I haven’t been in Spain for long and have been using a Sabadell bank account, mainly because it was easy to open. I usually make transfers or use my card, so I never paid much attention to fees. Recently, a friend deposited some cash for me, and when I checked my statement, I noticed a mysterious deduction. The description said “comisión de ingreso en efectivo”. I was completely baffled—why am I being charged for money being deposited into my own account?
After some research online and asking a few friends who have been here longer, I finally understood what this so-called “deposit fee” is all about. It turns out that many Spanish banks, including Sabadell, charge a fee to the depositor if a non-account holder makes an over-the-counter cash deposit into your account. Sometimes, this fee is deducted directly from the deposited amount, meaning you end up receiving less money. What a trap!
A Detailed Look at Sabadell’s Deposit Fees
I specifically checked Sabadell’s official website and some local Spanish forums to summarize the situations people have encountered and the bank’s policies. This fee isn’t charged every time; it mainly depends on who is making the deposit and how.
When and How Much is Charged
Generally, the key condition that triggers this fee is: the person making the deposit is not the account holder. In other words, if you go to the counter with your ID to deposit money into your own account, it’s usually free. However, if a friend, family member, or client deposits cash for you at the counter, the bank will likely charge the depositor this fee. The fee amount doesn’t seem to be fixed; I’ve seen some people mention €2, while others say €3. It might be related to the deposit amount or the bank’s specific policies on bank deposit fees. Here is a simple table I’ve put together to make it clearer:
| Deposit Method | Depositor | Potential bank recibo fee? |
|---|
| Over-the-counter cash deposit | Account holder | Usually no fee |
| Over-the-counter cash deposit | Non-account holder | Very likely to be charged |
| ATM cash deposit | Anyone | Usually no fee |
| Bank transfer | Anyone | No “deposit fee”, but the sender’s bank might charge a transfer fee |
How to Avoid This Fee?
Now that we know how it works, avoiding this trap is much simpler. The best way is to avoid having others deposit cash for you at the counter. With so many convenient electronic payment methods available, there are plenty of alternatives. For example:
- Have them send a bank transfer: This is the most direct and recommended method. Unlike other potential costs like Spanish bank card fees, transfers via most banking apps are now free and instant.
- Use Bizum: If the other person also has a Spanish bank account, using Bizum is incredibly convenient. It’s instant, completely free, and the top choice for small transfers.
- Use an ATM for deposits: If cash is the only option, you can use a Sabadell ATM that accepts deposits. Making deposits via an ATM usually doesn’t trigger this fee, and it’s available 24/7, which is much more convenient than waiting in line at the counter.
Although this “deposit fee” isn’t a large amount, it feels quite unfair. It’s something to be aware of, especially for those running a small business who receive payments from customers. It’s best to inform them beforehand and recommend using a bank transfer or Bizum. I hope this post helps anyone facing the same confusion! Have you encountered similar situations or other strange bank charges? Feel free to discuss and vent in the comments below!
