Spain’s Tax Agency will now monitor cash deposits involving €500 notes. Banks must report any suspicious activity, regardless of the amount. The measures target tax evasion and unreported income.
Spanish banks can still raise credit card limits without customers’ explicit consent because the government’s proposed law remains in draft form. The EU’s November 2026 deadline is approaching, but unilateral credit increases are not yet prohibited.
Monte dei Paschi di Siena has launched a €34 billion bid for Banco BPM and Banca Generali in an effort to block Intesa Sanpaolo’s acquisition attempt. Market reaction remains cautious amid doubts over the deal’s prospects.
Bizum Pay is now compatible with over 1.6 million payment terminals in Spain, but most physical stores have yet to activate the service. Shoppers face delays as retailers hesitate to implement the new system.
A caregiver in Castellón has been detained for allegedly taking €24,000 from the account of an elderly woman in her care. The case came to light after the woman’s death, when her family noticed irregular withdrawals.
A criminal group targeting banks and gaming halls across eight provinces has been dismantled. Five suspects, Spanish and Serbian nationals, are in custody. The operation has helped clarify 52 serious crimes and recover stolen cash.
BBVA has enabled in-store payments with Bizum Pay directly through its banking app, giving Android users a new way to pay without cards or cash. The rollout is limited to compatible payment terminals and does not yet support iOS devices.
The European Central Bank has put forward two competing design themes for new euro banknotes. Citizens can weigh in on cultural icons or natural landscapes, and their feedback will help shape euro bills from 2027.
Spanish police have arrested 13 people in a major crackdown on a bank fraud ring. The group used stolen data from half a million users. Nearly 2,000 victims have been identified so far.
A Valladolid resident was tricked into transferring more than €9,300 in a 'smishing' scam. Police identified a suspect acting as a 'money mule' and recovered the funds. The case reflects the continuing risks of digital banking fraud.
Santander president Ana Botín criticizes excessive EU regulation at the ICEX forum in Madrid, calling for smarter rules to boost European business competitiveness. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo acknowledges the challenge.
Transferring money across borders safely depends on two basic codes: the IBAN and SWIFT BIC. Understanding their purpose and how to find them can prevent costly mistakes and delays in international banking.
A family in Puente de Vallecas was evicted after months of delays. Activists responded with a sit-in at a CaixaBank branch. The only housing offered was temporary shelter, drawing criticism from support groups.
ING is offering a three-month deposit at 3.5% TAE on new funds until June 30. The offer, capped at 50,000 euros, comes as banks adjust savings rates following the ECB's rate hike.
Spain's competition authority has opened a probe into the country's top banks, focusing on alleged coordination of fixed-rate mortgage prices. The investigation could lead to impressive penalties for the sector.
Spanish Banks Launch Salary Race: Who Pays What for Switching Accounts. Spanish banks are offering record bonuses for transferring salaries or pensions. BBVA, Santander, Bankinter, and Deutsche Bank are competing for new customers by promising cash rewards, higher interest rates, and free services. The terms of these promotions vary significantly.
Neobanks in Spain Face a Barrier: Without Integration with Government Agencies, Growth Is Impossible. In Spain, digital banks aspire to become the primary financial tool for clients. However, without direct access to systems like Hacienda, SEPE, and Seguridad Social, they remain merely a convenient supplement. We explore what prevents neobanks from taking a central place in the lives of Spaniards.
Bank gifts: why free gadgets and money may lead to taxes. Banks attract clients with gifts — from cash to electronic devices. But these pleasant bonuses often come with a tax obligation: the gift must be declared, and a portion of its value paid to the state. How to avoid pitfalls and what to check in advance — in our analysis.
Spanish Banks Raise Deposit Rates: Why This Worries the ECB. Interest in bank deposits is rising again in Spain, with some banks offering up to 3% per annum to attract clients. However, the European Central Bank warns that excessive savings in accounts could create problems for future pensions and the economy.
