Barclays - Ayamonte

[Andy]

When I set up my bank account with Barclays in Ayamonte, I was verbally promised 'free banking' (i.e. no commision fees, or quarterly charge) if I was to also arrange my mortgage with them.

Needless to say I took my mortgage out with them, only to find I'm still being charged fee's & commision (commision on taking out life insurance with them, etc). I've now been told that I cannot have any free banking account unless I am a resident

I have two choices remain with the Spain starter account (and pay 50 euros a quarter), or an ordinary account (and pay a commision for every transaction). Anyone else been stung with hidden fee's or misleading information?

Andy

[TednSharon]

Andy

I am considering changing from Bancaja to Barclays because I have a Barclays account here in the UK and I thought it may be easier for transfer, etc. Did you actually visit the Ayamonte branch or did you manage it online?

Sharon

[keithwalters]

I've heard that there are no benefits of having a Barclays Spain account as well as a Barclays UK account. They operate as completely different entities.

As for the charges, I don't have a Barclays account, but Spanish banks in general are pretty notorious for their charges. They all charge for every little thing imaginable.

The only exception I have come accross is the ING online account which offers a lot of services commissioni free and there is no quarterly or annual charges, but you still need a current account with another bank as you cant pay your utility bills from the ING account.

Keith

[Andy]

Update - Sucess, I've just found out today my account is a free account. Which, from what has now been explained means no quarterly fee or transaction/activity commission (fingers crossed). I'll wait and see what drops through letterbox though, before I get too excited.... And post further updates.

Keith - I think you are right, the two banks are seperate entities. You would think there would be some benefits such as no transfer fee's between the UK & Spain, but sadly no that's not the case, they still charge £20 per transaction - and the exchange rate is the same as every other bank (i.e. not good). I've found the best way to transfer funds is through a broker, with better rates (which can save you a lot of money with some of the larger transactions).

However; (and to be fair) I am actually quite pleased with the Ayamonte Barclays, and after opening my account in person have conducted all other communications through email (with my account handler) - Nacho. He speaks very good English and answers my queries very quickly. The arranging of the mortage and account was easy, and they have been flexible with the first 2 years repayments. There is online account handling available which is simple, in English and very secure.

We are customers with the Abbey here in the UK. I thought that we would get some preferential treatment from the Banco Santander (which owns the Abbey); however there rates were not competitive, and the terms were over 15 years max. They were not flexible at all, which suprised me. The English bloke (Richard) who works at the Ayamonte branch of Banco Santander was extremely helpful though, and was able to explain a lot to us (even though we did not open any accounts with them).

My second choice would have been the Sol Bank; which has an excellent online banking facility, but again the fee's & commisions apply as well.

I never thought I'd hear myself saying this, but there would be obvious benefits for the UK going over to the euro (especially for us)

Andy

[TednSharon]

Thanks for your info and advice guys. Perhaps I'll stay with Bancaja. The guy in the Ayamonte office was very helpful and spoke good English (I do have his business card if anyone wants a contact name/email) and their online system seems to be OK (haven't used it much yet though) - however, I did manage to order a cash point card online which I collected from the Ayamonte office last week. I was hoping for the Barclays to Barclays free transfer, but if they still charge there's not much point me changing!

Sharon

[Andy]

I feel I need to revise my opinion of Barclays in Laguna Plaza - I have sent them 3 emails relating to my home insurance (I want to change it), and received no reply.

The man whom originally set up my account (Nacho) I understand has left. He was extremely quick to respond.

Additionally they have failed to honor their promise of nil account maintenance fees, and I regularly see money coming out of my account for it. I have emailed and rang several times to no avail, its very frustrating.

I light of current lack of communication (which is worrying), I would not recommend them to anyone.

Andy

[Andy]

After countless unanswered emails, I've now come to the conclusion that they are rubbish - avoid.....

[Andy]

It's been several months now since I've had any reply via email from this bank. I notice that they are advertising in the Oracle, pity they don't spend as much effort in customer aftercare.

Now they have me trapped - I'm at their mercy. I have, however; managed to figure out how to administer my account online, and have canceled a direct debit (for the insurance that Barclay's kindly set me up with (twice the premium of Intasure). This should cause some reaction

I only wish I could transfer my mortgage over to somewhere else, and bin them off - but not incur costs.

Andy

[Andy]

I will share my latest Barclays woes. I thought I had cancelled the direct debit for my expensive and unwanted home insurance via the online banking..... wrong ... apparently the online banking (quote) "doesn't work", and somehow - someone had setup a new direct debit (with a different reference number), and would you believe it I've been charged 255 euros for a renewal insurance policy with Groupama (that I desperately didn't want).

I now have paid for 2 home insurance policies, one with the unwanted Groupama (expensive) and one with my chosen 'Intasure' (much more reasonable).

The bank have finally spoken to me after I rang and waited 5 times. They have no explanation. I pointed out that they have not looked after my money very well and breached trust. I cancelled a direct debit only for what is obviously them (Barclays are Groupama's agent, for which they receive commision), to set up a new one - without my knowledge.

The final insult is - I've also been charged a 'fee' by the bank for this 'service' - gobsmacked.......

Andy

[TednSharon]

As we bank with barclays in the UK I have been seriously considering using Barclays Ayamonte too ... after your problems I have definitely changed my mind!

Thanks for the info!
Sharon