It doesn't take that long, they delay putting it into your account. Even electronic transfers that should be instant take several days.
Think how much money they are holding on to by delaying everybody's credits. There is no such thing as free banking, they just "charge" you in a different way.
Its inconvenient but its better than having to shell out hard cash in Bank charges
Actually I find that electronic transfers are instant for me, often I go home and check my online banking and find that some of the customers I did that day have already credited my account.
Personally I wonder on how much of the problems people have stem from what the staff at your local branch are like. Ive been to branches where the staff just dont seem bothered, they often have the whole 'computer says no' attitude on things I know Ive had done elsewhere.
As regards cheques taking ages to clear, Santander just uses the 2-4-6 standard set by the C&CCC that manages all cheque clearances in the UK. If some banks offer faster clearances its not because theyve received your money, its because theyve decided out of the goodness of their heart to 'lend' it to you for a day while they are waiting for the cheque to clear. Of course, if the cheque then bounces, they'll nab it back off you quick, probably along with a hefty fee.
Where an extra day gets added is from the fact that you have to deposit via the ATM as has been said, which means the whole cheque clearing process is delayed by a day, cos the staff empty the ATM at the end of the day, i.e. the same as putting it in over the counter after the cutoff time, 3.30pm or whatever it is.
Basically, to get your cheques faster, Santander need to start dealing with business accounts over the counter. Personally, if I had to deal with some of the
cretins staff Ive heard about, I know which option Id prefer...
