Move Money to Spain the Smart Way
Whether it’s for living costs, a property purchase, an investment, or just to set up your new life, choosing the right transfer method can save you thousands.
Here’s the truth: Traditional banks often give you poor exchange rates, tack on hidden fees, and vanish when you hit compliance issues — leaving you with less money and extra headaches.
Move Money to Spain the Smart Way
Choosing the right transfer method can save you thousands. Start by deciding how much you are sending, then follow the route that fits that amount. Local banks often give poor exchange rates and add fees, so they are rarely the best choice.
The Best Way to Transfer Depends on the Amount
Click below to see our recommended services based on how much you’re sending.
Find the best way for your amount
Transfers Under €50,000
For smaller transfers, Wise is a brilliant tool. It’s fast, secure, transparent, and inexpensive. The app and website are simple to use, and you’ll see exactly what you’ll pay and what you’ll receive before confirming your transfer.
We, along with many of our clients, use Wise for everyday transfers such as monthly expenses, rental deposits, and holiday bookings. For transfers between €1 and €50,000, Wise is often the best option. It is also useful for setting up a Spanish bank account, paying deposits, and covering relocation costs.
Note of Caution: When you start sending larger amounts, typically over €50,000, Wise can become more complicated.
We had clients buying a house who used Wise to transfer the €250,000 deposit for their new forever home in Spain. Wise flagged the transfer as “suspicious,” and the funds were frozen for 22 days. There was no support from Wise, and they had to pay significant penalties to the vendor for the late deposit payment, and they were fortunate that their sympathetic vendor didn’t play hardball!
Why big transfers get blocked
Transfers of this size are subject to stricter compliance checks, including AML, KYC, FATCA, and KYB. And if your transfer is caught up in one of these processes, Wise’s support isn’t great. You may just have to wait and deal with the consequences. These unexpected delays, additional documentation requests, or even transfers being held or reversed can be catastrophic if you’re sending money for a time-sensitive transaction.
That’s where a personal FX broker makes all the difference.
Transfers Over €50,000
For large transfers, such as property purchases, investments, or business funding, we recommend working with Ben Small, a personal FX broker who specialises in helping Expats move large sums safely and strategically.
With Ben, you don’t just get a platform, you get a person who knows the European Union currency market inside out. He’ll help you plan your transfers, manage exchange rate risks, and ensure your funds reach the notary or lawyer exactly when needed.
Many of our clients tell us that working with Ben turned what felt like a stressful, high-risk process into a calm, clear, and predictable one.
What sets Ben apart:
Your money is secure: your funds are fully safeguarded under FCA and DNB regulation via a FinCEN-registered MSB operating under EMR 2011, with strict KYC, AML, and FATCA compliance ensuring every USD→EUR transfer is transparent, traceable, and protected.
“Ben was great, and easy to deal with. He was available when we requested his time, and he got us the best possible deal. The process to exchange the money, and then retrieve the money was fast and simple. I would highly recommend.“
– Lee Halliday
The Experience Behind Our Recommendations
At Moving to Spain, we don’t just write about this; we live it. Between our own businesses, property purchases, and hundreds of client relocations, we’ve seen what works and what fails. We’ve moved money between Spain, the UK, Australia, the US, and South Africa, and we’ve used many options to get it done!
OPTION 1 – Wise is brilliant for small transfers.
OPTION 2 – An experienced FX broker like Ben is essential for large transfers.
This two-tier approach has saved our clients both money and heartache. In international transfers, especially when dealing with Spanish notaries and banks, and when time is of the essence, trust and experience aren’t optional. They’re essential.
When you’re wiring life-changing amounts, don’t gamble on the outcome. Take the expert route; safe, personal, and proven.
“Ben Small made an unfamiliar experience feel OK. Something I know nothing about is always scary, but he instilled a feeling of safety. Trust is probably the word I am looking for. He made the exchange and delivery of currancy to notaire and bank account seamless. I couldn’t ask for more.“
– Mrs Rodgers
Need more than a consult?
Get the Package with Full Support
Bundle Ben’s consult with a Planning Package and move with confidence. You get a clear timeline, document checklists, coordinated bank and notary steps, and rate protection options for large transfers.