INCIBE warns: Scammers posing as Lidl website steal personal data. A new wave of online fraud is sweeping Spain: fake Lidl websites lure shoppers with low prices and request personal and banking information. INCIBE experts explain how to avoid falling for the scam and what to do if you've been deceived.
Unicaja offers up to 900 euros to new customers for opening an online account. Unicaja has announced a new promotion: up to 900 euros in the first year for those who open an online account, transfer their salary or pension, and set up utility payments. The offer is valid until the end of June 2026 and is available exclusively to new customers.
How to Find Out for Free If You Are on the ASNEF List and Quickly Remove Your Data. You can end up on the ASNEF list even because of a small debt, and the consequences can be serious: loan rejection, difficulties with renting, and even issues with service providers. We explain how to check your status in the register for free and what steps to take to remove your information.
Bar Owner in Galicia Refuses Card Payments to Safeguard Profits. The owner of O Galeón bar in Catoira has stopped accepting card payments altogether to avoid paying bank commissions. His decision highlights growing discontent among small business owners over the costs of electronic transactions.
Spanish Supreme Court Invalidates Barclays Foreign Currency Mortgage Terms. The Spanish Supreme Court has declared the multi-currency clauses in Barclays' mortgage contracts invalid. All such loans must now be recalculated in euros, affecting CaixaBank clients as Barclays' legal successor.
Bank of Spain Advises Keeping Cash in Case of Another Major Outage. A year after a major payments system outage, the Bank of Spain urges families to keep a reserve of cash. It recommends amounts between 70 and 100 euros per person to ensure access to essential expenses during disruptions.
Why Spanish Families Are Massively Changing How They Store Their Money — And What This Could Lead To. Traditional bank accounts in Spain are losing popularity at a rapid pace: families are seeking new ways to protect and grow their savings. What risks and unexpected consequences lie behind this change? A new approach to savings: what Spaniards lose and discover as they turn away from traditional accounts.
Three quick ways to restore financial balance after Easter Tips from Banco de España. Banco de España offers three straightforward steps to recover your finances after Easter. Digital piggy banks, cashback cards, and investment products can help you steer clear of debt. Check the terms and fees carefully to avoid unnecessary losses.
Starting 2026 mortgages in Spain will be less accessible for low-income families. Buying a home in Spain is becoming more difficult. Banks are tightening requirements and interest rates are rising. Low-income families are facing new barriers.
Spanish Banks Raise Rates as Mortgages Become Unaffordable for Many. Spain is experiencing a sharp rise in the cost of new mortgages. Banks are tightening lending conditions. This may reduce housing affordability and reshape the market.
Catalonia's Financial Moves Reshape the Loan Market. Catalonia has secured a €293 million loan at a lower-than-expected interest rate. This is the first long-term regional borrowing outside the FLA in 14 years. The decision could impact the region’s financial autonomy.
BBVA unexpectedly reduces capital nearly 75 million shares cancelled. BBVA has carried out a rare capital reduction, cancelling tens of millions of its own shares. The decision followed shareholder approval. The article covers the details of the procedure and its impact on Spain’s banking sector.
Family disputes reshape Spain’s largest companies. Internal family conflicts within Spain’s biggest companies are triggering power shifts and legal battles. Asset divisions and inheritance struggles are redefining business structures. The new generation pursues independence and fresh strategies.
Sharp euríbor surge puts Spanish mortgage payments at risk of increase. In March, euríbor recorded its largest rise in three years. This directly affects mortgage payments in Spain. The new conditions could impact the finances of thousands of families.
Sharp jump as daily euríbor nears 3 percent for first time in two years. In Spain, the euríbor surged in a day to its highest level since September 2024. This will raise loan costs and force many families to reconsider their plans. Reasons and consequences are detailed in our report.
Catalonia Approves 1,813 Interest-Free Mortgages for Young People. In six months, over 1,800 mortgages have been approved for young buyers in Catalonia. The new program is changing the rules for home purchases and impacting the property market. Authorities are considering expanding eligibility and raising loan limits.
