Best bank account

Hi both 

I have a caixia account they are really good. Easy to open I've never had a problem 

Thanks Sue 

That's great, thanks for your help Sue.

You are most welcome 

Sue

What's the difference 

I think the choice of banks are like most things in Spain, down to personal preference.

The advice I was given was as follows:

Make sure the bank of choice is local enough to where you are living, as you will need to go in!

Make sure they have an English speaking member of staff (unless you speak Spanish/Valencian of course)

Understand the charges which will be applied to your account (for example certain accounts for exPats attract a charge if you do not deposit 600€ per month in to it... this has a work around, draw out 700€ mid month and deposit it back before month end!)

Make sure the bank of choice has a good network of cash machine outlets. I have never used a cash machine from a bank other than our own but I understand there can be charges for their use

My bank of choice is Sabadell. We had initial issues, relating to small amount of charges being taken, one as listed above, the other for issuing bank cars etc. We went in, talked to our contact (in English!) and resolved the matter by staying patient but persistent.

Hope that helps!

I am with BBVA and my other half is with Sabadell.  I chose BBVA because there was a branch locally and it was an account without any charges.  Mike's Sabadell account did have charges until he changed to an Expansion account after he got residency, but there are still rules that he has to have direct debits going out, use his debut card so many times a month and have a minimum of €700 going in every month.  My account has no such restrictions and the staff in the branch are extremely lovely and helpful.  I had to go and get a statement signed and stamped by the bank for my residencia and I literally got a pat on the back from the cashier for trying to speak a little Spanish.  I bet no bank cashier in the UK comes out from behind their counter to do that!  I guess it depends on the branch and who their staff are, but I can certainly recommend BBVA.  Oh, another thing, their phone App is brilliant.  It pings whenever money comes out if your account and is simple to use to check on your balance and spending.

Thank you UKHandyMan & Cat, the information you have provided is most helpful

Youre very welcome. Cat was right with the 700€, my reference to 600€ was incorrect! Sorry about that 

That's very interesting - at no point when I opened my Sabadell account did the advisor mention a 35 euro charge every quarter because I don't have Residency yet - and she certainly never mentioned minimum balance of 700 euros every month - I'm now raging and want to move my

 account to a more transparent bank!...................will have a chat with BBVA next time I'm over

Many thanks for the info