Switching, closing and account problems

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. After reading, you will know how to regain access to an account, challenge fees, switch banks without missing a payment and close accounts cleanly.

Start with "Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave". It helps you decide whether to keep an account at all, and how to close it properly if you do not.

The other pages cover:

• Your bank blocks, freezes or closes your account
• Unexpected bank fees, overdraft charges and abusive clauses
• Switching banks in Spain without missing a payment
• When your bank pushes insurance, funds or other products
• Closing your old bank accounts when you move to Spain

Opening an account, choosing a bank, complaint escalation, fraud and estates are covered elsewhere.

Key rules

• Switching cost: The official bank switching service between Spanish banks is free for you.
• Direct debit refunds: You can ask for a refund of an authorised SEPA direct debit within 8 weeks, and of an unauthorised one within 13 months.
• Bank closure notice: A bank ending an indefinite account contract normally has to give you two months' notice, though it can close sooner for money-laundering rules, serious breach or fraud, or a court order.
• Test first: Close an old account only after your Spanish account has handled a real incoming and outgoing payment.
• Keep if needed: Keep an account if property, rental income, a mortgage, a loan, a pension or dividends are tied to it.
• Expired ID: An expired NIE, passport or residence document can get your payments blocked until you hand in a valid one.

Switching, closing and account problems: the whole process, step by step

• Test your new account and move income, bills and direct debits to it (see Closing your old bank accounts when you move to Spain, and Switching banks in Spain without missing a payment): before you close anything

• Authorise the switch, so the new bank asks the old bank for your standing orders, direct debits and recurring transfers: the new bank asks within 2 business days of your authorisation

• Old bank sends the list of your payments: within 5 business days of the request

• New bank sets up your standing orders and tells payers such as your employer: within 5 business days of receiving the information

• Switching date: the old bank stops incoming payments and direct debits and moves the balance: the date you choose, no earlier than 6 business days after the old bank receives the request

• Keep the old account open for a while so late payers can still reach you: after the switching date

• Ask for a refund of a direct debit you did not expect (see Closing your old bank accounts when you move to Spain): within 8 weeks for an authorised one, within 13 months for an unauthorised one

• Close the account: clear the balance, cancel cards, send a signed written request and ask for a closure certificate (see Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave): after income and debits have moved; the bank normally closes within days to a few weeks

• Cancel an insurance or financial product the bank sold you if you regret it (see When your bank pushes insurance, funds or other products): within 14 days for most products, 30 days for life insurance

• If the bank ends your contract, expect two months' notice, except for money-laundering rules, serious breach, fraud or a court order (see Your bank blocks, freezes or closes your account): at least two months before closure

• If your account is blocked, ask the bank for the reason and send the documents it requests: as soon as you notice the block

• Send a written complaint to the bank's customer service: if the block or a switching error is unresolved; the bank should reply within 1 month

• Take the complaint to the Banco de España claims department with your complaint reference: if there is no reply after 1 month or the answer is unsatisfactory

• Claim back wrongly charged fees (see Unexpected bank fees, overdraft charges and abusive clauses): generally within 5 years, with the start date depending on the case, so get legal advice for older charges

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• A valid ID

Income and work

• Employment or tax papers — Your bank blocks, freezes or closes your account

The home and the lease

• Pre-contract information document for a mortgage — When your bank pushes insurance, funds or other products

Other documents

• Written closure request — Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave, Closing your old bank accounts when you move to Spain
• Proof of where your money comes — Your bank blocks, freezes or closes your account
• Final statement from the bank — Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave
• Proof that your renewal is in progress — Your bank blocks, freezes or closes your account
• Life certificate — Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Switching, closing and account problems: questions that cross several articles

Can I keep my Spanish bank account if I move abroad?

Yes, you can legally keep your Spanish account after moving abroad, but your bank may ask you to update your address and tax residence or move to a non-resident account. Non-resident accounts often cost more. Read Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave, and Your bank blocks, freezes or closes your account if the bank pushes you to close.

Do I still need a Spanish IBAN after I leave Spain?

Usually a Spanish IBAN is a convenience, not a legal requirement, but it makes paying property tax, utilities, community fees and insurance easier. Pensions can often go to a foreign account within SEPA. Read Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave before you decide.

Can my bank close my account just because I don't use it?

Inactivity alone is not a legal ground for immediate closure of an ordinary account, but your contract may let the bank end it with two months' notice. See Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave.

Does closing an account stop my direct debits?

No, closing an account does not cancel what you owe the creditor, so end the contract or move the debit first. You can ask for a refund within 8 weeks for an authorised debit and 13 months for an unauthorised one. See Switching banks in Spain without missing a payment and Closing or keeping your Spanish account when you leave.

Where do I complain if a bank blocks my account or charges me wrongly?

Complain first in writing to the bank's customer service, then to the Banco de España claims department if there is no reply after 1 month or you disagree with it. Its reports are not binding and often take months. See Your bank blocks, freezes or closes your account and Unexpected bank fees, overdraft charges and abusive clauses.