Boston, Massachusetts - Santander Bank, one of the largest retail banks in the United States by deposits, announced last week that its customers can use Santander ATMs in Mexico and Puerto Rico free of charge.

One of Santander's affiliated banks maintain over 5,200 ATMs across Mexico including top travel destinations such as Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel, Mazatlan, Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta. There are 130 Santander ATMs in Puerto Rico operated by another affiliated bank, including many popular vacation destinations such as Arecibo, Fajardo, Ponce, and Old San Juan. Santander Bank customers will be able to make withdrawals free of ATM charges in Mexico and conduct all transactions free of charge at ATMs during their travels in Puerto Rico.

"This is another example of the value Santander brings to its customers," said Roman Blanco, president and CEO of Santander US. "We are a local bank that is very much focused on the communities we serve—and we are also part of a strong and diversified global group. We're pleased to be able to extend this advantage to our customers."

The ATM fee waiver comes just in time for the peak of the busy winter travel season and before spring break, when millions of Americans will seek an escape from cold weather by travelling to warmer climates. Elimination of these fees follows the Bank's change of name from Sovereign to Santander in October, which included $200 million in investments in enhancements for its customers.

Today's announcement is part of a series of new offerings from Santander, including Santander Bravo MasterCard, paying triple points without expiration on gas, groceries and restaurants up to 15,000 points per calendar quarter.