International transfers with Santander in Spain: everything you need to know
Find everything you need to know about making an international transfer with Santander: the process, processing times and fees.
International transfers with Caja Rural in Spain: fees, times, and alternatives
Living in Spain often means managing money across borders—whether you're sending funds back home or receiving a payment from abroad. If you bank with Caja Rural, a cooperative group made up of around 30 regional savings banks, you might be wondering how their international transfer process works.
While they offer standard banking services through their digital platform, ruralvía, sending money overseas can occasionally be a bit complicated.
But don't worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about making international transfers with Caja Rural, from the fees and required details to processing times. We’ll also take a look at modern, global alternatives like Wise that could be a more cost-effective choice for your international needs.
A Quick Comparison: Sending €1,000 to a UK bank account in British Pounds (GBP)
| Provider | Transfer Fee | Exchange Rate | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Banks | €15 - €50 | Includes a hidden markup | €15 - €50 + exchange rate markup + potential intermediary fees |
| Wise | From €5.29 | Mid-market rate ( | From €5.29 |
*Variable fee depending on your chosen payment method.
How to make an international transfer with Caja Rural in Spain
Since Caja Rural is a network of regional Spanish banks, they provide several ways to move your money abroad. You can choose the method that best suits your needs:
Through online banking (ruralvía)
For most expats and locals, managing money online is the most convenient option. Caja Rural’s digital platform and mobile app are both called ruralvía. To send funds overseas, simply log in, navigate to the “Transfers” section, and select the international transfer option. You’ll be prompted to enter the recipient's details and confirm the transaction.
Over the phone
If you prefer a more personal touch, you can set up your transfer by speaking with a representative. You can reach Caja Rural's customer support toll-free within Spain at 900 822 670, or from abroad at +34 913 346 780.
After verifying your identity, let the agent know you’d like to make an international transfer. They will guide you through the necessary information step-by-step.
At a local branch
For those who prefer face-to-face service, visiting a local branch is always an option. Keep in mind that Caja Rural is a collective of regional banks (such as Caja Rural de Granada or Caja Rural del Sur). You’ll need to visit a branch belonging to your specific regional entity. You can find your nearest branch by checking your specific bank's local website.
What details do you need for a transfer from Spain?
To ensure your transfer is processed smoothly, you’ll need to have the right information on hand.
If you are sending money abroad, you will need:
- The recipient’s full name and address.
- Their account number. For transfers within Europe, this is typically an IBAN.
- The receiving bank's SWIFT/BIC code (the international identifier for the bank).
If you are receiving money into your Caja Rural account, you must provide the sender with:
- Your full name and Spanish address.
- Your Spanish IBAN, which always begins with “ES”.
- The specific SWIFT/BIC code for your local Caja Rural entity. While the general code for the Spanish Cooperative Bank is often BCOEESMM, it is usually followed by three digits identifying your local branch. Be sure to verify the exact code for your specific entity.
How long do international transfers take?
The delivery time depends on where the money is headed:
- SEPA Transfers (EU and associated European countries): These usually take 1 to 2 business days. If sent early in the morning, they may even arrive the same day.
- SWIFT Transfers (Outside Europe or in non-Euro currencies): These generally take 2 to 5 business days, depending on the destination and any intermediary banks involved.
Understanding Caja Rural's international fees
Because Caja Rural is a group of independent regional entities (like Caja Rural de Navarra or Globalcaja), there is no single standardized fee structure for the whole network. Each local bank sets its own terms and conditions.
However, as a general rule, you can expect the following:
- SEPA transfers in Euros: These typically cost the same as a domestic transfer within Spain. Depending on your account type, they are often free or very low-cost.
- Non-SEPA or foreign currency transfers: These are significantly more expensive. You will likely encounter flat transfer fees, potential charges from intermediary banks, and an exchange rate markup. This markup is a hidden fee where the bank offers a rate slightly worse than the real market rate to turn a profit.
A smarter alternative: Sending money with Wise
If you're an expat in Spain looking to avoid unpredictable bank fees and hidden exchange rate markups, Wise is a highly popular alternative.
Wise is designed specifically for sending money abroad quickly, safely, and with total transparency. Unlike traditional banks, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate without adding a profit margin.
How does it work? Wise uses a clever network of local accounts in over 160 countries. Because of this, your money doesn't actually cross borders through the outdated and expensive SWIFT system. This eliminates costly intermediary fees and often means your money arrives much faster.
Join the over 15 million people already using Wise to save on their international transfers.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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