anagerbera

Hi, I am new to this forum and I would like to ask about Caixabank charges. I would like to transfer a large amount from my Barclays UK current account to my Caixabank current account. I am intending to use a foreign exchange company (i.e. Wise, Currency Direct, or some other...). Does anyone know if Caixabank (formerly "La Caixa") charges you for receiving the money into their account? I am worried about any hidden costs. Any bad experiences with that? Many thanks for any suggestions.!

Ronnyone

They wont charge you. Not sure how general this is but in the last week myself, my ex and a co-worker had either all the account or part blocked by Caixa. I could only unblock by going to branch. I was required to sign a disclosure form stating where my deposits were from and my work. My wife needed to present her residency card ( again). In the queue ( 1.5 hours!!!) Others also had blocked accounts...so just check all is okay before trying to transfer. Blocked accounts are impossible to unblock unless you go to your branch!! Caixa are absolutely terrible!!!!

anagerbera

Oh dear! What a bad experience! I wonder why the banks are so awkward with clients... thanks for letting me know, I'll take it into account. I am concerned because somewhere on Caixabank (formerly La Caixa) website, I think I read that they charge 0.40% for receiving money into their accounts...! what a rip-off if that would be true!

Alectryon

One of my UK pensions has been paid directly to my account monthly for 15 years with no charges whatsoever. I transfer any extra money I need from my UK bank account to my account,with Caixa, no charges.

bobd22

It would be unusual to be charged by Spanish Bank to transfer in euros. Most of the transfer companies guarantee no transfer fee by receiving bank. I have been transferring money from UK to my Spanish account with Cajamar in euros for many years and never been charged to recieve it.

bobd22

Unfortunately it seems quite common for Spanish banks to block accounts. It has happened to me a few times. You have to keep a close eye out for any online messages requesting something from you if not responded to in x number of days account blocked. It seems to happen more in Spain than the UK. They will also query any large payments in or out and as you say want information re the payment.

Ronnyone

Yes this is very true. It is almost always because you fail to notice notices sent to your app or messages which are usually in spanish requesting you do something fairly innocuous like ticking a box to say you agree to something . The key is to be able to identify documents stating changes that usually require agreement and confirming it before a set date. However be wary of emails saying that your account will be blocked unless you do something to which you are given a link leading to a fake caixa website which requires you to sign in. These are scams. Only use the app or go to the site on your browser

anagerbera

Thanks for that. Sorry to ask again, dDo you use one of these foreign currency companies (i.e. "Wise", "Currency Fair"... ) as intermediary? or do you send the money directly, from the UK bank to the Spanish bank? Thanks very much.

anagerbera

Thanks a lot... I feel more reassured!

anagerbera

Thanks a lot for that. In my case I would be transferring my savings from having worked (i.e. salary), so I hope that it would be enough to show them my employment contract and some bank statements... I hope! Kind regards.

anagerbera

Understood, thanks a lot for the advice. Kind regards.

bobd22

I use currency fair for quite some time now but before that used various different options and never been charged to receive the euros in Spain.

bobd22

Totally agree

Kayann

We have transferred from our Wise account to Caixa account and there were no charges.

spainrico

I always use Wise - https://wise.com/gb/compare/