How to Apply for your Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card®
Maximize rewards with 3% cashback, no fees, and 0% APR
The Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card® is renowned for its straightforward rewards structure, offering an attractive 3% cashback on all purchases up to $20,000 in the first 12 months, and 1.5% thereafter.
Tailored for individuals who value simplicity and efficiency, this card stands out with no annual, foreign transaction, or cash advance fees.
The 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months further enhances its appeal, making it a competitive option in the best cash back rewards credit card category.
Highlights:
- Generous cash back: Earn an impressive 3% cashback on all purchases during the first year up to $20,000, then continue to benefit from a steady 1.5% cash back rate.
- Introductory offer: Take advantage of a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the initial 12 months, offering a great start.
- No hidden fees: Enjoy the transparency of no annual, foreign transaction, or cash advance fees.
- Flexible rewards: Redeem your cashback effortlessly for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise, tailoring rewards to your preferences.
- Digital banking: Seamlessly manage your finances with Santander’s user-friendly mobile app.
- Security features: Benefit from enhanced protection with Santander’s comprehensive digital security measures.
Considerations:
- Post-introductory adjustment: After the first year, the cashback rate normalizes to 1.5%, a factor to consider for long-term planning.
- Focused reward structure: While the card offers broad cashback rewards, those seeking targeted rewards, like enhanced travel points, may find it less tailored to specific spending categories.
- Credit score impact: As with any credit card, applying for the Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card® necessitates a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
Eligibility criteria for the Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card®
For the Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card®, a good credit score is essential. However, Santander Bank considers more than just credit scores:
- Credit history and score: A solid credit history and a high credit score increase approval odds. Santander looks for reliability in credit management reflected in your credit report.
- Income and employment: Stable income and secure employment are crucial to demonstrate the ability to manage credit card payments.
- Financial health: The bank assesses financial stability through your debt-to-income ratio, ensuring you can handle additional credit without financial strain.
- Existing banking relationships: Current customers may benefit from their relationship with Santander, potentially leading to better terms or smoother approval processes.
It’s wise to check your credit report for accuracy before applying to rectify any errors that might affect your application. Applicants should thoroughly understand their financial standing and choose a credit card that aligns with their financial behavior and goals to maximize the benefits and increase the chances of approval.
About Santander Bank
Santander US Bank, a key player in the global financial arena, operates under the umbrella of Banco Santander, a Spanish multinational financial services company.
Esteemed for its forward-thinking financial solutions, Santander Bank has established a robust presence, notably in the Northeastern United States, where it’s lauded for its comprehensive range of services including personal banking, loans, and investment options.
The bank’s ethos centres around innovation and customer satisfaction, aiming to provide tailored financial products that align with customer needs and market demands.
This customer-first approach, coupled with its broad service spectrum, solidifies Santander’s reputation as a reliable and progressive banking institution.
Who is this card for?
The Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card® is tailored for those who prioritize efficiency and value in their financial tools:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Ideal for individuals who focus on maximizing savings without paying extra fees.
- Everyday spenders: With cashback on all purchases, it’s great for those who use their card for daily expenses.
- First-time credit card users: Its straightforward rewards system makes it a top contender for those new to credit.
- Reward seekers: Those looking to accumulate cash back rewards without the hassle of tracking spending categories or enrollment periods.
- Travelers: With no foreign transaction fees, it’s suited for those who travel abroad and prefer not to incur extra charges.
- Digital savvy users: The card comes with robust online banking features, appealing to users who prefer managing their finances digitally.
This card combines simplicity with practicality, offering a no-fuss way to earn rewards on everyday spending, making it an attractive option for a broad spectrum of consumers.
Step by step to apply for the Card
To apply for the Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card®:
- Visit website: Go to Santander’s official site;
- Card selection: Navigate to the credit card section, find the Ultimate Cash Back Card;
- Apply: Click ‘Apply Now’;
- Fill details: Complete the application form with personal and financial information;
- Submit: Review and submit the application for processing.
Alternatively, you can apply for the card by calling Santander bank at 877-768-2265 or visiting your nearest branch.
Positive and negative
Overall, the Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card® offers substantial benefits in terms of cash back rewards, introductory offers, and fee transparency, making it an appealing choice for various consumer segments. However, individuals should consider factors like long-term rewards, spending habits, and credit score impact before applying.
Positive
- Generous cash back: The card offers an impressive 3% cash back on all purchases during the first year, up to $20,000, which is higher than many other cash back cards.
- Introductory offer: The 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the initial 12 months provides a great opportunity for savings and managing existing balances.
- No hidden fees: The absence of annual, foreign transaction, or cash advance fees adds to its attractiveness, ensuring transparency and saving money for cardholders.
- Flexible rewards: Cardholders can redeem cash back effortlessly for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise, offering flexibility and catering to individual preferences.
- Digital banking: The card comes with a user-friendly mobile app, allowing seamless management of finances, which aligns well with the preferences of modern consumers.
- Security Features: Enhanced protection with comprehensive digital security measures ensures peace of mind for cardholders, safeguarding against fraudulent activities.
Negative
- Post-introductory adjustment: After the first year, the cash back rate decreases to 1.5%, which may be considered lower for long-term planning and may not be as attractive compared to other cards.
- Focused reward structure: While the card offers broad cash back rewards, it lacks targeted rewards for specific spending categories, which may not be suitable for individuals seeking specialized rewards such as travel points.
- Credit score impact: Applying for the card necessitates a credit check, potentially affecting the applicant’s credit score, which can be a drawback for individuals mindful of their credit rating.
How to activate your Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card®
To activate your Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card®, you have three options:
1. Through mobile banking:
- Log in, select ‘Help and contact us’, then ‘Chat with us’;
- Ask Sandi, the digital assistant, to activate your card.
2. Via online banking chat:
- Log in, click ‘Chat with us’;
- Request card activation and follow the steps provided.
3. Online banking self-serve:
- After logging in, go to ‘My details & settings’ > ‘Other services’;
- Choose ‘Activate a new card’ and follow the on-screen instructions, including OTP verification.
Fees and tariffs
Enjoy 0% APR initially on the Santander Ultimate Cash Back Card®, then a variable rate of 20.01%-29.14%. No annual, foreign transaction, or balance transfer fees in the first year. Access and find out more details about rates and fees.
Santander mobile app experience
Elevate your banking performance with the Santander app, rated highly for its user-friendly interface and robust features.
- Key features: Offers account management, transaction tracking, and enhanced security;
- Availability: Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to enhance your financial experience.
Customer service
Experience comprehensive support with Santander’s customer service, accessible through multiple channels for your convenience:
- Phone support: Call 877-768-2265 for general inquiries, available 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET, Monday – Saturday.
- Live chat: Available directly on the Santander website.
- Mobile app support: Access services via the app, downloadable from.
- Apple users: Find it on the Apple App Store.
- Android users: Available on the Google Play Store.
Did you like the tip? Discover other credit cards for US residents on our website.
