Opening of first Spanish bank account

Hi. Looking to open my first account in Spain. No NIE yet, however, I will have it next week. Apart from that, can anyone share their best experiences in opening an account either online, or on the high street?

What banks to avoid?
Best bank to deal with?
Easiest to pay in from UK?
No hassle…….

Thanks in advance.

Don't go to the expense unless you are going to be a resident and even then use an online one. Spanish bank account charges are steep.

Bee

Personally I wouldnt open a spanish account. Lots of people are switching to Wise because its far cheaper than the spanish banks and less hassle. You can do all your banking from the UK with a Wise account. No fees except the £7 charge for the direct debit card. Top up via your normal uk account and convert into euros at a great exchange rate. Better than what the rip off banks charge. Then set up your direct debits from the uk such as electricity, water SUMA fees, community fees etc. Far less hassle.

Don’t open a Spanish bank account get a Wise account and pay your dd via them

There are several Spanish accounts that operate fee free for non res, operate just as a U.K. bank account does, free withdrawals, free debit card, free DD’s set up etc ..... but they have one or maybe two hoops to jump through to get it. Usually nothing major, but just be aware of these conditions, and you pick an account that suits the needs you can easily cope with. Ive had one for several years and no issues or fees at all. The only condition I recommend is you visit one or two different branches, ask them how to have an account with no fees and they will tell you. It’s more simple than many would have you believe.
One other point is, to keep any fees to a minimum, use “wise” to transfer your cash over to it each month, this offers some of the best exchange rates with minimal fees to boot. All in all, bank account and wise transfers, keeps all fees as cheap as you could possibly get. So do some leg work, you won’t be disappointed. Good luck.

daz wrote:There are several Spanish accounts that operate fee free for non res, operate just as a U.K. bank account does, free withdrawals, free debit card, free DD’s set up etc ..... but they have one or maybe two hoops to jump through to get it. Usually nothing major, but just be aware of these conditions, and you pick an account that suits the needs you can easily cope with. Ive had one for several years and no issues or fees at all. The only condition I recommend is you visit one or two different branches, ask them how to have an account with no fees and they will tell you. It’s more simple than many would have you believe.
One other point is, to keep any fees to a minimum, use “wise” to transfer your cash over to it each month, this offers some of the best exchange rates with minimal fees to boot. All in all, bank account and wise transfers, keeps all fees as cheap as you could possibly get. So do some leg work, you won’t be disappointed. Good luck.

Good advice but you haven't said which bank you've been with that doesn't charge fees if you share the name of your bank it might help

Just open a wise account as has already been said above,it does everything you need for d/debit payments & euro transfers.If you want to draw cash open a UK Santander edge account,you can spend on it fee free & draw cash at a Santander bank atm in Spain for free at the normal exchange rates as long as you press the button for no conversion.If you search on the forum there are lots of posts.Good luck.