Exteemely poor reviews on Banco Sabadell on Trust Pilot - Page 4

I've heard it said that there's more than one Urbanisation on the Costa Blanca where people live in complete English circumstances. (Is this actually true?)

I've heard it said that people have lived there for years without an NIE never mind a Residencia. 

So, English supermarket, English shops, (who will post a parcel or a letter for you), English bars, English Gestoria, and so on, people never have to go into a town and have the horrific experience of getting caught somewhere you might not be understood (!) So it's hardly surprising that Banks get singled out, because there's no way around that one!!

There is no expectation for anything from Spanish banks.  Spain is Spain and has its good points as well as its bad, as does the UK.  Regarding banking however, its purely a matter of knowing there is a billion times better out there available, so why on earth put up with diabolical levels of service often offered by Spanish banks, if not necessary.   

I agree Leafy.  Those of us who are permanent residents have to tolerate the level of bank service we can get, but if I was Non-resident, I would not use a Spanish bank.   

When we first moved here, 4 years ago, we had a wonderful personal account manager, Patricia, at Sabadall Almoradi, who tolerated - and encouraged! - my basic Spanish.  She went on maternity leave and the woman who took over from her has no idea of customer service.  We have friends who have an account at Sabadell's branch in Benijofar, who had been delighted with the service, but their bank manager moved on - they are no longer happy.

What I've learned during my time living in Spain is that the banks are much of a muchness - it's individual staff members who make the difference.  You may start with a good one, or a bad one - either way, it will impact your view of Spanish banks.  For those of us having to pay for receiving lousy service, it's anathema compared to free banking in the UK.  Non-residents have an alternative choice, covered extensively on this forum - I hope they use it.

Kind regards, 

Kim

Hi all

I did ask earlier in the thread if transferring direct debits was problematic. Anybody care to say? 🤪🥂

I just opened an account with Sabadell today, and found them most helpful. I had an appointment at their El Campello branch and they looked at all my needs to give me the best option. I ended up with the Keycard account as I’m non-resident, but just need the account to pay bills and stuff. They are sending a debit card to my UK address next week. For this account I am charged €35 every 3 months. I’m more than happy with the service I’ve had so far.

Hi Ray,

I don't have a problem, let alone a serious one, with communication, and I speak more than enough Spanish to deal with my day to day banking needs.

There is nothing subjective about Sabadell taking 8 months to resolve an issue with a pre-paid card I'd requested for online payments.  Their online team was no more helpful than my personal account manager in branch, who didn't see it as her responsibilty to sort it out.  And I certainly do not moan about all things Spanish, but if I'm paying for a service, I expect to get that service.  I think I made it clear that the service I received from my original personal account manager was good, even though my Spanish was not as good then as it is now.

As I said before, I think most banks in Spain are broadly similar, but individual staff members can make the difference between a good experience and a mediocre one.  As a Spanish resident and despite the deterioration in service from my branch, I've remained with Sabadell because I like their online offering and they have the widest network of ATMs.

Regards, 

Kim

Hi Ray

 I as I explained earlier in this thread, my choice of bank was based on their offering of “ we speak your language” 

I don’t object to paying comisiones. They are providing me with a service and I am happy to pay for that. Should they fail, at some future date, to provide me with their advertised service; speaking my language, I’d be more than a little unhappy.

You and I have had this conversation before. I expect nothing from Spain, except a warm welcome. I pay my taxes, bills and everything else that ensures I am a law abiding second home owner. I support local restaurants, bars, and shops as generously as I am able

As the old adage goes “ use it or lose it”. For those of us who are not able to reside in Spain full time, the language, beyond the daily pleasantries, is always going to be challenging. 

You are an intelligent guy and I have a great deal of respect for your knowledge of all things Spanish. However, a little empathy for those who are not as knowledgable, or fluent in Spanish, would be appreciated. Beyond not being full time residents, there are many reasons for not being fluent Spanish speakers 

I’d love to be a fluent “Spanish speaker”. I have to accept that this is sadly, unlikely 🤪🥂

How do you explain the horrendous service Ray, when dealing with the English speaking representatives of a bank?  Language has absolutely nothing to do with it

good luck when you actually need some help from the bank!  I hope the person you are dealing with is one of the rare gems.   

Hopefully😛