Expat Finances

Managing money across two countries — transferring funds internationally, credit cards, investments and the practical side of handling finances as a US expat in Spain.

July 27, 2026

How Safe Is Your Money In Spain Vs The US?

Bank deposit insurance and card liability rules discussed here aren't Spain-specific, they're harmonized across the entire EU by directive. That means the figures below apply the same way whether the account is in Spain, France, Germany or anywhere else in the EU.

Investor compensation is the exception. The EU only sets a €20,000 floor there and each country decides whether to go higher. Spain chose to go well above that floor, which matters if you ever end up comparing a Spanish brokerage to one elsewhere in Europe.

February 16, 2026

Foreign ATM and Exchange Fees

When we travel, we often use our Charles Schwab debit card to save on foreign ATM and exchange fees. We also use it because it works without issue 99% of the time. And when it doesn't, it's always been due to fraud detection alerts. One call immediately fixes the issue.

January 27, 2026

Credit Cards: US vs Spain

Credit cards in Spain work differently than in the US. In the US, credit cards are used for everyday spending and are built around rewards and flexibility. In Spain and much of the EU, daily spending is mostly debit-based, credit limits are lower, and cards are designed to be paid off in full each month.