BANK CHARGES

[jaycecampo]

I have just received an e mail from my bank Cajamar saying my quarterly charge is to be increased from 15 euros to 20 euros. I understood a new law had come in saying these charges were capped at 5 euros a month 15 euros per quarter. Anyone ??

[costakid]

I think they are all following Sabadel

[fincalospinos]

It depends on which account you have with them. Ask them about a Wefferent online account, maximum charge of 5 Euros/month ( 60 Euros / year), and you only pay this if you actualy go into the bank to carry out a transfer, withdraw money, etc. If you use the online service or the terminals outside the banks, it is free.

[pensure1988]

Good Morning

One can open a Basic Bank Account in Spain but under pre-conditions. See article below

https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/faq/b ... ros-month/

David

[dxf]

Hola

Slightly different; Does anyone operate an NGO account and if so what charges do they pay?

Davexf

[jaycecampo]

Thanks everyone I am going to visit the bank, maybe open a different type of account.

[alpineSi]

It may be worth looking at the online banks as I assume they will have much lower charges. Service in English may be another matter.

[Jafwaf]

I’ve just opened an Openbank account. It’s mostly online, get cash from Santander machines. No bank charges at all apparently. So far I’ve only used the debit card for buying diesel, haven’t got cash out yet. Fairly easy to open, had to send photos of id by email which made me twitchy.

[Paddy Pumpkin]

I have been using openbank since June. Not paid a penny. English website and really easy to open online. Can't see a reason not to use them.

Why bother with trying to enforce legal right to the low charges accounts...just walk away.

[Screagle]

I am liking the sound of Openbank. I was with Banco Popular now integrated into Santander. I took a quick look at the Openbank's account requirementsand the one that caught my eye was ...must..., reside in Spain... but they then it goes on to state DNI or NIE required. The latter would indicate that residency is not a requirement. So assuming my residency status is immaterial in general how easy is it to transfer utility, IBI and insurance direct debits across?
Then there is charge every few years for the bank to confirm fiscal / residency status (?) which wouldn't apply to residents. Would be grateful for any thoughts or experienices on these points.

Saludos

[alpineSi]

OpenBank is part of Santander too, if that's something you don't want.

[Screagle]

That I know, don't mind Santander at least in the UK anyway. To their credit they replatformed Banco Popular customers pretty seamlessly - well, that was my experience, unlike the Sabadell / TSB fiasco closer to home. It is early days with Banco Santander and am waiting to see what my six-monthly liquidación charges will be next month which is the reason I'm tempted by Openbank. I might arrange a call back with them to delve further.

Saludos

[elusive]

Non spaniards only have a NIE .Even if you have residencia you dont get a different /seperate number. whether they will want evidence via copy of your residencia or check (if thats possible) your resident status via your NIE is another thing

[Paddy Pumpkin]

I did the online ID process where you did a video call...this was only available for Spanish speakers at that time...not sure now though.

Anyway on the video call I had to show my official ID with address. I am EU citizen resident in Spain. So I needed ID or passport from home country. Also needed proof of NIE which in my case is the green card and the checked the address on my card. If you don't have this card or your residency document is from before the card was issued I am not sure what will happen.

As regards paying bills, direct debits, cash at ATM, internet shopping, incoming transfers from outside Spain, sending money by SEPA to other countries, paying tax online...all have been painless and free.
I have never had to talk to anyone at the bank and never had a thing go wrong.