Caixa Bank... Any good?

Hi guys,

Our Spanish solicitor has set up a Caixa Bank account for us. I'd never heard of them before. Are they any good?

Thanks.

We are with them and don't like them I deal with Sabadell on behalf of my father and find them much better. Our Caixa bank is inTorrevieja but the one o Quesada is meant to be better as far as customer service goes

Caixa bank is the largest bank in Spain. It took over Bankia last October which itself took over several banks (like Bancaja) some years back.

The only problem, like a lot of banks, is that they only deal with walk in customers until 11:00 am. Outside those hours they are by appointment only.

Some have said they've had problems with the staff there being not very friendly but I've always had good service from them despite my branch being elsewhere. No matter what time you get there, you will usually have to queue for some time before getting in although the manager does walk up and down the line to see if she can help or show you how to do things via the ATM.

Also check what type of account has been opened as they all seem to have different rules. Some reckon they get huge fees but I've been with them since it was Bancaja and have never had any charges at all. The online advisors seem to only work a few days a week but they do get back to you if you have a query.

We've been with Caxia for a few years now never had any issues with them.

The hola account is 35 euros every three months in advance. You get a advisor and I can only comment on mine. She answers emails promptly

Once you get set up with your property purchase, next time you are here you can do just as you would in the U.K., pop into different banks and find one that covers all your needs. then just nip into the branch you are registered at, and tell them you want to close the account, simple. There are virtually fee free accounts for non residents if you ask on your travels from bank to bank. Or search these forums, its been done to death over the last couple of years. Good luck.

Upstream wrote:Hi guys,

Our Spanish solicitor has set up a Caixa Bank account for us. I'd never heard of them before. Are they any good?

Thanks.

Hi,if you are new here,search on the forum for info.on setting up a borderless bank A/C with Wise or similar, better exchange rates & no charges,unless you pay a substantial amount into a Spanish bank each month,you’ll pay hefty bank charges.Worth a look.Good luck.

Upstream wrote:Hi guys,

Our Spanish solicitor has set up a Caixa Bank account for us. I'd never heard of them before. Are they any good?

Thanks.

Oh... you will find this likely to be something of a 'red rag to a bull' question on this forum . Generally you will find - about all the Spanish banks -many complaints about spanish bank charges, lack of customer service etc. I've been with La Caixa for a number of years and the Quesada branch is good enough. Everything being relative, of course. I have seen lots of advice from folks on the forum about using various Internet banks to avoid charges etc. They could be right. If you are up for the time and effort in doing all that. Personally, I have found La Caixa fine , they respond quickly to my queries and I am sure they are no worse than any other spanish bank. So, they are an OK bank if you want to open a Spanish bank account, and they are set up to let you do most stuff online.

I spoke to a couple who queried there charges with a branch in London by phone, person advised them to take out a credit card with the bank and use it 12 times a year no charges, they said it was Banka so your guess is like mine

We have been with La Caixa Bank for many many years since they changed from being Barclays Bank. We are extremely happy with them but also note on the forum that others are not so happy. Good luck,