Gran Alacant Forum

Gran Alacant Forum => General Discussions => Topic started by: Derek on January 22, 2021, 15:32.

Title: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on January 22, 2021, 15:32.
Hi

Before January 1st when I transferred Euros into my Spanish account with BBVA there was no charge. I have just transferred just 500 Euros and have been charged 21 Euros by BBVA.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Also is there a better option so that I can tell BBVA where to get off?

Thanks

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: chris and jackie on January 22, 2021, 16:16.
Need to send some out to Sabadell soon so hopefully no fees but will report back!
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Spurs on January 22, 2021, 16:45.
I use XE to transfer to my Deutche bank account never had a charge .  Yet !!! I gotta put some more over next month I will watch out for it . I expect them to claim it’s to do with Brexit
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blue and white stripes on January 22, 2021, 16:53.
Derek was this a Currencyfair transfer or the equivalent type? I transfer 3-4000 euros over a year so if they're going to charge me I'm going to have to move banks.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on January 22, 2021, 16:57.
I sent money to Sabadell on Jan 7th using Transferwise, everything went as usual with no additional charges and went at lightspeed.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on January 22, 2021, 17:31.
Hi David

That is really useful information. I have just looked on their website and they say transfers are free from EU states so I wonder if they have stated to charge now. I have emailed them. It looks totally free of account charges if you bank online. Is this correct?

Thanks for your help

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Peter D on January 22, 2021, 21:16.
Derek
I sent money to Bankia 5 days ago ,free of charge with Transferwise
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: MICKKAT on January 22, 2021, 21:45.
Dave G- we transferred funds at the same time as you to our account with Sabadell and we’re charged 18 euros as we are no longer inEU. Forgive me for asking but we’re you definitely not charged commission to receive your funds? Were we charged as the funds came from our UK account via Currencies Direct?  Surely if you use Transferwise the funds still come from a UK bank account.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on January 22, 2021, 21:49.
Hi Derek,

I think most of Sabadell accounts can be managed online but because I don't transfer €700 monthly I have to have an account that makes me liable for bank charges of circa €40 / quarter. This has bothered me for some time but most of the rival banks charge something similar. I was considering opening a BBVA Fee Free online account but hadn't got round to it. I think it was you that recommended this account some months ago but can't be absolutely sure.

I haven't looked at the Solbank website for some time but if they say transfers are free from EU states that obviously now rules out the UK (BBVA say something similar but refer to the EEA which again rules out the UK).

How did you send your money? If you send from your UK bank to BBVA then maybe now after Brexit there are charges (thanks Boris and the rest of the idiots - there I said it)

If you use Transferwise (and I assume their rivals) the funds don't go from the UK to Spain rather they go from TW account in Spain (or whatever country you're sending money to) and thus become a National rather than an International transfer. This is probably why mine and Peter D's transfers attracted no charges.

By all means use Sabadell if they have an account that suits you but if you ever go to the branch be prepared for a long queue - their customer service is appalling. I go once a year to pay my tax and that's quite enough.

Cheers
Dave
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on January 22, 2021, 22:01.
Mickkat,

No, I definitely didn't pay any charges. I sent £450.00, Transfer wise charged me £1.83 so in effect I sent £448.17 - see details below.

Amount converted 448.17 GBP Exchange rate 1 GBP = 1.10681 EUR = 496.04 EUR

Solbank received €496.04 with no charges and I have looked at it three times to be sure.

I've never used Currencies Direct but if the funds cross borders that may be the reason for the charges.

The TransferWise sending bank details are below - it refers to a Local bank transfer

Name
TransferWise Ltd on behalf of David Grayson
Delivered via
Local bank transfer
Banking partner
TransferWise Europe SA
BE48 9670 5678 0227
TRWIBEB1XXX
Banking partner reference
GW21010708456985

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: wilson on January 22, 2021, 22:03.
Ive also recently done a TransferWise to Sabadell account, there is no charges showing but that’s not to say that later in the year it won’t be added in commissions or charges.
I think TransferWise are international so aren’t seen as uk based, you can feed money into it from any account based anywhere and then send it to anyone anywhere in the world.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: John H on January 23, 2021, 10:51.
With Transferwise your money is paid to Transferwise UK, Transferwise Spain then pay the Euros into your Spanish account....hence no charge when the money is paid into your account as it originates within the EU.

