I just moved to Spain not long ago and have been using a BBVA account, which was fine until now. Last week, I deposited some cash at the counter, and today I checked my statement and found a charge called “Comisión por ingreso en efectivo”. Although it’s only a few euros, it feels so random! Getting charged for depositing my own money? What a cheeky move…
I immediately asked a friend who works at a bank, and he said many Spanish banks are starting to pull these kinds of tricks, especially for non-customers or for cash transactions done at the counter. They claim it’s to encourage people to use ATMs or online transfers to reduce labor costs. But let’s be real, it’s just another way to squeeze more money out of us. The true face of capitalism!
Common Situations for Deposit Fees
I’ve compiled a list of common situations where you might get hit with this fee, especially concerning things like Sabadell deposit fees:
- Deposits by non-account holders: For example, if someone else deposits cash into your account at the counter, the bank might charge the depositor a fee for the bank Recibo.
- Coin deposits: If you deposit a large number of coins, some banks will charge a fee due to the cost of counting them, which is another aspect of Spanish bank card fees.
- Specific time/channel deposits: Some banks stipulate that deposits are only free during certain hours or when made through a designated “cajero” (ATM). You’ll be charged if you go to the “ventanilla” (counter).
- Account type: Some basic accounts or long-inactive “dormant accounts” are more likely to get “special attention” from the banks.
Comparison of Major Banks
I also looked into the policies of a few major banks regarding this fee. But please note, bank policies change frequently, so the information below is for reference only. Always check your own account agreement for specifics.
| Bank | Cash deposit for others at counter | ATM cash deposit | Notes |
|---|
| Santander | May charge a fee | Usually free | Very unfriendly to non-customer deposits |
| BBVA | May charge a fee | Usually free | I was charged at the counter this time |
| CaixaBank | May charge a fee | Usually free | ATMs are very functional, recommended |
| Sabadell | Generally charges a fee | Usually free | Many fees for non-customer transactions |
To avoid these unnecessary expenses, it’s best to use ATMs for deposits from now on—it’s convenient and hassle-free. Has anyone else been hit with similar fees? Or do you know of any banks that are more reasonable and don’t have all these random charges? Feel free to share in the comments below to help others avoid these pitfalls! ¡Gracias a todos!
