Starling bank

Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 2:39pm

7 replies190 views5 members subscribed

pin1953

Posts: 14

19 helpful points

Joined: 18 Mar 2020

I am currently with Sabadell. This year it has cost 140 euros to run the account I know that banks in Spain are not generally free to use but I have recently received communication that Starling is a good bank to be with. I have not got Spanish residency. On the face of it Starling bank may be my best option but as they say the devil is in the detail and in this case what are Starling not telling me regarding banking with them. Any advice based on actual experience would be gratefully received.

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Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 5:41pm

shayden

Helpful member

Posts: 177

187 helpful points

Location: Villamartin

Joined: 15 Jun 2017

Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 5:41pm

If you search the forum, some people have had issues with the Starling Euro account as it has a GB IBAN and some companies are not accepting them for direct debits. It seems that Spanish banks are imposing charges on transfers directly sent from GB accounts even though they shouldn’t be.

I have seen a number of people recommending N26, which is a German bank which gives you a Spanish account number, and the Cajamar Weferente account which is free.

Like you, I’m with Sabadell and thinking of changing due to the increasing charges but I need to wait until I get over again.

Keep us up to date with how you get on.

Shaun

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Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 9:04pm

Emma8

Posts: 16

9 helpful points

Location: Orihuela Costa

Joined: 24 Apr 2021

Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2021 9:04pm

N26 account is great no fees and can use it to pay all direct debits as you get an IBAN number they keep adding extra features so you can pay money onto card or draw money out at certain supermarkets now

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 8:04am

Kenbo

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Posts: 1015

809 helpful points

Location: La Florida

Joined: 6 Dec 2017

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 8:04am

I can recommend Wise ( formerly Transferwise)

BE ( Belgium) IBAN number satisfies all the utilities companies for direct debits.

No monthly charges, small charges for any money transfers.

I stand to be corrected but with N26 you may need to provide a Spanish address to receive your debit card, not the case with Wise, a UK address is fine.

Yesterday I transferred some money to someone in Spain, the cash was in their account in 2 seconds flat.

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:13am

M55

Posts: 65

37 helpful points

Location: Denia

Joined: 8 Apr 2021

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:13am

Emma8 wrote on Sun Apr 25, 2021 9:04pm:
N26 account is great no fees and can use it to pay all direct debits as you get an IBAN number they keep adding extra features so you can pay money onto card or draw money out at certain supermarkets now

How can they be contacted or do they have a branch in Costa Blanca. I am currently paying €14 per month in charges plus annual charge for credit card

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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:29am

Emma8

Posts: 16

9 helpful points

Location: Orihuela Costa

Joined: 24 Apr 2021

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:29am

M55 wrote on Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:13am:
How can they be contacted or do they have a branch in Costa Blanca. I am currently paying €14 per month in charges plus annual charge for credit card

Just google N26 and all info there it’s an online account and debit card takes around 2 weeks to arrive if you message me I can send you the link if you want

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:30am

Stevec2x

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Location: Playa Flamenca

Joined: 23 Jan 2020

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:30am

M55 wrote on Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:13am:
How can they be contacted or do they have a branch in Costa Blanca. I am currently paying €14 per month in charges plus annual charge for credit card

N26 is online only - use Google!

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 10:11am

M55

Posts: 65

37 helpful points

Location: Denia

Joined: 8 Apr 2021

Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2021 10:11am

Emma8 wrote on Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:29am:
Just google N26 and all info there it’s an online account and debit card takes around 2 weeks to arrive if you message me I can send you the link if you want

Many thanks, will follow it up