Banking - Page 4

N26 Bank

You need to open it from a Spanish address and they will send the card to that address within a few days.

It's very easy to use and to will never have to visit a bank again and wait in a queue.

https://n26.com/r/robertg5975

Yes Bobg, I hadnt considered "their exchange rate" compared to a currency company such as Transferwise, thats a very good point. I have £300 transferred every quarter to cover my direct debits(100 € approx per month) but have never been happy with the timing as if I had done it I would pick the best rate day to do it not a set day and even worse if a transfer done every month (such as pension). Do you load your n26 account yourself using transferwise or let n26 control the exchange rate and if so is their rate good? I intend to only transfer larger amounts when rate is good (by transferwise) leaving an ample balance to sit between transfers so I am in control of the rate. I have earlier today signed in the Cajamar app but unfortunately it is all in Spanish with no language option. I feel confident enough I can handle that for my limited use of transactions but shame no english offerred.(Guess I,m expecting too much!) They do have a dedicated english speaking telephone helpline. I only use the debit card for atm cash withdrawals and pay in cash for shopping etc, so no barrier there. Is your n26 account in english and did you have to arrange your debit payments yourself? It has taken so long to find a bank I hopefully wont pay exorbitant fees with that I,m reluctant to change to n26 for now but I will keep them as a standby if I need to change again and thank you for your input regarding them. 

Regards

Pauline.

I use another account called Revolut which I opened from my UK address, the exchange rates are the best you will get and I can transfer to N26 free of charge so I am in total control of when and  how much I exchange. I also use this card for any purchases in Spain as they convert to the best rates.

 https://www.revolut.com/

Sorry forgot to say yes N26 is in English and I changed all my direct debits myself although they do have an option where they will do it but I wanted to make sure it was all done myself so as not to be cut off by anyone.

What is the name of this bank please. Do you think that because you move 3000 a moth this might contryto your low cost ?

My mum was a non resident for six months prior to getting residency and still didn’t have to pay bank charges as long as her pension was paid in.

All banks in Spain add charges unless you have your salary paid into the account, a resident or have autonomo payments taken from the account....nearest branch is on the la zenia roundabout or cabo roig, taking the slip road just by the "pyramid" roundabout. 

Hope that helps.

Hi all. We recently opened an account with Bankia. They are brilliant. 2 cards, an app in English which is easy to use. Free fees for the first year and 25euros a year after that. You can run multiple accounts such as savings, investments and morning spending acounts all from one app. Interest is good as well. 

I read threads like this with a little amusement as it never cease to amaze me how much hassle people will put up with in order to try and get something for free.

The annual charges at Sabadell equate to about a bill for dinner for 4 but people try to avoid it because they think it should be free. Banking in Spain is not free.

Generally, even here, you get what you pay for. But Brits being Brits will walk next door then complain that no one in the bank speaks English or they got charged a fee at a cash point, etc etc. Or Transferwise charged them a fee, or ... something else.

The account is free of charge when you have salary 700 every month .In Torevija most bankers speak good English .