Santander's no-monthly-fee checking account. Monthly fee: $0 with no conditions, no minimum balance, no direct deposit requirement. Includes a debit card, mobile banking, Zelle, bill pay, and access to Santander and CVS Pharmacy ATMs surcharge-free. Does not include paper checks in the basic package. Similar to KeyBank's Hassle-Free Checking and BofA's SafePass Banking.
Can I use CVS Pharmacy ATMs with Santander?
Yes. Santander customers can use ATMs inside CVS Pharmacy locations surcharge-free. With over 2,000 CVS locations in the Northeast, this effectively doubles Santander's ATM network beyond its own branch ATMs. CVS ATMs support withdrawals and balance inquiries. For deposits, you need a Santander branch ATM. CVS stores are typically open early morning through late evening (and some 24 hours), giving you extended ATM access beyond bank hours.
What is the Webster Bank acquisition?
On February 3, 2026, Banco Santander announced a definitive agreement to acquire Webster Financial Corporation (parent of Webster Bank) for approximately $12.2 billion. Webster Bank operates ~200 branches primarily in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. When completed, this acquisition will significantly expand Santander's branch footprint in New England and make it one of the largest banks in the Northeast. The merger is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in late 2026 or early 2027.
What happened to Sovereign Bank?
Sovereign Bank was rebranded to Santander Bank in October 2013. Sovereign Bank was originally founded in 1902 as Penn Savings Bank in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, then became Sovereign Bank in 1986. Banco Santander (Spain) acquired Sovereign in 2009. If you had a Sovereign Bank account, it became a Santander account automatically. Former Sovereign branches are now Santander branches at the same locations. Routing numbers changed during the conversion.
What holidays does Santander Bank close for?
Santander closes on all 11 federal holidays: New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Only TD Bank stays open on Columbus Day and Presidents' Day in Santander's Northeast markets.
Does Santander offer early direct deposit?
Santander does not widely offer early direct deposit as a standard feature. Direct deposits typically post between midnight and 6:00 AM Eastern Time on the scheduled pay date. If your payday falls on a federal holiday, most employers advance the deposit to the Friday before. For early direct deposit, Woodforest (up to 2 days early) or fintech banks like Chime are alternatives.
Is Santander a safe bank?
Yes. Santander Bank is FDIC-insured (certificate #29950), meaning your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor. Santander's parent company, Banco Santander S.A. (headquartered in Madrid, Spain), is one of the largest banking groups in the world with over $1.8 trillion in total assets and operations in over 40 countries. The U.S. subsidiary operates under American banking regulations and is supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
How does Santander compare to TD Bank and Chase?
Santander advantages: Simply Right $0 checking (no conditions), CVS ATM network (surcharge-free at 2,000+ locations), Spanish parent backing ($1.8T global assets). TD Bank advantages: Sunday hours, open on Columbus Day and Presidents' Day, slightly more branches (~1,100 vs ~400). Chase advantages: 48-state national coverage (Santander is 9 states), larger product suite (investments, Private Client), longer Saturday hours in metro areas. For the Northeast corridor, Santander competes primarily with TD Bank — both serve the same markets with similar hours, but TD Bank offers Sunday access that Santander doesn't.
Official Resources§
Is Your Santander Branch Open Right Now?
Check real-time bank status across 9 states and 78 countries worldwide.