Using Transferwise was probably the best bit of guidance I ever received from this forum or its predecessor.

When we sold our place Transferwise realised us over £2300 more into our UK account than using the convential banking system, I did cost several options at the time, as you can guess they had my full vote of confidence by allowing them to do such an important transfer.

Regards all

John
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on January 23, 2021, 11:00.
I have just gone onto their website and then onto OFX who I was using and had been for years. On a transfer of just 500 Euros I would be £23.20 better off using Travelwise.

As John says a good tip there.

Thanks

Derek

Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blue and white stripes on January 23, 2021, 11:29.
A quick check for transfering £1000, after charges recipient receives using Currencyfair 1116.10 euros, Transferwise 1120.26 euros
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: BeachLife on January 23, 2021, 18:25.
Derek - just (23/01 @17:20) done a £450 transfer into BBVA using my Transferwise app.

Got €502.45 into the account (works instantly with TW) at a rate of £1 - €1.1244

TW charge was £3.17

Then got online to the BBVA site - €502.45 into the account with no evidence of any charges being levied by BBVA.

I'll keep you posted if something happens now the transfer is in.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on January 23, 2021, 21:05.
Hi

Thanks for that. It is just as John says Travewise transfer the money within the EU avoiding cross border fees where as the OFX I used transferred from the UK being outside the EU and incurred charges. At least thanks to all the great answers here I will be using Travewise in future.

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: wilson on January 24, 2021, 10:33.
A slight tangent on fees being charged, but making people aware that for online purchases notably eBay and Amazon but undoubtably includes many others that a 20% vat is being charged on goods purchased in the eu. eBay I note kindly add the 20% on your billing and collect via PayPal then they allegedly pay a government though not sure which one as they don’t say, bit of an irony really that an American company that has a uk website that bases it tax affairs in Luxembourg so pays little tax itself is being so thorough in collecting the vat. On tinterweb lots of stories of people inadvertently buying items they thought were in the uk then having parcel held by delivery company until charges paid.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blue and white stripes on January 24, 2021, 16:10.
Off that font of all knowledge Wikipedia, TransferWise works similarly,

CurrencyFair is an online peer-to-peer currency exchange marketplace. CurrencyFair is headquartered in Ireland also with employees in UK, Australia, Greece, Hong Kong, Poland and Singapore.

CurrencyFair is a marketplace where money is never exchanged across borders; rather, it stays in the country of origin, thereby avoiding bank conversion fees. Customers have one currency but need funds in another. They are "matched" with someone with a corresponding need - someone who has that currency but needs the other.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Burtonski on January 31, 2021, 11:12.
I send money every month from the UK using Sabadell's Regular Transfer Plan.  There are no fees.

From the web site:

No charges for transfers from your account in England to your account in Spain.
No charge for currency conversion (GBP to Euros).
Funds available in just 3 business days.
Direct debit guarantee. In the event of an error, you can claim a full refund and the money will be debited from your account in England immediately.
Taking advantage of the benefits of the Regular Transfer Plan is easy; just fill in this form or hand it in at your local branch

Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on January 31, 2021, 13:10.
Isn't there a minimum amount that you have to send with this account - I think €750 / monthly?

Very good if you're there full time but for me it's too much unless you get on the money go round and have an auto transfer in to benefit from the account and then a couple of days later send some back.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: petercs on January 31, 2021, 14:14.
I have a monthly transfer plan with this bank. I set in up in the GA branch. It a direct debit seemingly to the Sabadell branch in London which transfers it to my account in Spain. Originally set up for £150 but now £200 a month

Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Burtonski on February 01, 2021, 09:46.
I only send £200 per month as well.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on February 02, 2021, 15:34.
I send money every month from the UK using Sabadell's Regular Transfer Plan.  There are no fees.

From the web site:

No charges for transfers from your account in England to your account in Spain.
No charge for currency conversion (GBP to Euros).
Funds available in just 3 business days.
Direct debit guarantee. In the event of an error, you can claim a full refund and the money will be debited from your account in England immediately.
Taking advantage of the benefits of the Regular Transfer Plan is easy; just fill in this form or hand it in at your local branch

Interesting.............I can't find an account on the Solbank website that offers this service. What account do you have and do you know what the exchange rate terms are? Do they offer Visa on the day or do they apply their own rate as they can do if you choose that option at an ATM.
Thanks
Dave
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: ian-steele on February 03, 2021, 11:20.
banco sabbel charge the commercial rate on appointed direct debit date, i can only say that i arranged the regular transfer in the the g.a branch with anika.Not sure if you can do it on line so many forms to fill in. I am a member of the bank, paying €34 a quarter.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on February 03, 2021, 11:47.
banco sabbel charge the commercial rate on appointed direct debit date, i can only say that i arranged the regular transfer in the the g.a branch with anika.Not sure if you can do it on line so many forms to fill in. I am a member of the bank, paying €34 a quarter.

