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Avoid or Reduce Bank Charges in Spain

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  • adindas
    adindas Posts: 6,856 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 22 August 2019 at 4:26PM
    Seconded, Santander will have a presence in just about everywhere in Spain.

    Absolutely agree, for people who have Santander Zero (Current AC), Santander 123, Santander 123 Lite, Santander Select AC that meet the requirement, it is the best way "to get cash" in particular case in Spain. Moreover, it is a debit card so no need to worry about getting interest if you forget to clear the balance asap.

    The problem with withdrawing money with the cash machines using your specialist debit/credit card in Spain is that you might know an ATM that did not charge you ATM fee last year but when you come to the same place in the following year, it might not be the case.

    If there is a bank does not charge it seems that it is just a matter of time before they start charging ATM fee. Things are different with Santander debit card on Santander ATM in Spain as it is written on the T&C. So when Santander change the T&C they will need to inform you so you will know it in advance before using it.

    It is ridiculous and unfair that the spanish bank cash machines are charging, UK debit card to be used in Spain, while the UK banks do not charge the ATM fee for the spanish debit card to be used in the UK ATM. Also most of other EU countries (if not all) even in the former eastern european countries do not charge that ATM fee.
  • biggmick1
    biggmick1 Posts: 21 Forumite
    I'm hoping as a non-profit organisation, Caixa bank may stick to a fairer, less avaricious policy but maybe I'm being naively optimistic.

    On the subject of presence, my basic research has shown that Caixa bank has more branches and ATM's than any other Spanish bank including Santander. I think though that because we're used to the Santander branding on Britain's high streets we'll probably notice them more when we're in Spain.
  • huw01
    huw01 Posts: 380 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Although this page refers to fees charged for customers of Spanish Banks (they charge more for foreign cards) it does explain the situation in Spain in respect of charging and why its happening

    https://www.bbva.es/eng/general/finanzas-vistazo/tarjetas/comisiones-cajeros/index.jsp
  • I noticed this on another thread
    copied from a UK Santander bank statement

    Fees for using a cash card on your current account at Santander Spain cash machines
    From 1 May 2017 withdrawals from a Santander cash machine in Spain using a cash card on your current account will be charged in the same way as withdrawals from any other cash machine abroad: 1.5% of the value (at least £1.99), plus a currency conversion fee of 2.75% of the value. Fees may be higher if you make a withdrawal in Sterling, rather than local currency.

    Can anyone confirm that they have actually used their Santander Debit card in a Santander ATM in Spain since May 2017 and not been charged fees by Santander UK.
    I've used a Santander Zero credit card without fees (excluding interest) but this is saying that all bank account cards now charge fees, even at Santander machines. I had a quick look at Santander UK's website and the only account that mentions no fees is the Santander select account which has quite a high income requirement.
  • Can anyone confirm that they have actually used their Santander Debit card in a Santander ATM in Spain since May 2017 and not been charged fees by Santander UK.
    Simple answer is yes, no charges using my Santander debit card - and one experience of being refunded by Santander UK where a rebranded Banco Popular ATM took a fee it should not have.

    The warning above refers to cash card usage - so possibly different Ts&Cs ?
  • huw01
    huw01 Posts: 380 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Same here used my Santander Select Debit Card in Palma and Alcuida numerous times at Santander ATMs sine 2018 and ive not been charged. I once had the charges refunded from a Banco Popular ATM which charged me.
  • adindas
    adindas Posts: 6,856 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 24 August 2019 at 11:38AM
    [FONT=&quot]For those who are interested in using Santander Debitcard in Spain.[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]
    [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Here is the relevant part of the T&C in relation to cash withdrawal in SPAIN IN SANTANDER CASH MACHINES. Also keep in mind it does not apply to CASHCARD account. [/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]https://www.santander.co.uk/assets/s3fs-public/documents/general_t_cs_and_important_information_ca_savings_august_19_do-ec-835.pdf[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]
    [/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]8.4 Cash withdrawals in foreign currency or pounds outside the UK at Santander cash machines when using a Santander debit card or cash card in Spain[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]- Cash withdrawal fee from a Santander cash machine in Spain using a Santander debit card: Free[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]- Foreign currency conversion fee for cash withdrawals using a Santander cash machine in Spain using a Santander debit card: Free[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]8.5. Cash withdrawals in foreign currency or pounds outside the UK at Santander cash-machines when using a Santander Select debit card in Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and the USA.[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]- Cash withdrawal fee: Free[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]- Foreign currency conversion fee for cash withdrawals: Free[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

