Posted: Mon Jun 1, 2020 1:33pm
I was paying Sabadell €35 per quarter for two direct debits and use of a debit card.
As I already had a Starling sterling account it was simplicity itself to open a Starling euro account.
I simply went to my local offices (in Santa Pola) of Iberdrola and Hydraqua, and they changed the IBAN numbers for my accounts while I waited.
I then immediately went to Sabadell to withdraw my balance and closed my account.
Sorted! 2 hours max,
But:
Initially keep a close eye on your Starling Account to check payments are made when the should be. Mine were fine.
You still have to pay a fee (0.4% I think) to move money from your sterling to euro account, but I think this is fairly standard,(but at the mastercard base rate.)
It would seem a few service providers insist on a Spanish bank account. I then simply pay by bank transfer.
I highly recommend Starling, and have had no problems.
An observation, I think if you later apply for Residency, will the "powers that be" accept evidence from a phone screen rather than providing printed bank statement? Views please.