Ian Using BBVA banking is free. You are paying 136 Euros a year. Like most things it is best to shop around as banks change their pricing from time to time.

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Ash on February 15, 2021, 13:02.
Have just used Revolut to transfer just under €400 to my Sabadell account
Have used them for years to transfer money
This is the 1st time since Brexit I have transferred money and Sabadell have charged me €18 commission
Not impressed 🤬
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on February 15, 2021, 16:16.
Yes Ash see John's message as to the reasons why. You can avoid this but you and I had no warning it was coming hence a rip off in my view.

Derek

Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Ash on February 15, 2021, 16:17.
Have just received this from Sabadell
What a joke

Remember that if you have an Expansión Account, national transfers and to any country in the EEA (European Economic Area) are free, as long as it is in Euros.

Transfers made in a currency other than Euro will be subject to the interbank currency exchange (see CURRENCIES)

From January 1, 2021, transfers from / to the United Kingdom will have a cost through the process known as BREXIT.

Transfers to the United Kingdom (UK): 0.75% with a minimum of € 22

Transfers from the United Kingdom (UK): 0.35% with a minimum of € 18

With reference to SEPA, we inform you that although the United Kingdom continues in the SEPA agreements, these concern other types of payments such as receipts, file generation and remittances that currently have no cost but that in the future this could change.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Ash on February 15, 2021, 16:20.
Derek

Thanks for that

I will try my TransferWise account next time and see how that goes
The joys of Brexit 🙄🙄
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: puddy-woo on February 15, 2021, 22:12.
I was also charged €18 for transferring €600 from my starling account. Absolute liberty.  Not sure what the answer is or if thats the standard fee for any amount transferred. If so I guess I’ll transfer one big payment to cover direct debits and then use the starling card for all my other needs. I’ve also got a transferwise account so would be interested to see if a transfer from that also incurs the same charge. I’m sure it will
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on February 15, 2021, 22:23.
Hi PW, go back through the posts (if you haven't already), those of us who have used TransferWise or similar since Jan 1st haven't incurred any charges.  This is because the transfer is internal in euros not international where £ sterling is received by the Spanish bank and converted to euros. You will get a better exchange rate as well as paying no charges.
Dave
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: puddy-woo on February 15, 2021, 22:57.
Hi DaveG

I have a £ and a € starling account and I transferred from the € account.  So this is not the same as the Transferwise??   If so i’ll start re-using Transferwise.   Thanks for your post
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Mallard on February 15, 2021, 23:29.
I was advised by the community admin that they could no longer send debits to my starling account and if I wanted to instigate the payment I must send an extra €18. This is Sabadell Bank making money again.
I sent it by transferwise from a credit card which of course cost me about £5 . Transferwise charged .95 cents but of course to send euros the credit card also charged £5 odd.  At that time I could not get transferwise to take the money from my starling card.  Hopefully next time. I am in course of complaining more strongly to the Admin.
Since the beginning of the year I have paid Suma and two debits have gone through for electricity.
Sabadell are dreadful.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on February 16, 2021, 00:10.
Hi again PW, I think even if you use your Starling € account which is UK  based you are transferring from a non EU  country and therefore incur charges. The trick is to make your transfer internal not international using TransferWise or similar.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: wilson on February 16, 2021, 09:26.
TransferWise announced yesterday that they are reducing their fees slightly for transfers from the UK to euro accounts, they appear to now have there own IBANs which removes the big banks as middlemen in the transfer process. I think the flow of money whether internally or internationally is a bit like a funnel where there are thousands  of players but eventually all money has to travel through a narrow system controlled by just a handful of institutions.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on February 16, 2021, 09:51.
I was also charged €18 for transferring €600 from my starling account. Absolute liberty.  Not sure what the answer is or if that's the standard fee for any amount transferred. If so I guess I’ll transfer one big payment to cover direct debits and then use the starling card for all my other needs. I’ve also got a transferwise account so would be interested to see if a transfer from that also incurs the same charge. I’m sure it will

No you have missed John's point. Transferwise transfer within the EU and therefore there is no charge. The charge you paid being 18 Euros is the minimum charge and it is volume related so don't try a larger amount as you will get a shock.

