Avoid at all costs at entry-level - Anonymous employee Santander Employee Review

1.0
Feb 15, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Absolutely none unless you can make it to the higher salary bands to start receiving free benefits that lower bands have to pay for like private healthcare insurance. S3 upwards can also coast nicely without too much work or effort from what I noticed.

Cons

If you're S1 or S2, Santander WILL set unrealistic expectations for performance and deliverables, overwork you, strip away any and all perks of the role that might make your life easier, manage you out if you require any reasonable accommodations due to health issues and generally treat you like a robot that exists only to be milked by the company. Progression from S1 and S2 is almost non-existent, promotions seem to be few and far between while internal recruitment feels like you may as well be applying as an external candidate; management will hinder you if anything. Pay seems to be lower than market rate across the board, from branch/call centre to senior leadership. Words fail to describe how hollow and soulless my time there managed to make me feel. Company needs to completely change its approach to lower level staff if they want to avoid the sky-high churn they have now. As it is, I would not recommend it to my worst enemy.

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5.0
Jul 7, 2026
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Pros

Work life balance, smart colleagues

Cons

Too top down, chaotic strategy, layoffs

4.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Of all the companies I have worked for, Santander has had the strongest training program. The training was comprehensive, well-structured, and especially valuable for employees who are new to the banking industry. Additionally, Santander's ONE software is by far the most intuitive and user friendly banking platform I have used, making it easy to learn and navigate while supporting efficient daily operations.

Cons

Like most retail banking roles, there is a strong sales component. With fewer customers visiting branches due to online banking and ATMs, much of the day is spent making outbound calls to existing clients, trying to set appointments, and push products and services. While I understand the importance of sales in the industry, I personally felt there was significant pressure to prioritize sales goals over relationship building and client service, which I was not comfortable with.

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