Santander Consumer USA Reviews 

At first it was difficult to register because I kept getting a #404 error but once I found a different route it was great. It was easy to register and find my information. I was also able to set up payment method and explore the site. Very happy customer!!!

Setting up my new account

After first review about calling in and getting the poorest of indistinguishable English, finally getting a reply and a rep with proper English, I did receive some help for that I would go from 2 to 2.5 stars, but I can’t. Issue for me there is no option to simply email “ customer service”….. so if you’re hoping to get what they say confirmed in writing - it doesn’t happen. Yes, maybe internally they have a CRM type system but that still leaves the customer with nothing communicated in writing. Also, I wish I put this in my first review but with an at the time 860 credit score - you get stuck well over a 7% rate ?? Come on ……. I have many other future choices……. they’re not retaining this customer like that.

This has to be one of the worst banks I've ever had to deal with because I purchased a Tesla with .9% financing. They don't have an app online for you to use with auto loans and they do not allow you to set up auto pay with a higher dollar amount than the standard payment. Why would Tesla use a subprime lender for people with excellent credit that get the .9% financing? Stay far away from this bank as you won't get to an American representative and only people of India, who do not understand your questions most of the time. This bank is also known for canceling auto payments and hitting your credit and trying to repossess your car.

I financed a Tesla Model Y through Santander Consumer USA. I electronically signed all the loan documents at the time of purchase. Santander has never sent me copies of the signed contract or any of the related loan documents.
I called them twice specifically asking for my signed loan paperwork. Both times they told me the documents would be sent via email and USPS. Nothing ever arrived. No email, no mail, no portal access to the full signed agreement — nothing.
This is basic. When you sign a multi-year auto loan, you are entitled to a copy of what you signed. Santander has completely failed to provide that. I am left without a complete record of the exact terms of my own loan.
I have already filed formal complaints with the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner and escalated the issue with Tesla. Santander’s inability (or refusal) to simply send the documents I signed is unacceptable for a company handling auto financing.
Avoid if you value having actual copies of your loan paperwork.

Can’t reach a live representative, made a payment and don’t know the new balance, this bank seems ghetto and ratchet. Why am I still speaking with AI and not a representative. I’m still waiting on a response from 4 days ago

Im trying to login to my account and its like its a glitch. Trying to get a copy of my payment history so I can finish with my gap claim so I can try and get another car

After a week I am still unable to set up an online account (My Account). No help from customer service. Very disappointing.

I have tried several times for them to send me a letter stating that I am current with my payments and they refuse to and always give me the runaround as to when they report my account as current. It is preventing me from trading in my vehicle as everytime they run my credit it shows up as being late when I am current and have the documentation to prove it.

My mom was behind on her payments. She been trying like hell to get on a payment plan. Y'all left my 63 year old mother stranded and took her car after telling her not to worry about the payment issue. And you took it even though it was said you wouldn't. Shady company.

Santander received my $33,507.05 payoff but continues charging interest

Santander account number: 29436751
VIN: JTNABAAE6RA014809
Case number: 9465168

I am filing this complaint because Santander Consumer USA received my full auto-loan payoff but has failed to process it and continues charging me interest for a delay entirely within Santander’s control.

Santander issued me a payoff quote of $33,475.05, valid through July 22, 2026. I sent a Bank of America cashier’s check for $33,507.05, which included an additional $32 cushion. USPS confirms that the envelope was delivered to Santander’s Carrollton, Texas facility on July 20, 2026, at 2:23 p.m., two days before the payoff quote expired.

Santander’s own published policy states that mailed payments, including overnight and certified payments, generally post within three business days after receipt. Santander is blatantly ignoring that representation. The processing deadline has passed, yet my payment remains unposted and interest continues to accrue.

I have called Santander repeatedly. Its representatives have been extremely unhelpful, telling me that there is nothing they can do, that I must simply keep waiting, and that interest will continue accumulating in the meantime. I followed Santander’s instructions, paid more than the quoted amount, and ensured delivery before the quote expired. I should not be financially responsible for Santander’s failure to locate or process a cashier’s check already delivered to its facility.

Santander’s conduct demonstrates a gross lack of due diligence. Its continued accrual and collection of interest under these circumstances appears to be an unfair and potentially unlawful business practice. Santander is financially benefiting from its own processing failure while refusing to offer the customer any meaningful assistance.

I demand that Santander immediately locate and process the $33,507.05 cashier’s check, credit the payoff effective July 20, 2026, reverse all interest and fees accruing after that date, refund any overpayment, confirm that the account is paid in full, prevent any negative credit reporting, and promptly release the vehicle lien.

I have provided Santander copies of the Santander payoff quote, the cashier’s check, and the USPS delivery confirmation. Santander has clear evidence that it received sufficient payoff funds before the quote expired. There is no legitimate justification for continuing to charge me interest.

The gentleman who helped me make the necessary changes to my Santander account was very patient and reassuring and professional. He did a fantastic job!

Worst customer service. Complete incompetence. No one at the center speaks proper english. Just one mistake after another and 3 weeks later still working on getting a proper document from them with multiple calls weekly. The absolute worst Institution i have ever dealt with. I regret the day I leased a car through them. I would never do business with them again. If you have a choice avoid this Santander USA at all costs!!!!

The agent was a very patient person, and I really appreciate that.

The gentleman that spoke with me was super helpful, patient, kind, thorough. He was a blessing to me. Thank you for having such wonderful people like him help us and walk us through things with great patience and kindness along with being understanding. He is a great wonderful blessing to all of us who need help.

I’m building my credit. Santander made it easy to get started by approving my loan. The app is so easy to use too. I’ve also spoken with customer service. They are so nice and very helpful. Thank you

Only giving a one star because that is the lowest I can give. This company is stealing/hold your money hostage. When I made my monthly payment and the company that I purchased another car from made the payoff there was a $771.56 exccess because they didn't make the payoff payment prior to my payment date. When I call to see when I would be refunded for my excess payment that they clearly State they have in a $771.56 they have an acknowledge that it is my money. I was informed that I would not receive it until after August 20th which is 35 days after they say the account was paid in full with an access of $771.56. I had no point agreed to allow them to hold or loan them the money that clearly belongs to me.

Unable to complete onboarding with my account to pay car loan

When sent a link to sign up for an account the link gave a 404 error. Went to their website and found a way to sign up, but said my address was wrong. Checked it at least 5 times. 2 days later same thing, finally called and was told I’m a day past due. They just sent me a sign up 2 days ago. They are not on top of things, wish the dealer would have used a different lender. Santander is horrible, I don’t know how we should trust them handling finances when they don’t have their basic stuff together.

UPDATE: I have tried twice to respond to the Santander email about my review - it is very encrypted & my laptop believes it to be SPAM. I have finally (after 3X changing my password) - been able to get into the website and set up for auto payments. BUT - I received two separate emails confirming on two different days - so now I worry about them taking my first payment out twice! Unless you want to reach out to me to tell me you finally have gotten a mobile app - no need to reach out. I will continue to dislike the fact that Tesla chose Santander to finance my vehicle - especially with my great credit score.

Santander's website and customer service is by far the worst I have used over the last 40 years of financing. I recently purchased a new vehicle and Santander was selected by the manufacturer - and I could not be more dissatisfied. I cannot even make my initial payment. They do not have a mobile app (they need to get with the times). Cannot wait til i can pay off the loan in a few months!!!