Exteemely poor reviews on Banco Sabadell on Trust Pilot

Hi Dave,

I've been onto Trustpilot to read some of the reviews and I recognise many of the complaints.  Customer service is generally very poor, unless you're lucky enough to have good branch staff.  However, what may start as a good experience can change if that staff member moves on - this is what happened to us at Almoradi branch, but I've stuck with Sabadell because they're online banking is very good and they have the largest number of ATMs which, in a country where even routine banking is not free, is a bonus.

That said, there's a thread on here about Cajamar, who offer free banking with their Wefferente account.

As a Spanish resident, I'm not subject to some of the issues raised on Trustpilot, such as regular (every 2 years) ID confirmation which, failing to do so, can result in blocked accounts.  However, if I was non-resident, I wouldn't use a Spanish bank at all, I'd use an online bank with an international IBAN, such as Starling or N26, along with Transferwise for currency exchange.

If you're happy to update your post with a little more information about your particular circumstances, I'm sure others will also be able to offer recommendations.

Kind regards,

Kim

Morning Kim,

Thanks for the reply. I  use online banking all the time and would bve happy  to do so for Spain. I have read N26 no longer offer their on line banking in England. I will have a look at Starling. If anyone can recommend an on line bank that they personally use could you please let me know. I believe the on line bank must be able to work with the a Spanish IBN number.

Thak you 

Dave 74

Re Banks and on line.

I forgot to add the account will probably only be used to just pay all direct debits to pay all Spanish bills. The property we intend to buy will be a holiday home to be shared by a large family throughout the year.

Thanks

Dave 74

Hi,

Just my own opinion.....

I've been with Sabadell bank firstly with a non-residents account and now for 6 years with a residents account. I only use Sabadell account to pay Spanish direct debits like my rent and other associated bills for living here.

I've been totally satisfied with the customer service from them for 7 years or so.

I usually do all my banking using their online banking system which I've never had a problem. 

I would recommend Sabadell bank.

Steve 

I think being resident is a big advantage when it comes to banking. A lot of the frustration I read seems to be from people in the UK trying to fix an issue in Spain. But people everywhere love a rant at their bank and Sabadell can get into the firing line just like any other.

One thing to bear in mind is that the Spanish don't have a monopoly on rude people. There are without doubt a few rude and self entitled British people who will no doubt swan into a Spanish bank and complain later that they weren't fawned over immediately by an English speaking customer service assistant. And that "it's not done like that in the UK"

Banking is a very emotive issue and it causes quite a bit of debate here because a lot of British people think their banking should be free, go to the greatest lengths to find the cheapest bank and then complain like mad when they have a problem with that bank.

I've used Sabadell for nearly 5 years, I've found them to be excellent. When I go to Branch I wait patiently, I smile when greeted, and use my limited Spanish until they realise that having made the effort for them they will now speak to me in English. 

No Bank is perfect and it only needs one member of staff who dislikes foreigners to make it difficult, and get that branch a bad name, but overall I dont think you can do much better.

Steve

Hi David74

I guess that a consideration is what you might expect/want from a bank.

My Spanish is limited and it was important to me that, if needed, we could converse in English.

When we came to Moraira, quite a few banks in town had banners/adverts in their windows proclaiming “we speak your language” or words to that effect, so there appeared to be some choice. I can’t remember now how we arrived at Sabadell (possibly the person we were buying from recommended), but I continue to be impressed with them.

They have staff that speak English, Spanish, German, possibly more. One young guy that works there is a Brit. Their website is brilliant. I needed to phone them once from the U.K. and they were able to get me sorted

Yes they charge for non resident accounts but for me, it’s worth every penny. My online account in the U.K. don’t charge, but, they don’t have a branch that I can pop into either. Priceless 🤪🥂

I simply don't trust reviews on Trust Pilot or other sites, I prefer to judge by my own experience. I have been with Sabadell for two years as a non resident and three years as a resident. Their services are excellent, I have been to a number of branches and always been able to be helped by English speaking staff, their online service and support is of the highest standard. Only my opinion but I cannot recommend them highly enough. 

Good Morning,

Can I thank all those who replied to my quiry about Sabadell and can ask one more question. Is it necessary to pay a minimum monthly sum of money into your account.

Thanks

Dave 74

 Morning Dave

For non residents, no. I just pay in money (various amounts) as and when I need too 🤪🥂