Free Banking in El Campello

Spanish Law require banks to offer a free account granting basic services. In any case fees and charges are subject to negotiation.

Thanks but that is not what Deutsche Bank say. Their charge of 30€ is mandatory unless you deposit a minimum of 600 € pcm. So I shall be leaving when next in Campello. 

Hi. I spend a lot of time in Spain. I have a UK Santander account. It is a 123 account that costs £5 a month but there’s good interest on the balance. There is a free alternative. There is a good Santander presence in Spain and you get free withdrawals from their ATMs. I also have a Starling online account. You can transfer money online instantly and all withdrawals and spends are at bank interchange perfect rates. 

Works for me!

Is their a Santander branch in el compello?

Hi.  Yes there’s a Santander in the old town. 

Thank you for your reply😇

I have an account with Bankia (Cuenta On) which is free of commission. I've had some issues with annual fee charges for debit cards but I've recently received confirmation that these charges will be refunded (they haven't been yet). There are 2 Bankia cash machines in El Campello which are free to use. Other incur various levels of charges.

Other free accounts for non-residents are offered by N.26 and Cajamar (Wefferent Account). In case I need to switch from Bankia I'm considering opening a Wefferent account which looks attractive. It is commission free if you only use online transactions but you can visit the branch if you wish, incurring a small charge on each occasion. 

Do you need A Spanish bank account to pay Suma.

In theory - no. For example:

You could have a N.26 account which isn't a Spanish bank but will provide you with a Spanish IBAN if you register your Spanish property as your address (you can still register the UK as your fiscal/tax residence.

Any organisation in Spain should accept payments from any SEPA registered financial institution (this includes UK banks etc) - but many don't and this is supposed to be illegal.

The best plan is to ask at your local SUMA office in the first instance.