Which banks are free in Calahonda?

Hi

All banks in Spain have charges for normal current accounts but there are certain special accounts which can be set up with many banks to avoid charges. These mostly need an amount to be paid in regularly each month, such as a pension or another set amount. We are non resident and looked into this but with the transfer fees that need to be paid each time it is transfered by our UK bank it cancelled out any advantage in not paying the charges in Spain.

We are with Sabadell and find them very good with average charges, certainly not as high as some banks, and brilliant website & online service ...all in English. The Sabadell branches in Spain are very helpful and we have had no language problems as they also speak English.

We were with Halifax in Spain which moved to Lloyds and now Sabadell so they appear to be used to having many British customers. Our charges for a normal Current account is 60 euros per year ( 5 euros per month) for maintenance fees and 34 euros per year for two debit cards (17 per card). They do not charge for direct debits  or any other hidden charges. There is a non residents certificate every few years that has to be filled in by every bank by law and for that all banks charge around 25 euros for each non resident.

Hope this helps.

Jan