Having just moved to Spain, I used to cringe every time I saw the ATM withdrawal fees. I’d just use the nearest machine for convenience, only to find a few euros gone from my statement later. It might not seem like much, but it adds up! Recently, I did some research on the ATM fees charged by different banks and wanted to share my money-saving tips with anyone facing the same issue.
The ‘Fee War’ Between Banks
First, you need to understand a basic rule: if you use a card from Bank A at an ATM from Bank B, Bank B will likely charge you a surcharge. This fee varies from bank to bank, ranging anywhere from free to a hefty €7 Spanish ATMs! This amount is either deducted directly from your withdrawal or added as an extra charge on your statement. I once used my N26 card at a Santander ATM and was charged €7 to withdraw €200—it’s daylight robbery! So, choosing the right ATM is crucial!
ATM Fee Comparison for Major Banks
After some trial and error and a bit of research, I’ve summarized the fees major banks charge for withdrawals with non-affiliated cards. It’s important to note that these fees can change and may also depend on your own bank’s agreements and the type of card you have ATM deposits. The table below is a general guide, mainly for cards from banks that don’t have a partnership.
| Bank | Approx. Fee for Other Banks’ Cards | Notes |
|---|
| ING | €0 | Genuinely great, almost always no fee, but branches are scarce |
| Kutxabank | €0.45 - €0.6 | Low fees, more common in the Basque Country |
| Unicaja | €1.5 - €2.5 | Mid-range fees, widespread in the Andalusia region |
| CaixaBank | €2.5 - €3 | The most ATMs, but the fees aren’t cheap |
| Santander / BBVA | €5 - €7 | Highest fees by far, avoid unless it’s an emergency! |
As you can see from the table, ING is definitely the top choice for out-of-network withdrawals! Although they don’t have many physical locations, a quick search on Google Maps to plan your route can save you enough for a few coffees over the year. Kutxabank and Unicaja are also decent options. While CaixaBank ATMs are everywhere, their fees are not friendly. As for Santander and BBVA, unless you have a card from them, you should really think twice.
To sum up, my advice is: if you don’t withdraw cash often, it doesn’t make a huge difference where you do it. But if you’re like me and frequently need cash, it’s best to get a bank card with low withdrawal fees and prioritize finding an ING ATM. It might be a little more effort, but every cent saved is real money. I hope this post helps, and feel free to add your own tips or corrections in the comments!
