Which Spanish bank.....?

Question

.....is cheapest and best for a UK resident to bank with and pay bills from etc?

Answer 1

None are cheaper than the other, they are all after your money:)) However, I have been using the Bankinter for years and they have internet banking (also in English online) It is a relatively small bank and there aren't branches everywhere but if theres one near you in Spain they are very efficient
The one great advantage they have which I think is great- every time your credit or debit card is used you get a text message on your mobile asking if this is correct or if you wish to block it. I think this is invaluable and is a handy tool just in case. You can either text them back to block or just ignore it.

I have aslo got a BBVA account but recently they have been closing or refurbishing some branches, and to be honest this has been a nightmare, I am going to close that account and stick with the Bankinter.

Alot of Brits are driven by estate agents to use certain banks when purchasing property (sometimes they get commission for that) Solbank and CAM don't have a good reputation where I am. But at the end of the day it's up to you, like in the UK they all give you a service of some kind, all basically charge the same rates, and all want your money!!

Answer 2

I used Banco Atlantico at first when I opened my shop because it was only 100 metres across the road. The name changed to Solbank and I found them first class, but the queues were longer. I closed my account there solely because a motorway was build between my shop and the bank, and my nip across the road turned into a 1/2 mile walk. The account was transferred to Unicaja International Branch (Sabinillas Manilva) because the new branch opened up only 50 metres away. They too are first class, but also give me a personal service. Most of my customers bank at either of these two banks and speak highly of them. In terms of charges, Unicaja is the cheaper. I am fed up with Banco Andalucia and will be closing my account shortly.
Make sure, however, you are able to park your car nearby as the local police are parking ticket mad ! and even tow the car away.
Good luck. Ed.

Answer 3

CAM Bank are very good, never had any problems with them, I also bank with Banco Popular and we've also held accounts with Banco Santander, both also very good and reasonable with regard costs etc. CAM is very good in the fact they send out statements and direct debit receipts to whichever address you need, so if you only come over to Spain from time to time, you will still know your bills have definately been paid

Answer 4

A lot of British banks have subsidiaries in Spain with English help lines - try the Halifax this makes makes life simple

Answer 5

we are with Cajamurcia bank they are good, but there are so many banks all after you money, they are all good to start with. We have been with them 2 years now and no problems

Answer 6

We used CAM Bank and never had a problem. Every branch has English speakers and the internet is in English too.

Answer 7

ING DIRECT it's a on line bank but works great I have an account for my trips to Barcelona

Answer 8

La Caixa is the most user friendly bank I have ever come across for both business and home use in Spain.

Their home insurance is excellent as are their 'other' services.

The internet banking actually works!

Answer 9

I've had no problems with 'Sol Bank'.
They speak fluent English and I think they are affiliated with 'Lloyd's TSB'.
I have all my direct debits with them and haven't had any problems in 20 years.

Answer 10

I haven't a clue even though I'm in Spain often but some expat will be on to tell you i daresay