By explanation. Transferwise have a bank account within the EU and they use this to transfer into Spain hence no charge. Many other banks transfer from the UK to Spain and you will then get charged.

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: chris and jackie on February 16, 2021, 10:31.
Just transferred funds using TransferWise as usual and no charge from Sabadell bank for deposit, so as mentioned above use TransferWise to avoid fees
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on February 16, 2021, 12:06.
Simply put, if you want to send money to Spain you deposit it in £ in TransferWise account in London, a Spanish person wants to send money to the UK so he puts his money € into TW account in Spain.
TW then pay you in Spain with his money and him in the UK with your money; all transfers are therefore in local currency hence no bank reception charges and no exchange at the banks own rates which are usually about 5 cents below the interbank rate.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: John H on February 16, 2021, 12:26.
Bang on DaveG, that's exactly how it works.

Regards all

John
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blue and white stripes on February 16, 2021, 13:02.
Ditto Currencyfair as my post of 24.01.21
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: puddy-woo on February 16, 2021, 14:59.
Thank you for all who have given this euro saving information  :)
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blue and white stripes on February 18, 2021, 11:25.
Just received this in an email from the BBVA.


hemos mejorado las tarifas para transferencias realizadas a través de bbva.es, app o cajeros: ahora el mínimo de comisión baja de 18€ a 6€. Además, eliminamos los gastos por swift y corresponsalía.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on February 18, 2021, 11:50.
Be careful as they only say that the minimum fee has been lowered. Therefore the charge if you transfer an amount above the minimum amount will be unaltered.

Best avoid completely.

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on February 18, 2021, 15:09.
Hi B&W, it's a bit vague; you know what the minimum commission will be but at what level of transfer does that go to the maximum, how much is the maximum? It seems to pose more questions than answers. also seems to apply only to certain transfers or ATM use. As Derek says - best avoided.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on February 24, 2021, 21:11.
Hi all,
I've  just received an email from TransferWise advising of an upcoming name change, if I was searching for a currency transfer provider I'm not sure the new name accurately conveys what they do but for info the mail is below.

Call us Wise.
In a few weeks, we're changing our name to Wise. It feels right, because we’re so much more than transfers now — we're the international account used by over 10 million people to live, work, and travel around the world.
We promise this won’t change your experience. It's still the same account you’re used to, but with a sharp new logo.
Here's what you need to know:
You'll still use your TransferWise login details
If you use a password manager, you'll have to re-save
Your existing payments will still go through
You can share the love (and savings) with your friends
Invite your friends
Read more on our blog
Your questions answered.
How do I login?
What can I do with my Wise account?
Is Wise safe to use?
Go to Help Centre
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: BeachLife on February 25, 2021, 17:05.
Got the same mail Dave. Dont think anything is changing just the branding.

I am really happy with TF Wise. Used if or years now, the speed of transfer into my BBVA account is almost instantaneous and NO charges incurred at all transferring from my UK Lloyds into BBV via Transferwise. The cost and closeness to that moment's spot rate are unbeatable having checked the competition
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: puddy-woo on March 06, 2021, 12:28.
Ive just received a letter from Sabadell with a statement of charges. €120 annual fee. €40 Admin and €30 for debit card. So without any extras it costs €190 pa to hold an account.  Outrageous.   They charged me .90 euros to check my balance !!
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: John H on March 06, 2021, 13:18.
I've just had my new (Transfer) Wise debit card come through, you can set up Direct Debits from your account....seems like a simple way to negate the need of an expensive Spanish bank account.
There is no charge for the card or for setting up direct debits.

Regards all

John

PS just noticed that my ATM free of usage charge allowance has been increased
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: BeachLife on March 08, 2021, 09:09.
That's outrageous I know it's a hassle but time to move bank.

I am with BBVA - not the best I know particularly when it comes to customer service BUT I have only a fraction of those charges - less than €20 for the year.

