This December, thousands of Santander UK customers are set to receive a pleasant surprise — a £100 Amazon gift voucher, delivered automatically by email. Unlike the usual cash bonuses associated with switching accounts, this festive reward doesn’t require any application, referral, or account change. It’s part of Santander’s new “Festive Thanks” initiative, designed to reward loyalty at a time when the cost of living continues to pressure British households.
A Festive Surprise with No Strings Attached
Santander, one of the UK’s major high street banks, announced the campaign to recognise and thank long-standing customers who maintain active accounts and regularly use the bank’s digital services. The move contrasts with offers from competitors like Lloyds, HSBC, and NatWest — whose incentives usually target new customers rather than existing ones.
“We know this winter has been difficult for many families,” said Nathan Bostock, CEO of Santander UK. “This gesture is our way of showing appreciation to loyal customers and helping them meet some of the costs associated with the holiday season.”
The program will run from December 10 to December 20, 2025, with all qualifying customers receiving their £100 Amazon voucher codes via email.
Why Santander Is Handing Out Amazon Vouchers
The decision reflects Santander’s effort to strengthen its connection with current customers as competition grows in the retail banking sector. With most UK banks offering £150 to £220 for new joiners, Santander’s approach focuses on the opposite — rewarding loyalty instead of incentivising switches.
Financial expert Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, called it a smart and timely move. “Customer retention is now the biggest challenge in banking. People can switch providers in a few clicks, so rewarding loyal customers is essential,” she noted.
In addition, the partnership with Amazon gives Santander a digital edge, appealing to consumers who prefer online platforms for shopping and financial management. The bonus comes just in time for Christmas, aligning with increased spending on gifts and household items.
How the “Festive Thanks” Program Works
The £100 Amazon.co.uk gift vouchers will be distributed automatically — no forms, logins, or applications required. Santander will email codes directly to eligible users from December 10, with full disbursement completed by December 20, 2025.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reward Value | £100 Amazon.co.uk voucher |
| Eligibility | Existing Santander 1I2I3, Everyday, or Edge account holders |
| Application Needed | None – automatic distribution |
| Delivery Method | Email via Santander Rewards using @santander.co.uk domain |
| Distribution Window | December 10–20, 2025 |
| Voucher Expiry | March 31, 2026 |
Customers will first receive a confirmation email, followed by a second message containing their secure Amazon voucher code. Santander advises verifying all communications carefully, as only official messages from the @santander.co.uk domain are genuine.
Eligibility Criteria for the £100 Voucher
According to Santander, customers who meet the following conditions will automatically qualify for the festive reward:
- Hold an active Santander current account such as Edge, Everyday, or 1I2I3.
- Have at least two active direct debits on file.
- Receive at least one regular credit (such as salary, pension, or benefits) in the last three months.
- Log in to Santander online banking or the mobile app at least once since August 2025.
- Maintain good account standing, with no arrears or investigations.
Customers who close their accounts before December 15 or fail to meet usage thresholds will be excluded from the distribution list.
“We wanted to create a genuine token of thanks with no complicated terms,” said Emily Rees, head of retail operations at Santander UK. “It’s quick, transparent, and designed to recognise customers who use and trust our services year-round.”
Why Amazon Vouchers Instead of Cash?
The choice of Amazon gift cards instead of traditional cash rebates reflects shifting consumer behaviour. According to Statista, more than 91% of UK households make at least one Amazon purchase in the run-up to Christmas, making vouchers a universally useful reward.
“Amazon vouchers are effectively a modern form of cash for households,” said Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com. “People can use them for everything from groceries to gifts — and they’re particularly practical during the festive rush.”
Santander’s digital reward also reduces administrative complexity and processing delays, allowing recipients to spend their reward immediately upon receipt.
How Santander’s Offer Compares
In a competitive retail banking environment, Santander’s model stands out for rewarding existing customers rather than new clients. Here’s how its loyalty gift compares with other prominent offers in late 2025:
| Bank | Offer Type | Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santander | Loyalty reward (Amazon voucher) | £100 | Automatic for existing customers |
| Lloyds Bank | Switch bonus (cash) | £175 | New customer, full account switch |
| NatWest | Switch bonus (cash) | £200 | New sign-up and app activation |
| HSBC UK | Switch incentive | £220 | Deposit + direct debits required |
| Barclays | Blue Rewards | £5/month | Must pay £800/month and link 2 direct debits |
By focusing on loyalty, Santander is taking a bold step in a market where incentives usually prioritise short-term customer gains over sustained relationships.
Customer Reaction
Initial reactions among Santander customers have been overwhelmingly positive. Many see it as a welcome show of appreciation during a financially difficult year.
“I’ve been with Santander for over 20 years, and it’s refreshing to see loyalty finally rewarded,” said James Whittaker, a pensioner from Sheffield. “It might not sound huge, but £100 at Christmas really helps.”
Others highlighted the broader significance of the offer. “With heating bills and food prices still high, even small rewards like this mean a lot,” shared Patricia Evans, a retired nurse in Cardiff.
Watch Out for Scams
Santander has issued a strong warning about potential scam emails imitating official messages about the £100 Amazon vouchers. The bank reminds customers that it will never ask for personal or banking details via email or text.
To stay safe:
- Trust only emails from the official @santander.co.uk domain.
- Avoid clicking any suspicious links.
- Log in directly via the Santander mobile app or official website to confirm messages.
- Report suspicious emails to phishing@santander.co.uk.
Why This Move Matters
Beyond its marketing value, the £100 voucher offer represents a shift in UK banking culture — one that prioritises retention over acquisition and empathy over profit. In a year defined by inflation, rising interest rates, and tighter household budgets, Santander’s gesture demonstrates that loyalty still counts.
By rewarding long-term users with a festive, easily redeemable gift, Santander is setting a new standard for customer appreciation in British banking. For thousands of customers, it’s not just a voucher — it’s a timely reminder that loyalty has real value.