What is Santander Simply Right Checking?

Simply Right Checking is Santander Bank's primary checking account. It has a $10 monthly fee that is waived if you maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance OR make at least one qualifying transaction per month. Qualifying transactions include any debit card purchase, ACH payment, direct deposit, or check written from the account.

How do I waive the Santander checking account fee?

The $10 monthly fee for Simply Right Checking is waived in two ways: (1) Maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance every day in the statement cycle, OR (2) Make at least one qualifying transaction — any debit purchase, bill pay, direct deposit, or ACH transfer counts. Most active account holders qualify via the transaction route.

What are Santander's Zelle limits?

Santander Bank's Zelle limit is $2,500 per day and $10,000 per month. Zelle transfers to enrolled recipients typically arrive within minutes. There is no fee for Zelle payments from a Santander checking account.

How do I open a Santander checking account?

You can open a Santander checking account online at santanderbank.com, in a branch, or by calling 1-877-768-2265. You need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and a deposit to fund the account. Santander is available only to residents of its 8 Northeast operating states.

Santander Checking Account 2026: Simply Right Fees and Features

Santander Simply Right Checking has a $10 monthly fee that is waived with just one qualifying transaction per month. Here is everything you need to know about Santander checking accounts in 2026.

Santander Checking Account Options

Account	Monthly fee	How to waive	Best for
Simply Right Checking	$10	$1,500 balance OR 1 qualifying transaction	Most customers
Santander Basic Checking	$0	No waiver needed	Customers who want truly free checking

Simply Right Checking: Key Details

Monthly fee: $10, waived if you:

Keep a minimum daily balance of $1,500 every day in the statement period, OR
Make at least 1 qualifying transaction per statement cycle

Qualifying transactions include:

Any debit card purchase (in-store, online, or contactless)
ACH payment or direct deposit
Check written from the account
Bill pay via online banking

The transaction waiver makes this account effectively free for anyone who uses their debit card at least once a month.

Checking Account Features

Feature	Details
Debit card	Santander Mastercard Debit
Overdraft protection	Optional (linked savings or OD line)
Zelle	Included ($2,500/day limit)
Mobile deposit	Included
Bill pay	Free online
Alerts	Customizable via app or email
Paper statements	Available ($3/month fee)

Overdraft Policy

Fee	Amount
Overdraft fee	$35 per item
Maximum fees per day	3 ($105 max)

Overdraft protection from a linked Santander savings account may avoid these fees. Alternatively, Santander Basic Checking does not allow overdrafts — transactions are declined instead.

How Simply Right Compares

Bank	Account	Monthly fee	Waiver
Santander	Simply Right	$10	$1,500 balance OR 1 transaction
KeyBank	Smart Checking	$0	No conditions
Chase	Total Checking	$12	$500 direct deposit OR $1,500 balance
Huntington	Asterisk-Free	$0	No conditions
Wells Fargo	Everyday Checking	$10	$500 direct deposit OR $500 balance

How to Open a Santander Checking Account

Go to santanderbank.com or visit a branch
Select “Simply Right Checking” and click “Open Account”
Provide a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and address
Fund the account with an initial deposit (any amount)
Set up direct deposit using routing number for your state and your account number

Santander is available only to residents of: NY, NJ, MA, CT, NH, RI, VT, ME, PA, DE, DC, MD, VA.

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Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy