Bizum: what it is and how to get it

Key rules

• Requirements: You need a Spanish-IBAN account at a participating bank and a mobile number linked to it.
• Sign-up: You activate Bizum inside your bank's app or online banking.
• Fintech apps: Revolut, N26 and Wise do not offer Bizum, so a Spanish bank account is the safe route.
• Bank list: Bizum publishes the official list of participating banks, which changes over time.

What Bizum is

Bizum is a Spanish instant-payment service built into your bank's app. You send or request money using only a mobile phone number. The money moves between bank accounts within seconds, at any hour.

You can also use it to pay in online shops, donate to NGOs and split bills. Many banks offer it free to individuals.

What you need

You need two things: an account with a Spanish IBAN at a participating bank, and a Spanish mobile number linked to that account. Sign-up is done in your bank's app or online banking.

• Spanish number: A Spanish (+34) number is the norm. Some banks accept other numbers registered with them, so ask your bank before relying on one.
• Age: Most banks require you to be 18. Some offer it to minors from about 14 with parental arrangements.
• Papers: You do not need Spanish citizenship. You do need a Spanish bank account, and for non-residents that in practice means a NIE or ID to open it.

Which banks and apps work

Most major Spanish banks take part. Examples are Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, Bankinter, Unicaja, Abanca, Openbank, ING España and EVO Banco. More than 40 entities participate. Bizum publishes the full list on its website, so check your bank there.

Bizum is bank-based, so foreign fintechs generally do not work. Revolut with a Lithuanian IBAN, N26 and Wise do not offer it. If you rely on one of them, open an account with a Spanish bank as well. Confirm in your provider's app before counting on Bizum.

How to activate it

1. Open your bank's app or online banking and find the Bizum section. It is often under Payments or Bizum.
2. Choose to activate it and accept the terms.
3. Confirm your mobile number with an SMS code or in-app authentication.
4. Pick the account for payments and receipts.
5. Set a Bizum security code, or use biometrics if the app asks.
6. Allow contact access so the app shows which of your contacts use Bizum.

Screens differ slightly between banks. After this you can send or request money with a phone number. The checklist below repeats these steps.

Checklist

• Check that your bank is on Bizum's official list of participating entities, and that your account has a Spanish IBAN.

• Check that a Spanish mobile number is linked to your account, because Bizum works through that number.

• Select the account you want to use for Bizum payments and receipts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Bizum with a foreign phone number?

Usually no, because Bizum is built around Spanish (+34) numbers, though some banks accept other numbers registered with them. Ask your bank whether it will register your foreign number.

Can I use Bizum with Revolut, N26 or Wise?

No, Revolut with a Lithuanian IBAN, N26 and Wise do not offer Bizum, because it works through Spanish banks. Openbank, ING and EVO are Spanish-licensed banks and do support it. Confirm in your provider's app before relying on it.

Do I need a NIE or Spanish citizenship to use Bizum?

You do not need Spanish citizenship, but you do need a bank account in Spain. For non-residents that account in practice requires a NIE (foreigner ID number) or other ID. Once you have the account, you sign up in the bank's app.

Can my teenager use Bizum?

Only at some banks, because most require you to be 18. A few banks offer it to minors from about 14 with parental arrangements. Ask your bank what it requires.