I am watching closely in case this is related to a Brexit thing (increased charges) but it shouldn't be as all my money comes in from Transferwise which as discussed before is classed as an EU transfer, not one coming from the UK

Spanish banks are desperate for money and they will, without doubt, do anything to skim money off their customers under the guise of "charges" - every time I have tried to do something to reduce my exposure to BBVA's handcuffs (ie trying to get away from their expensive BBVA Seguros home insurance) the obstacles placed in the way are designed to make you give up in the end


Ive just received a letter from Sabadell with a statement of charges. €120 annual fee. €40 Admin and €30 for debit card. So without any extras it costs €190 pa to hold an account.  Outrageous.   They charged me .90 euros to check my balance !!
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: John H on March 08, 2021, 09:21.
Just to add, my bank account with Transferwise is in Belgium.
It operates just as any other current account, with certain limitations, for example they don't issue loans.
I've used it for over three years, I transfer money into it with no fees and get the normal brilliant exchange rate, I've used the card with zero issues for three years, it didn't get used much last year, to pay for meals, petrol, hotels, withdraw cash with zero issues.
The app for the card is super, instant notification of use if the card, you can freeze the card from the app...as you would expect from Wise it's spot on.
It would be a great solution to ditching the bills associated with Spanish bank accounts

Regards all

John
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blue and white stripes on March 08, 2021, 10:51.
I'm amazed that your charges are only 20 euros a year Beachlife. I've been with BBVA since 2000 and my charges gradually rose from 32 - 100 euros in 2010 and then levelled out at about 100 euros for 2010-2019 until last year when they rose to 160 euros.
Time to move I think.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Ron l on March 08, 2021, 12:28.
I got received this today from sabadell
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on March 08, 2021, 12:44.
I'm amazed that your charges are only 20 euros a year Beachlife. I've been with BBVA since 2000 and my charges gradually rose from 32 - 100 euros in 2010 and then levelled out at about 100 euros for 2010-2019 until last year when they rose to 160 euros.
Time to move I think.

I am with BBVA and pay zero charges (just 26 Euro a year for the debit card).

Derek

Here is a link to sign up for Free BBVA banking
https://www.bbva.es/en/personas/productos/cuentas/cuenta-online-sin-comisiones.html

I see that they say only for new customers surely this supports my view of a rip off. However an account in your name or your wife's name or a joint account gives you three options of opening an new account. I pesonally would phone them and tell them where to get off. Free accounts or goodbye would be the message
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: John H on March 08, 2021, 13:20.
This might be of interest;
https://moneysaverspain.com/avoid-fees-spanish-banks/

About 15 years ago we recruited around 30 Spanish pharmacists, due to my "ties" with Spain I spent quite a lot of time with them, I remember how astounded they were, when we helped them set up UK bank accounts, that personal banking was free of charge, it was a new concept to them!!

Perhaps if UK banks made a charge for maintaining accounts they wouldnt resort to misselling PPI and other such dubious activities to generate a profit, just saying!!

Regards all

John
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blue and white stripes on March 08, 2021, 14:09.
Many thanks Derek.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on March 08, 2021, 17:37.
Hi B&W, I've been intending to open the account recommended by Derek but haven't got around to it yet; maybe now is the time. As part of the process you will need a Spanish mobile number and if it's a joint account a separate mobile no. for each account holder. We have phones with a dual sim holder so we both got a PAYGO sim before we left Spain' it's €10 / month for 1GB data, 3000 texts and 100mins calls. It's very handy to call a Spanish number from the UK as there's no charge.

Beachlife, if you're not already aware, by law, you have to give at least a months notice to cancel your house insurance - I tried with Sabadell last year with a couple of weeks before renewal and here is the rather brusque response: - You can find all the information on the attache document, please remember that if you wish to cancel the Insurance you should notified one month in advanced, your House insurance renewal is on the 25th of August so you are not in time.. I won't make the mistake this year, I can get a better insurance with Liberty Seguros for €60 less through a local broker.
 
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: BeachLife on March 08, 2021, 19:27.

Hi Dave.

BBVA went completely above and beyond to thwart my attempts over many years to move away from BBVA Seguros.

In no particular order.

# THREE monts notice
# Hand signed letter declaring that you want to change
# Presented IN PERSON - at your branch (no other branch)
# No emailed scanned or faxed copy allowed

So after years of trying I rocked up in September - letter in hand. passport (just in case) along with food and drink for the wait.

Bit of background I have a very small mortgage with them still so that I don't incur any penalties for early completion.

