Santander debit card in Spain

karencall

Hi

We were in Spain, we paid restaurant/supermarket bills with a Santander zero debit card in euros. On return when we got our statement each time we used the card as above we were charged £1.25. Previously when we have used our Santander zero credit card we were never charged anything. We're just about to go to Amsterdam and we will use the Santander credit card, just in case!!
K

adindas

I have Santander Zero Debit and credit card. When purchasing something I either use my Halifax Clarity card or Santander Zero. I never got additional charge like you do, even for a small amount such as using it in McDonalds, Starbucks, or Coffee Heaven etc.

So your case is quite new to me as you pay it in local currency, e.g. EUR and not in £.

Have you also checked another possibility. Santander Zero current A/C which comes with your Zero debit card need to be funded at least £1,000 each month otherwise you will loose privilage for overseas withdrawal.

Please Keep posting your experience if you are using it in other EU countries as we also want to learn it ...

ADINDAS

karencall wrote: »

Hi

We were in Spain, we paid restaurant/supermarket bills with a Santander zero debit card in euros. On return when we got our statement each time we used the card as above we were charged £1.25. Previously when we have used our Santander zero credit card we were never charged anything. We're just about to go to Amsterdam and we will use the Santander credit card, just in case!!
K

adindas

Dear karencall
You might want to see this thread the experience of other people using their Santander Zero Debit card abroad.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3162498

It also confirms that there is not any fee for money withdrawal. But since your case is for purchasing, it is highly likely it was charged by the banks used by the supermarket where you did shopping.

But if you keep posting your experience next time you use it whether there is still charge, it will be great ...

karencall wrote: »

Hi

We were in Spain, we paid restaurant/supermarket bills with a Santander zero debit card in euros. On return when we got our statement each time we used the card as above we were charged £1.25. Previously when we have used our Santander zero credit card we were never charged anything. We're just about to go to Amsterdam and we will use the Santander credit card, just in case!!
K

adindas

Yes it is, given that it is Santander Zero and you pay £1000 a month.
If it is Prefered in Credit Rate a/c and you pay £1000 a month, it is only free it you are using "SANTANDER CASH MACHINE", not other banks cash machine though ...

It has also been confirmed here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3162498

ShockingPink wrote: »

Hi - hope someone can help!
I was with A&L - now Santander. When my account transferred, the letter I received said I could use my debit card fee-free in Spain. However, I now can't find any mention of this on their website and it's refusing to let me send a message!

Does anyone know whether it's still free?

Many thanks.

stilltheone

Toe-Jam wrote: »

If you have a Santander Zero card you should be opting to pay in Sterling NOT euros so that Visa is converting the money not the local Merchant.

What are you talking??

It's the other way around.

Toe-Jam

stilltheone wrote: »

What are you talking??

It's the other way around.

I beg your pardon, yes you are correct it is the other way around, you should always opt to pay in local currency. My bad.:o

stilltheone

Toe-Jam wrote: »

I beg your pardon, yes you are correct it is the other way around, you should always opt to pay in local currency. My bad.:o

Easy mistake to make...I'm sure many do.

bignred05

Baldur wrote: »

See http://products.santander.co.uk/bankaccounts/frequentlyaskedquestions.html#What%20charges%20apply%20if%20I%20use%20a%20Santander%20Cash%20Machine%20in%20Spain?

I'm looking into taking my A&L (now Santander) debit card to Palma Nova (Majorca) in Mid July, now I know there's a Santander bank/branch not far from my hotel, however having checked on google earth, the ATM's at this branch don't have the Santander logo on them

will this still be classed as using a Santander ATM (as its at the actual Santander branch)