BobD

My Bank (BBVA) have changed their website, and like so many 'improved' websites, it is now harder to use. As far as I can tell, they have only one free cash machine in Ayamonte, and no permanent English speaking staff (unlike when I first joined them). So I am looking for recommendations for a new Bank in Ayamonte. The things that are important to me are:

1. Internet Banking, and website in English
2. Low/No Charges
3. English speaker on staff ( I know, shame on me)

I did find this thread from last year, but I am looking for some up to date information

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=764195

I would be interested to hear reports about any/all Banks in Ayamonte from other forum users.

Kath Las Colinas

We use La Caixa. It has two branches in Ayamonte; one is by the large car park near the river and the other is somewhere passed the zoo towards the police station (can't remember exactly where but have seen one going in that direction). I have only been into the one branch but they didn't have any English speaking staff although they did seem to understand my rather halting Spanish.

It has internet banking and an excellent website which is easy to use and offers English as a choice.

We have a non resident account. The fees for transferring money out are low. We have lots of direct debits set up and pay about €30 each annually for maintenance charges. I haven't noticed any other charges other than those for any one-off payments.
Kath

LordMayor

After using various banks ( El Monte/Cajasol, Bancaja/Bankia, Santander), I am now with Solbank (Banco Sabadell) and I am totally satisfied. They have the lowest charges, they all speak fluently English (and 2 or 3 other languages), have the website in the language you choose. It is the first bank I never had to complain, even after 3 or 4 year!

My experience: El Monte : useless, Bancaja: excellent until they become Bankia (total lack of sevices + overcharging), Santander: very good but probably the highest costs.

Regards.

cleverdic

We also use La Caixa at the branch you mention past the zoo on the road to Isla Canela. In there, Maria speaks excellent English and has been very helpful on a range of matters.

Although we're happy with our arrangement with this bank, I can't comment on the best Spanish Current account though. However, we do get internet banking in English.

ARPcPro

The problem is that usually the banks with the best accounts don't have an office in Ayamonte. There is a website you can use to compare the fees and advantages:
www.bankimia.com/cuentas-corrientes

I have cajasur that has an agency open near the Ayamonte market and I must say I've seen better service. The online banking is weak and mostly for checking movements. Whenever I need to renew savings accounts I always need to go to the agency. Usually there are 2 employees that deal with this and if there is no one before you it is ok. Otherwise, I've waited more than 1 hour until my turn. They are nice and helpful but anything you need to do takes a lot of time there and requires a couple of bureaucracy.
If you need to change your account inside cajasur for some reason just make sure that all the direct debts orders are transfered properly.
Maintenance fees in cajasur I think it used to be 22€ per year but now I'm paying 9€ every 3 months.

maccro

[quote=LordMayor;10869540]After using various banks ( El Monte/Cajasol, Bancaja/Bankia, Santander), I am now with Solbank (Banco Sabadell) and I am totally satisfied. They have the lowest charges, they all speak fluently English (and 2 or 3 other languages), have the website in the language you choose. It is the first bank I never had to complain, even after 3 or 4 year!

Fully agree, I was able to set up the SolBank/Sabadell account remotely from Ireland and their on line banking is very straightforward. Their cash machine is right beside Plaza de la Laguna which is also handy for me.

snikpoh

Sabadell is one of the largest banks in Spain.

They are part of one of the largest ATM networks so no problem getting money out.

It's website is in English and very easy to use and navigate.

They have English speakers in most branches.

They have ZERO charges (credit cards, debit cards, normal transactions) if you meet their income requirements - which can be negotiated.

They offer cash bank if you pay utility bills via direct debit.

They offer interest on children's savings accounts - most do NOT!

MEL & JOHN

Hi

Halifax ES transferred to Lloyds ES and now Lloyds ES is transferring to Sabadell but confused as to how Solbank are involved. Is the bank now Sabadell or Solbank ?

Thanks

Mel

snikpoh

The bank has always been Sabadell. They 'bought' Solbank some time back.

In some places they trade as Solbank and some places as Sabadell Solbank. But they are ALL Sabadell.


And, yes, they bought Lloyds International (formerly Halifax Hispania) - the deal was completed earlier this year.

amideislas

I vote for LaCaixa. Not just for the reasons you point out (their online banking is fabulous and full-service), but also because there is at least one branch (and ATM) in almost every little village everywhere in Spain. Very convenient.

MEL & JOHN

GOT IT NOW! Thanks Mel

andyrich666

I bank with Sabadell but does anyone have experience of Barclays as a few of our Spanish customers use Barclays, if its good for them could it be for us too ?

MikeCol

We bank with Barclays and their online Banking is simple to follow. I suppose the only downside is the fact that the Ayamonte branch moved to Huelva but, to be honest, since opening our account we have never needed to go to the actual branch and there are plenty of ServiRed ATM's dotted around. Regards Bryony

andyrich666

Thanks I will consider changing to Barclays when I am there.

snikpoh

They are starting to close a LOT of Barclays branches in Spain - be aware!