A British couple are warning other expats about hidden bank charges after Barclays charged them nearly €200 to send a cheque to England.
Sue and Les Holland, from Estepona, made a cheque out in euros to a friend for €1,761.43.
But when they received their bank statement the couple, who have since closed their account, were shocked to discover they had been charged an additional €176.45.
“We queried this and they told us the English bank had returned our cheque to Barclays in Estepona, via a ‘gestion de cobro’, to ensure there was sufficient money in our account,” said Sue, from Lancashire.
“We want to know why this charge was made without any warning.
“They insisted it was just normal procedure. But the charges are extortionate. It is disgraceful.”
When the Olive Press contacted Barclays a spokeswoman informed us it was a standard charge.
“We are unable to comment on this specific case without all the information but we will look into it.
“In general the amount depends on the kind of account you have and the kind of cheque it is.
“There are a lot of ways to send money to another country, this process is more secure and for that
reason more expensive.”
Article source: TheOlivePress.com
Real Estate News - Marbella, Spain 
“There are a lot of ways to send money to another country, this process is more secure and for that reason more expensive.” What a lie.
There you have it — the bankers ripping the people off.
I keep telling you all — NEVER KEEP YOUR FUNDS IN THE COUNTRY YOU LIVE IN. Do the “money sending” via wire transfers from your off shore bank…. keep control of your accounts. I would never ever use Barclays — thieves of the highest order!
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with useful info to work on. You have performed a formidable activity and our whole community shall be thankful to you.