That's what did for me this time ... They wanted me to PROVE I had another insurance policy in place to protect "their" house !

I would have had to have had a policy with say Linea Directa running in parallel for over 3 months minimum to be able to prove that.

So I told him he was pretty useless and left (again)








Hi B&W, I've been intending to open the account recommended by Derek but haven't got around to it yet; maybe now is the time. As part of the process you will need a Spanish mobile number and if it's a joint account a separate mobile no. for each account holder. We have phones with a dual sim holder so we both got a PAYGO sim before we left Spain' it's €10 / month for 1GB data, 3000 texts and 100mins calls. It's very handy to call a Spanish number from the UK as there's no charge.

Beachlife, if you're not already aware, by law, you have to give at least a months notice to cancel your house insurance - I tried with Sabadell last year with a couple of weeks before renewal and here is the rather brusque response: - You can find all the information on the attache document, please remember that if you wish to cancel the Insurance you should notified one month in advanced, your House insurance renewal is on the 25th of August so you are not in time.. I won't make the mistake this year, I can get a better insurance with Liberty Seguros for €60 less through a local broker.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on March 08, 2021, 21:27.
Cheers Beachlife for the heads up, in case Sabadell didn't come completely clean with me I'll start a lot sooner this year than I had intended. Although it may be a moot point if I have closed the account before then.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on March 09, 2021, 10:47.
Hi B&W, I've been intending to open the account recommended by Derek but haven't got around to it yet; maybe now is the time. As part of the process you will need a Spanish mobile number and if it's a joint account a separate mobile no. for each account holder. We have phones with a dual sim holder so we both got a PAYGO sim before we left Spain' it's €10 / month for 1GB data, 3000 texts and 100mins calls. It's very handy to call a Spanish number from the UK as there's no charge.

Beachlife, if you're not already aware, by law, you have to give at least a months notice to cancel your house insurance - I tried with Sabadell last year with a couple of weeks before renewal and here is the rather brusque response: - You can find all the information on the attache document, please remember that if you wish to cancel the Insurance you should notified one month in advanced, your House insurance renewal is on the 25th of August so you are not in time.. I won't make the mistake this year, I can get a better insurance with Liberty Seguros for €60 less through a local broker.

Hi David

Not true as you do not need a Spanish Mobile. I only have a UK mobile and it all works perfectly and I have had the free accounts for about two years.

Derek

PS I did go around all the Companies that I had direct debits with like Water, Electric etc and with my limited Spanish I was quite pleased with their helpful response.

I expect this could be done online but it gave me something to do whilst I was over in GA
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blue and white stripes on March 09, 2021, 12:16.
I'm with BBVA and their app works perfectly on my Virgin English mobile. 10 euros a month for a Spanish phone would defeat the object of saving 160 euros a year on charges especially as I 've got roaming.
I was happy to pay a couple of euros a week for my BBVA account. It's the fact it's gone up 50%+ that really pees me off.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: wilson on March 09, 2021, 16:28.
One of the major issues with Spanish banks, insurance and utilities is the total lack of competition, there are now just a handful of banks left with most overseas banks having pulled out there operations. There are only 2 or 3 insurers, 1 water company and 1 electricity operator, so why would customer satisfaction be a priority. Then if you have the will to change something you are met with layers of bureaucracy solely intended to bog you down.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on March 09, 2021, 16:48.
One of the major issues with Spanish banks, insurance and utilities is the total lack of competition, there are now just a handful of banks left with most overseas banks having pulled out there operations. There are only 2 or 3 insurers, 1 water company and 1 electricity operator, so why would customer satisfaction be a priority. Then if you have the will to change something you are met with layers of bureaucracy solely intended to bog you down.

Yes Maggie Thatcher introduced privatisation and competition and had this not be done we also would only have one Telephone provider, Train Company, Electricity Company, Gas Company and so on.

Some would like to return to the old days but they have a shorter memory that I do for sure!

Tongue in cheek comment.

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on March 09, 2021, 21:25.
Hi Derek, re your earlier message about not needing a Spanish mobile to open the BBVA online free account.

I have tried it and now (obviously not when you did it) a Spanish mobile number is essential; you cannot get past the page where it is requested without one - if you put in a UK mobile it doesn't accept the format as there are too many numbers. I'm not the most technologically minded and there is a help function that's not a lot of help, but without a Spanish mobile you can't proceed. Also you can't use the same number for the second account holder if it's joint.

