Starling Bank ATM withdrawal in Spain

bigfer

Can anyone advise the cheapest ATM provider in Spain to withdraw cash from using Starling Bank Euro account. Many thanks

bagand96

It's become quite hard to keep track of, as it seems most Spanish banks caught on to charging tourists for withdrawals.  I'm not sure whether it will make a difference that it's a Euro account or not.  Even more tricky, anecdotal evidence seems to suggest it can change in different regions across Spain, very few charges in Madrid for example, but in the tourist hotspots like the Balearics or Costa del Sol most do charge.

There's a couple of threads here, although the information might be a year older or more:

Charges by Spanish Banks for cash — MoneySavingExpert Forum
ATM fees in Spain — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Might be worth posting on the Tripadvisor forum for your destination, someone might have up to date local info.

bigfer

Just a quick update. From Tenerife today
I was charged 2 euros to take out 50 euros on Starling using BBVA ATM. Overall cost £46.93

Used Halifax affinity credit card in Cajamar ATM to withdraw 50euro. Overall cost £46.34. (Santander wanted 7euros)
So guess starling is comparable to Halifax affinity to withdraw cash.

NoodleDoodleMan

I realise I'm largely preaching to the converted - but for any less experienced punters .........it'll be the ATM owning institution that takes a fee from all cards, regardless of the issuing bank. Relevant UK "user friendly" cards from Starling and Metrobank etc. which otherwise attract no fees at a hole in the wall don't escape. The best deal for regular holidaymakers in Spain & The Canaries is to have a Santander UK debit card - there are no fees when currency is taken at a Santander branded ATM in these locations. A basic Santander Everyday current account is sufficient - it needs a minimum £500 monthly pay in, from any source, and it can be used (as the name suggests) as a day to day regular working current account.

bigfer

NoodleDoodleMan said:

I realise I'm largely preaching to the converted - but for any less experienced punters .........it'll be the ATM owning institution that takes a fee from all cards, regardless of the issuing bank. Relevant UK "user friendly" cards from Starling and Metrobank etc. which otherwise attract no fees at a hole in the wall don't escape. The best deal for regular holidaymakers in Spain & The Canaries is to have a Santander UK debit card - there are no fees when currency is taken at a Santander branded ATM in these locations. A basic Santander Everyday current account is sufficient - it needs a minimum £500 monthly pay in, from any source, and it can be used (as the name suggests) as a day to day regular working current account.

Thanks for this. I didn't realize Santander did this. so I could use my Santander lite debit card? It's my current account in the UK.

NoodleDoodleMan

Yes a UK Santander Lite debit card is good. There have a been a few cases of fees being applied at ATMs which were recently rebranded since Santander acquired the previous parent bank. I think it would Banco Popular post their takeover in 2017 - it won't be an issue where the ATM is part of a Santander branch building, it was some rebranded standalone holes in the wall which were the problem. Good idea to do some internet homework and find locations of Santander banks where you are going, there is a presence in most of the usual suspect tourist spots. If the ATM does impose a fee make sure you keep the paper receipt and note the location - Santander UK will refund - that's been my experience anyway.

NoodleDoodleMan

I think (would need to confirm) that Santander credit cards are also fee free for cash withdrawals at Santander branded ATMs in Spain & Canaries - this will attract interest, however that can be minimal if the balance is settled quickly by an online payment.