Complain to Santander Consumer Finance
Motor finance lender within the FCA’s 2026 redress scheme for undisclosed dealer commission on car finance agreements
BankingFree, and its decisions bind the firm.
How to complain
Common Santander Consumer Finance complaints
Unauthorized Transaction
Reclaim fraudulent charges
Unfair Fees
Challenge excessive charges
Account Problem
Resolve access or closure issues
Product Mis-selling
Compensation for unsuitable products
This one needs a different route
Complaints about banks, lenders and insurers are regulated claims work. Handling them takes FCA authorisation, which we don’t have, so we don’t write them. That’s not us being careful with you - it’s the law about who’s allowed to do it.
Financial complaints go to the Financial Ombudsman
Complain to the bank, lender or insurer first - they have eight weeks to answer. If they say no, or say nothing, the Financial Ombudsman Service reviews it for free and its decisions are binding on the firm. That is a stronger route than anything we could write.
Santander Consumer Finance ombudsman & regulator routes
Which ombudsman handles Santander Consumer Finance complaints?
Financial Ombudsman Service. Once Santander Consumer Finance’s own complaints process is exhausted (after 8 weeks or a deadlock letter), you can take your complaint there for free. Go to the ombudsman. Read our Financial Ombudsman Service guide.
Can you complain to the FCA about Santander Consumer Finance?
Not for individual disputes: the FCA sets the rules for the sector but does not resolve personal complaints or award compensation. Complain to Santander Consumer Finance directly first and keep written records, then escalate to Financial Ombudsman Service if it stays unresolved after 8 weeks or you receive a deadlock or final-response letter. You can still report Santander Consumer Finance to the FCA to flag systemic problems, but that will not get your own money back.
Laws that protect you
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Financial services must be performed with reasonable care and skill.
Payment Services Regulations 2017
Protection for unauthorized transactions and payment errors.
FCA Consumer Duty
Financial firms must act in customers' best interests.
Tips for Santander Consumer Finance complaints
- Report unauthorized transactions within 13 months
- Banks must respond to complaints within 8 weeks
- The Financial Ombudsman can award up to £430,000
- Keep records of all communications
- Vulnerable customers have additional protections
If Santander Consumer Finance doesn't respond
- 1
Customer Service
Allow 15 daysContact your bank’s customer service team
- 2
Formal Complaint
Submit a formal complaint: banks must acknowledge within 5 working days
- 3
Financial Ombudsman
8 weeksFree escalation after 8 weeks or receipt of a final response letter
Visit website - 4
How to complain
Expected response time
56 days
Banks have a statutory 8-week deadline to resolve complaints before the Financial Ombudsman gets involved
Where this one goes
Complain to Santander Consumer Finance first. If they say no, or say nothing, the ombudsman reviews it for free.
Financial Ombudsman ServiceFree • Binding on the firm
Frequently asked questions
Tools & guides for your Santander Consumer Finance complaint
Free calculators and explainers that strengthen the case you make to Santander Consumer Finance.
- Section 75 & chargeback checkerPaid by card? You have a secret weapon.
- Chargeback letter generatorGenerate a bank chargeback request letter.
- Bank fees calculatorCalculate unfair bank charges you can reclaim.
- Car finance compensation checkerBought on finance between 2007 and 2024?
- Statute-barred debt checkerCheck if a debt is too old to enforce.
- Hidden commission checkerWas your broker paid a secret commission?
- Telecoms ombudsman: escalate after 6 weeks, not 8Ofcom cut the telecoms ADR wait from 8 weeks to 6 on 8 April 2026. When you can escalate a broadband or mobile complaint, to which ombudsman, and how to skip the wait.
- Klarna & Clearpay complaints: your new rights from 15 July 2026BNPL comes under FCA regulation on 15 July 2026: affordability checks, real support in hardship, and Financial Ombudsman escalation. What changes and how to use it.
- 6 ways to get your money back when a company refuses a refundA refusal isn’t the end. Six free routes to your money - Consumer Rights Act letters, chargeback, Section 75, ombudsmen, small claims - and when to use each.
- How to reclaim bank charges and overdraft feesWrongly applied fees, hardship charge spirals, and mis-sold packaged accounts are all reclaimable - free, without a claims company. Here’s the route that works in 2026.
Not sure what the law actually entitles you to? Start with our UK consumer rights guide - refunds, faulty goods, and how to enforce your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Ready to get results?
Put it to Santander Consumer Finance in writing first and give them eight weeks. If the answer is no, or there is no answer, the ombudsman takes it from there, for free, and what it decides binds them.
Free • No claims firm needed, and no fee to pay one
Work at Santander Consumer Finance? Reply to complaints here.
Don't let Santander Consumer Finance ignore you
A letter that cites the law, sets a deadline, and says what happens when it passes.
Financial Ombudsman ServiceDisclaimer: NoReply is an independent consumer advocacy platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Santander Consumer Finance or any of the companies listed on this site. Contact information is sourced from publicly available company websites. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Last reviewed: by NoReply Editorial