Opening a Bank account

Banco Sabadell 

Used them for over twenty years.

Forget comparing banks here to the UK.

They do things differently and Banco Sabadell is the best of the bunch.

For a start I suggest open a Wise account, this link give some good tips. https://daveinspain.com/how-to-open-a-bank-account-in-spain-with-wise/

The rule is you need a Euro account and Wise can cheaply transfer funds direct to recipients in Spain and have a Belgian IBAN code.

Next tip, appoint a good Spanish local lawyer, not too far from the property you wish to buy, 'never pay funds direct to an Estate Agent' it can be a minefield.     

I agree, I've been with Sabadell for 11 years and been happy with them.

As a non resident you will pay higher bank charges but all banks do that too....

Steve 

I'm glad your Sabadell account was fine, I had one for over 20 years, but I found tricky and I don't like visiting Spanish banks, plus their charges are high. Now I live here permanently I use Wise for all Stirling transfers and most payments and cash withdrawals, along with their card. Plus German Bank N26 for direct debits and also ATM free cash withdrawals, they are a based in Madrid and have a Spanish Iban. (Topped up by Wise). However, you need to be resident to have an N26 account, with these, banking simple and all on line, no need to go near a Spanish bank. I note one person here uses Wise for everything, including direct debits due Belgium IBAN number,   https://n26.com/en-es  

https://wise.com/gb/account/eur-account

Very often people say you must have a Spanish bank account, but under EU law it must be a Euro account based in the Eurozone. 

Thanks very helpful 

In short, there are NO good Spanish banks.

They will all have your trousers down, if you can find someone knowledgeable who can help you set up a "wise account" type of bank account it will a god send to you, there are people who can do this for you, but you need to ask around locally to where you want to live.

Think very carefully before to take the first step on the conveyer belt of pocket emptying Spanish, corrupt, theiving banks.

Anyone who has navigated the sometimes difficult route you are about to set out on will save you thousands and an awful lot of stress, sorry to be so negative, but best be honest with you.

Best of luck.

That’s not correct.  I’ve just changed to unicaja with no charges.  Closing Sabadell account after 5 years of total incompetence.  The last straw was when, having to have my card blocked due to fraudulent transaction.  New card was sent to old address 3.5 hours away. Went to my local branch 30 minutes drive away to withdraw cash and told I had to return following day as could only draw cash out before 11 am!  I’m now saving a minimum of 160€ a year.  Sabadell are a disgrace.