Banking · Provider Overview
Spanish Banks: Overview for Expats
Spanish banking is dominated by a handful of major players—Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell—plus a growing set of digital alternatives. For expats, the practical question isn't which bank is best (they're broadly similar), but which will accept your documentation and serve your specific needs.
Last reviewed: January 2026
Overview only. This is general information about a category of services, not a recommendation or endorsement. Individual providers vary significantly. Always verify current details directly with any provider you're considering.
Who this is for
This overview may help if you:
- People planning to open a Spanish bank account and wanting to understand the landscape
- Expats comparing traditional Spanish banks to international alternatives
- Those researching what documentation different banks typically require
- Anyone trying to understand the difference between resident and non-resident accounts
This may not be the right fit if you:
- Those looking for a specific bank recommendation (we don't rank providers)
- People needing current fee schedules (verify directly with banks)
- Short-term visitors who don't need a local account
Key tradeoffs
Important considerations when evaluating this category of services.
Traditional banks vs. digital-first options
Traditional Spanish banks give you branch access, cash services, and local credibility—landlords and employers trust Spanish IBANs. Digital banks (N26, Wise, Revolut) are faster to open and cheaper to run, but some landlords won't accept their IBANs for rent payments. The practical difference: do you need a Spanish IBAN that's universally accepted, or just a functional account?
Resident accounts are better but require NIE
Resident accounts have lower fees and full features. Non-resident accounts exist but come with restrictions and higher costs. Most people find it worth waiting for their NIE rather than opening a non-resident account they'll want to close later. The exception: if you need an account immediately for a specific purpose.
Branch experience is inconsistent
Same bank, different branches, different outcomes. A branch in Eixample (Barcelona) sees expats daily and knows how to process foreign documents. A branch in a small town may have never opened a foreigner's account. If one branch creates friction, trying another—even of the same bank—often works.
Language shapes the experience
Spanish banks operate in Spanish. Some branches in major cities have English-speaking staff; most don't. Online platforms have English options of varying quality. Phone support is almost exclusively Spanish. Plan for how you'll handle problems when they arise.
What to verify
Before selecting any provider in this category, confirm these items.
- Confirm whether you need an NIE before opening an account, or if the bank offers non-resident accounts. Learn more
- Check which specific documents your target branch requires—requirements vary.
- Verify current account fees and conditions directly with the bank.
- Ask about English-language support for online banking and customer service.
- Confirm whether the account meets any visa requirements you may have (some visas require minimum balances).
Pricing: what varies
Cost structures differ between providers. These are common pricing factors to investigate.
| Category | What to check |
|---|---|
| Monthly fees | €0-15/month typical. Most banks waive fees if you direct deposit salary or maintain €1,000-3,000 minimum balance. Without meeting conditions, expect €5-10/month at traditional banks. |
| Card fees | Debit cards: often free with account, sometimes €15-40/year. Credit cards: €30-100/year. Some accounts bundle cards; others charge separately. Ask explicitly. |
| Transfer fees | SEPA transfers (within Europe): free at most banks. Non-SEPA international: €15-40+ per transfer. For regular international transfers, specialized services (Wise, etc.) are substantially cheaper. |
| ATM fees | Own bank ATMs: free. Other Spanish bank ATMs: €1-3 per withdrawal. Some accounts offer network-wide free withdrawals—worth asking about if you don't live near your bank's ATMs. |
| Currency exchange | Traditional bank exchange rates are poor—typically 2-4% worse than market rate. For meaningful amounts, use specialized services. Banks are fine for small, occasional conversions. |
Prices vary by provider, location, and individual circumstances. Always request current pricing directly.
Requirements: what varies
Eligibility and documentation requirements differ. These are common factors.
| Category | What to check |
|---|---|
| Identification | Passport required (original + copy). NIE required for resident accounts. Some banks offer passport-only non-resident accounts, but options are limited and fees higher. |
| Proof of address | Rental contract is standard. Empadronamiento works. Utility bills work at some branches. Hotel confirmation doesn't. The key: your name must appear on the document. |
| Proof of income | Requested by some banks, especially for accounts with credit features or overdraft. Employment contract, pay stubs, or tax returns work. Self-employed may need additional documentation. |
| Initial deposit | Usually €0-500 for basic accounts. Premium accounts may require €1,000-3,000. Some banks require you to deposit on opening; others just require a minimum to avoid fees. |
| Appointment | Appointments strongly recommended in major cities—walk-ins often turned away or face long waits. Call ahead or book online. Smaller branches may accept walk-ins. |
Operational notes
Day-to-day factors that affect the experience of using these services.
Branch hours
8:30am-2:00pm weekdays is standard. Yes, really. Some branches open one afternoon per week (usually Thursday). Plan branch visits for mornings and expect crowds around opening and closing.
Online banking
All major banks have online platforms and mobile apps. Quality varies. English language support is inconsistent—some banks offer it, others don't. Test the app before committing if this matters to you.
Customer service
Phone support is primarily Spanish. English lines exist at some banks but wait times are longer and availability limited. For complex issues, branch visits are often more effective than phone calls.
Account management
Many changes require branch visits: address updates, adding authorized users, closing accounts. Online self-service capabilities are improving but still limited compared to UK/US banks.
Alternatives: what differs
Other approaches or provider types that serve similar needs. No rankings—each has different tradeoffs.
Easier to open, often no NIE required, better exchange rates, lower fees. The limitation: some landlords and employers specifically require Spanish bank IBANs. Check if your use cases accept foreign IBANs before relying solely on digital banks.
Simplest approach if it works. The costs: foreign transaction fees (typically 1-3%), poor exchange rates, potential card blocking for 'suspicious' foreign activity. Works for a transition period; usually not sustainable long-term.
La Caixa (now CaixaBank), Kutxabank, Abanca—regional origins, now operating nationally. Sometimes more accommodating to foreigners in their home regions. Worth trying if the big four create friction.
The right choice depends on your specific situation. Consider your priorities before narrowing options.
Next steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Banking Hub
Overview of banking topics for expats.
Opening a Bank Account in Spain
Detailed guide to the account opening process.
Spain Country Guide
Complete overview of setting up in Spain.
Living in Barcelona
City-specific information including local banking context.
Visas for Spain
Visa requirements may affect banking options.
Sources & references
General References
- Bank of Spain (Banco de España) – Regulator; general banking information
- Individual bank websites – Requirements and fees vary; verify directly
Note on Sources
- This is a category overview – Specific bank details change frequently. Always verify current information with individual institutions.
Information gathered from these sources as of January 2026. Provider offerings, pricing, and requirements change frequently.