what is;-

recibo domiciliado ?

As far as I can tell its stands for bank charges. If so we are being ripped off big time by Banesto!!

Latest statement shows, two lots of 57.61€ on the same day and then 10 days later another 70.66€ again listed as recibo domiciliado.

The statement has no other transactions except for a deposit from us for 850€.

But the balance has been reduced by almost 186€.

Its a joint account and we use for nothing except paying electricity, water and of course IBI when its due.

Time to switch banks

Recibo domiciliado isn't bank charges, it's a bill they've paid, a standing order or direct debit kind of thing.

Yep Definitely a direct debit

Thats right, if you look at your bills the amount should marry up with one of them, although I think that usually water,phone, etc usually put the name of the company, could it be community charges or somthing like that?

Nope it doesn't marry up with any bills we have paid, as I said we only pay for water and electricity and our IBI. This randomly taking money from our account has been going on for the last 16 months like this. We can't make time to go into Torrievieja where the branch is, its 85kilometres from us and our time in Spain is limited.

We will have to open an account at a bank closer to us and close that account when we have paid this years non residants and ibi in the summer. Just have to find a friendly bank that will do all the transfers for us with no hassle.

If you cant find time to drive there, (I would) then call them. far to much money to not either call or visit. Limited time or not I would be there, been going on far too long.

Just a thought, have you had an insurance or anything in the past?

For instance, Linear Direct ask you for your bank details when you open an insurance policy even if you pay cash, they told me it was to pay any claims I may make into. When I left Spain and sold my car, they took almost €500 at the renewal date, I had no idea and didn't want the insurance, they refused to refund it even saying to see a lawyer if I wanted. I emailed my bank (and this was three months later) and told them it was an unauthorised payment and I got it back over night, maybe you could try doing that?

If you can't find the time to visit, you should be able to contact them by phone or letter?

My bank manager gave me his personal e mail address, which I find very useful.

The bank charges should appear on the statement as "estafa".

When I was with BBVA, I could never understand their charges.

IBI is due to be paid about now.

Isn't non-resident tax due now as well?


That's what I would say they might be. What did you pay last year?

That you have two payments which are the same might well be a charge on you and on your wife. If your property is in joint names that might apply to certain taxes, e.g. Non Residents property tax.

As suggested here why not call the bank, even if you do not speak Spanish, or get a friend to do so, or if you have a branch near you ask them.

As for changing your bank. The existing bank will give you a list of 'regular payment' (DD's, SO's etc) which you have set up and a new bank should make the transfers for you. I have done that at least twice over the years.

Also, why wait to open the new account. Just leave the old one dormant in case you have forgotten to inform some one/utility etc. I am in that situation now, when I am satisfied everything is 'working' I will close the old account.


Good luck

When choosing your new bank, look for one that gives internet access.

We use SOL and the internet is very good and in English. You can request details about all transactions on your account.

I would think that all banks probably provide internet banking, including Banesto, but of course that still may not show more, in this case, than the extract they have sent you !