Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 1:43pm
If you are a permanent resident in Spain then the banks are very good and most give free banking with some terms and conditions although not very onerous. Especially to the retired on pensions.
If you are a temporary resident then a Wise (or one of the many popping up) would be better, They are not Spanish banks but do give an EU IBAN, some Italian, some Belgian etc. Just remember they are not governed by banking guarantees like proper banks so don't keep a lot in them, just enough to pay your bills and use some for visits.
Spain banking charges are very harsh for non residents unless you have things like all your insurances with them, shares in the bank or other things.
We are permanent resident pensioners and pay no banking charges at all with a Spanish bank provided we have a regular (more than 300 euro) monthly pension, use the credit cards 3 times in a quarter and have at least 3 direct debits.