Free of charge
There are certain groups who, due to their vulnerability, have more difficulties accessing basic payment accounts. For them, they are free of charge.
In order for the basic payment account to be free of charge, all account holders must meet two conditions:
- The annual income of your family unit does not exceed the limits established in the Royal DecreeAbre en ventana nueva regulating this matter. These limits are set on the basis of the twelve-payment public indicator of income for multiple purposes (IPREM) that is published annually in the State Budget LawAbre en ventana nueva, and are more or less demanding depending on the members of the family unit.
- You do not have any rights over properties other than your habitual residence, nor over mercantile companies.
In order to prove these conditions, you will have to submit different documents to your bank:
- To prove the number of members of the family unit: the family record book or document of registration as domestic partner.
- To prove your income, you have several options: tax or administrative certificates relating to your income, the latest payslips received, etc.
If you do not have this documentation, you must submit a report, issued by the municipal social services, which indicates the composition of your family unit or explains why you are suitable to benefit from this measure.
In addition, your bank may ask you for authorisation to obtain telematically, from the competent administration, the information to prove that you comply with the aforementioned requirements, without being able to charge you for it.
Even if you have already opened a basic payment account for which you pay fees, if your situation changes, you can apply for it to be free of charge if you meet the above requirements. If granted, your account will be free of charge from the time of your application.
Your bank has a maximum of 30 days from the date you provide the documentation to accept or reject your application, a decision that must be communicated to you in writing and free of charge. If you do not receive a reply within this period, your application will be deemed accepted. Also, in the event that you disagree with the decision, you can complain.
Lastly, bear in mind that the fulfilment of these requirements gives you the right to have your basic payment account free of charge for two years, and this period will be extended for equal periods as long as you remain in the same situation.