If you’ve just arrived in Spain, you’ll find that while card and mobile payments are very convenient, sometimes you still need to have some cash on hand, like when visiting a weekend market or shopping at small local stores. However, when it comes to withdrawing money from an ATM with your bank card, there are quite a few things to know, and you could easily end up paying unnecessary fees. Today, I’m sharing some tips and information I’ve gathered about using ATMs in Spain, hoping it will help those in need!
ATM Withdrawal Fees for Major Banks
The most important point: Always try to use an ATM from your own bank! As long as you use a debit card from your own bank at one of their ATMs, withdrawals are usually free. But if you use an ATM from another bank, be careful—the ‘interbank withdrawal fee’ can be quite hefty.
Different banks have different fee structures for interbank withdrawals; some charge a percentage, while others have a fixed fee. For example, if you use a Santander card at a CaixaBank ATM, you will likely be charged a fee. This fee typically ranges from €2 to €7, or even higher! Before you complete the transaction, the ATM screen will usually display the fee that will be charged. Make sure to read it carefully before confirming!
Reference for Common Interbank Fees
To give you a clearer picture of Spanish bank cards, I’ve compiled a simple table based on information about bank cards in Spain that outlines potential partnerships or fee situations between some banks. Please note that this information can change at any time; the most accurate details will always be displayed on the ATM screen itself.
| Your Bank Card | Withdrawals May Be Free or Cheaper at These Banks’ ATMs | Withdrawals Are Usually More Expensive at These Banks’ ATMs |
|---|
| ING | Euro 6000 network, Targobank, Banca March | Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank |
| BBVA | Own ATMs | All other banks |
| CaixaBank | Own ATMs | All other banks |
| Santander | Own ATMs, partner networks in some countries/regions | Other domestic banks in Spain |
Withdrawal Limits and Security
Finally, let’s talk about limits and security. Bank cards in Spain typically have daily and monthly ATM withdrawal limits. This limit is either set by you when you open the account or is a default set by the bank, usually around €600 per day. If you need to withdraw more cash with your Spanish bank card, you can do so at a bank counter or adjust the limit in advance through your mobile banking app. Also, when using an ATM, never let your guard down. Pay attention to your surroundings, cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent it from being seen, and once you get the cash, count it and put it away securely. Safety first!
