Which bank has reasonable charges when not having pension paid in?

I think there may be a misunderstanding, a regular transfer is just that, they don't know if it's from a pension or salary or what - and I don't see why they would care.

You'll struggle to better the rate you get with a DWP transfer. 

I'm with Caxia, happy as Larry and no hesitation in recommending them to anyone. 

Many thanks but they require a pension to be paid in before they will even open an account. Was with them when they were cam bank got rid cos of the charges. The branch nearest to us is not good. 

Good luck. There is no misunderstanding. He quoted the rules to me and was abrupt and spoke over me constantly. I've been with them yrs. I'm not relying on DWP rates and why should I let them have 12k of my money every yr and pay 270€ instead of 73. That's ridiculous and daylight robbery. They say pension or salary and wont budge on it. I pay more than the minimum of 600€ a month in and they have been very rude and dont deserve customers. People would not tolerate this crap.in the uk where we are used to free banking and if someone told you to close your account move elsewhere and hung up on you back home they would be in big trouble. 

Our income is so simple and we know what the average exchange rate is end of every yr. However they are adamant and other banks insist on pension also. I will not tolerate the sort of rudeness and complete lack of caring whether I stay there or not. I had it from this manager years ago who said would you like to close your account madam when I complained they had closed the branch with no notice up anywhere that it would happen. I couldn't pay money in and they didn't pay my direct debits. No apology. He is German so would have expected better from him but just as bad as the spanish for this.  His excuse was we should have known wtf we dont live in the area. Patronising b.....d. what rate did you get last time from the dwp just out of interest as its worked out over a month so if it was low earlier and went up the average would be lower. What date was it cos I have my records of all my transfers done when the rate was highest. Need some now so waiting to see. 

Bankia (Cuenta On) and Cajamar (Wefferent ccount) are totally free bank accounts for residents or non residents as long as you run the account online i.e. your don't use the branch for transactions. You do not have to pay in a minimum amount per month. Debit cards are free and I think credit cards are also free. With the Wefferent account you can use the branch on occasions that you need to for a small fee.

Hi thanks. I was looking at that but need more info. We have a cajamar bank nr to us so assume we can take out money from.their atm? Also can we set up direct debits for electric water internet ? I've been told its 5€ to use branch personnel for anything. Just cant find the info. Will cajamar give us any info for this account and the ones nearest us I'm guessing wont speak much if any english. Cant see a number to ring to ask these questions either ? I dont mind paying something but an increase from 73 to 270 is taking the pee !!!

I enquired about the Cajamar account recently by filling in the enquiry form online. I received a call back the same day.  I can't handle a telephone call in Spanish and the caller immediately said that he would get someone to call me back in English - which they did. As a non-resident my query related to whether I could apply for the account online - the answer was no - you need to go to a branch (no charge for setting up the account). You can set up the account online if you are resident. If non-resident you need to take in the usual things like passport, NIE, utility bills, previous bank statements etc. The more the merrier. You will of course be able to use the local ATM - and many more - lots of information on their website.

I have tried ringing the number 902... keeps cutting off. I asked for someone to speak in English on the cajamar number but they did not understand my question about direct debits put me back in the queue for someone who speaks better english where I hung on for 20 mins and gave up. This does not fill me with encouragement. I have questions that are not answered on the web page. Will have to go to a branch but where we live not many people speak english. Have left my phone number and email online but no call back. I think you were lucky. I cannot risk not being able to pay my direct debits or not being able to speak to someone with any problems. Shame as it looks really good. 

Hi have finally managed to speak to someone who rang me back. He spoke great english and have me all the info I needed except if the account is protected under the spanish deposit scheme up to 100k per person so will try the local branch and use Mr Google 😏 thx for your help