bankia bank chares - Page 2

Salim, I have written many replies regarding my change to Cajamar bank last year, which after researching all banking options, chose as a fee free online account for non residents and I,m very happy to say I havent paid a cent in fees since March 2019. Please read their website(in english) and non residents have to open in branch but you wont regret it.

Regards

Pauline.

Pauline Thanks for your reply.Up to January 2020 Bankia was tolerable  but since then they have just slapped this ridiculous 14 euro charge every month. I have not been able to visit the branch as I am stuck in UK.I cannot see them waiving this charge.I have managed to open an online account with Transferwise which allows me to have multiple accounts with different currencies and also direct debits to spainish utility bills.My only problem is that I have a mortgage with Bankia and that could create problems.Have a look at transferwise online .They also issue a debit card and you can change sterling to euro with negligible charge

If Bankia insist on you having an account with them to service the mortgage, ask them about the free Cuenta_ON online account. It's supposedly for new customers, but I'm there are ways around that.

Thanks Salim, but although i use transferwise for currency exchanges, I,m more than happy with my Cajamar account. I can still go into the branch and ask for any info I may need. They only charge a very small fee for any transaction if conducted face to face, but not for info. I also have a dedicated english helpline if I want to telephone them instead. I do prefer the personal touch of having a Spanish Bank. Good luck with your closing the account.

Regards

Pauline.

Thanks jimtaylor I will be in benidorm in august and that will be my first point of call

Pauline It does help to have english helpline .Thanks for your help.

Hi all, Same here, being charged 14 EUR for no service. 

is it possible to keep only a German account for all utilities, tax etc ?

if not, Cajamar might be an option recommended by Pauline but I'll not be in Spain until year end. 

thanks

I would also suggest a look at Starling Bank.

You can have 2linked accounts eg GBP and Euro.and pay Spanish Bill's with euro account IBAN etc.

Ahf1063 Thanks.Yes I have looked at starling and they are definitely useful considering that the  spainish banks are  looking to charge for eoro accounts.

I can also vouch for Starling.......so far so good. Easy to setup, use and transfer funds with the normal current account and Euro account.

I'm still with Sabadell as it's easier at the moment.  I just pay a regular amount into the account every month and all is good.

I'm just waiting for someone to advise how they get on with transferring all the direct debits without grief!