Banking in Spain

In a word no, there is no connection between Santander UK and Santander ES

We also thought we could transfer our Santander UK account to Spain however this is not the case.

We chose to use the Mojacar branch of Santander even though we are in Arboleas as the assistant manager is a Brit hence no language problems. She is also the most helpful bank employee I have met in years.

How did you find out she was a Brit in ES?

Might be ideal for us too. Bt

We were advised by friends who have been here many years 

Our account at Sabadell in Vera was opened by our lawyer when we first purchased in 2016. We have been very happy with the bank ever since then. We can talk to them in the branch in English or Spanish, a good app for the smartphone and the ATMs come up in English as well.

Rob
Los Gallardos/Palomares

Thank you for that information it’s very helpful

Hi,

your post is just perfect in time, as i am looking for a new bank here. Do you have any contact details from that english speaking manager, and is it better to make a apointment? ( We still have a bankaccount at Lacaixa in Aguilas , but face trouble there as they misplace our documents again ) I just need a save bank account ,to put some money on it to pay tax, rubbish fees and other nessacarry payments .

thank you

Ursula

All the staff at Banco Sabadell in Vera (as far as I am aware) speak good English. The best thing is perhaps to go in and speak to them about transferring your account.

Rob

Los Gallardos/ Palomares

Santander UK and Spain are separate companies but  both owned by the same group. Better to open a new account from what we’ve been told.

Get a good solicitor who speaks English. Most have staff that do. Make sure you get the estatura (freehold form) before you pay; there are some companies who try it on. Good luck Edde

I would echo Rob’s endorsement of Sabadell, I have banked with them for more than ten years. When I first came to Spain they were the only bank that would consider me for a mortgage based on my off shore employment contract and income.

The staff in Vera and Mojácar Playa speak English.

My wife who is Spanish also has an account with Santander and even without any language difficulties they seem to be much less competent and helpful.

Ian