Hi B&W, I sold you a bum steer with the cost of the Spanish PAYGO sim; it's €3 / month not €10. The €10 came from my habit of crediting it with €10 every three months, this then counts down at €3 / month. As you pointed out spending €240 / year (two phones) to save €160 isn't good economics. 

Dave
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on March 09, 2021, 21:34.
Dave, The guy in the BBVA branch in GA set mine up for me. Just go in and ask him for a free online bank account. He sits to the right and is the assistant manager there.

We get on well as he also rides a motorbike (Harley Davidson). A job for when your next in Spain. I loaded the BBVA app myself more recently and it works fine on my UK mobile.

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: ian-steele on March 10, 2021, 11:38.
i do internet banking with banco sabell, i only have a £9.99 basic phone for calls and text only. (asda Mobile)  When i do a transaction on line i get a text from Sabell with code No continue the transaction.  Am i missing something with previous threads ?
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on March 10, 2021, 12:02.
i do internet banking with banco sabell, i only have a £9.99 basic phone for calls and text only. (asda Mobile)  When i do a transaction on line i get a text from Sabell with code No continue the transaction.  Am i missing something with previous threads ?

Morning Ian, the code that Sabadell send is the security code that you need to enter on the page you were on when attempting the transaction on the app.
I find it a bit awkward trying to do it on one device so I do the transaction on the Sabadell website on my tablet / laptop and get the code off the Sabadell app on my phone and then continue where I left off on the main device. Also you don't enter the code - a little keyboard pops up and you have to click each of the four digits of the code separately.
Hope this helps and that I understood your query correctly.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on March 10, 2021, 12:37.
Ian

You are paying too much. Look at Plusnet. Mobile phone sim card includes all minutes and all text plus internet at £6.00 per month.

Derek

https://www.plus.net/mobile/sim-only-30-day
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: DaveG on March 10, 2021, 13:12.
Dave, The guy in the BBVA branch in GA set mine up for me. Just go in and ask him for a free online bank account. He sits to the right and is the assistant manager there.

We get on well as he also rides a motorbike (Harley Davidson). A job for when your next in Spain. I loaded the BBVA app myself more recently and it works fine on my UK mobile.

Derek


Afternoon Derek,

I thought I had seen this somewhere and have just checked - the Fee Free BBVA account can only be opened online; or at least that what it says on the application so that's what I was going off. Although I'll probably do it online I'd like to think that they wouldn't turn me down if I go to the bank,
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: ian-steele on March 10, 2021, 17:10.
Derek, maybe at cross purposes, I have an android tablet for internet banking, no fees payable just use a WiFi.
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Derek on March 11, 2021, 11:59.
Derek, maybe at cross purposes, I have an android tablet for internet banking, no fees payable just use a WiFi.

Hi Ian

I was just making the point that if your change you sim card to one provided by plus net you could save £47.88 a year and receive the same service.

Like with most things it pays to shop around.

Derek
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: puddy-woo on March 26, 2021, 17:07.
A guy from Germany who has rented my place before wanted to transfer the deposit for a stay at the end of the year.  He usually pays into Sabadell but as I’m trying to close that account at some point I sent him my Wise details.  I have to say it was a performance!!  Took over a week with them asking me ridiculous questions like his date of birth and full name (the name they already had but I told twice again anyway). I basically told them as it was pending to give it back to him and he could pay it in Sabadell and that I wasnt happy with their service and 10 minutes later it was in my Wise account.  A bit worrying if I want my electric and water bills paid. 
Title: Re: Another possible bank rip off
Post by: Blades on May 19, 2021, 21:14.
Hi

Apologies in advance if this has already been asked....

I have followed this thread with interest since January, when I too was stung with an 18 Euros charge for transferring money to Deutsche bank.
I have been with them for a couple of years, and since 2005 with Sabadel.
Bank charges were the reason for moving to Deutsche, and they have now increased their charges, as well as now charging to transfer money in.

Upon advice received here I have now made transfers with Moneywise (or Wise as they are now called) and have been happy so far.

I am considering moving wholly over to them.

A concern I have though is a charge that I get every 2 years for 'Peticion Certif no residencia'

Does anyone know what the purpose of this is, and whether you need one if you don't have a Spanish bank account.

Also, general up to date thoughts on doing this??

Thanks in advance

Phil