    [/FONT][FONT=&quot] With regard to biggmick1 question in post #25, the answer is: Yes but my personal experience might not be relevant to other people as when traveling to Spain[/FONT][FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot], [/FONT]I am using Santander Zero Debit card (no longer available to the new customers) and therefore hardly ever need to use my Santander 123 lite debitcard. [/FONT][FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Santander zero debit card is the best of all Santander debit card range for cash withdrawal in foreign currencies as it will allow people to withdraw cash without fee in vast majorities of foreign countries.[/FONT] But regarding other Santander debitcards in Spain you have got confirmation from other people. Also it has been confirmed by a few people in the past in this forum.[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]
    [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Also based on my personal experience with Santander Bank UK they are very good in handling complain if the thing goes wrong. In some cases they might award you compenstion. So if someone gets charged using his/her qualified Santander Debitcard in Spain get back to them, there is a very good chance you will get refund for the fee you have paid.
    [/FONT]
  • It's also relevant to be remember that Santander debit cards are only fee free in Spain and the Canaries if the minimum £500 monthly pay in to the account condition has been met.

    This also applies to the Select account for fee free ATM use in the countries highlighted above.

    As said, Santander UK are very quick refunding fees taken in error - rebranded Banco Popular machines seem to be the main cause of this problem - best to keep the ATM receipt.
  • biggmick1
    biggmick1 Posts: 21 Forumite
    At halftime in the football today I did a bit of digging on Santander's website to see the full facts for the various accounts and ATM fees in Spain

    Here's what the "Fee information documents" say for their accounts. (This is for new applicants and may not apply if you already have an account)

    Accounts that don't charge for ATM withdrawals in Spain
    And don't charge a monthly account fee
    And don't have a monthly funding requirement (so no £500 a month).
    Santander Everyday, Santander Basics, 123 Student & 123 Mini (for under 13's) accounts

    Accounts that don't charge for ATM withdrawals in Spain
    But DO charge a monthly account fee
    And DO have a monthly funding requirement.
    Santander 123 Lite & Santander 123 £1 & £5 monthly fee respectively. £500 a month funding requirement.
    Santander Select £5 monthly fee £5000 monthly funding requirement

    Santander essentials (for new arrivals in the UK)
    Don't charge for ATM withdrawals in Spain
    £1 a month fee
    No funding requirement

    For Credit cards
    Santander Zero No ATM fees in any machines in Spain or worldwide (but you do get charged interest till paid off)
    No monthly fee

    All the other credit cards charge for ATM withdrawals.
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 4,261 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 24 August 2019 at 9:20PM
    Accounts that don't charge for ATM withdrawals in Spain
    And don't charge a monthly account fee
    And don't have a monthly funding requirement (so no £500 a month).
    Santander Everyday, Santander Basics, 123 Student & 123 Mini (for under 13's) accounts
    I would seek a second opinion on the Santander Everyday current account not requiring the minimum £500 monthly funding in order to enjoy fee free ATM use in Spain.

    It's not easy to find a specific reference via Santander online sources - but I believe it is one of the Ts&Cs.
    All the other credit cards charge for ATM withdrawals.
    Not so.

    Halifax Clarity CC for example - it only charges interest from the moment cash is withdrawn (like the Santander Zero CC) and there are a few others which operate likewise.

    Our Barclaycard Platinum CC (specific deal no longer available, recently withdrawn) has neither ATM fees nor cash withdrawal fees - if the balance is settled within the monthly billing timeframe.
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