Choosing a bank and account
You will pick a bank setup that fits your language, income, household and location, and know what it really costs.
Most newcomers need one Spanish account with a Spanish IBAN, and some also need a second account for foreign money. Work through the articles in this order, and skip the ones that do not fit your situation:
Pick the article that fits your situation
Traditional bank, online bank or fintech: which to choose in Spain?
Compares big banks, online banks and fintechs in Spain on payroll, direct debits, Bizum and service. It is for newcomers who need to pick a main account and decide whether a second one is worth having.
Spanish account fees and conditions: the real annual cost
A "free" Spanish account is often free only while you meet set conditions.
Finding a Spanish bank that works in English
Some Spanish banks offer English-language service, but it varies by bank, branch and city.
Where Wise, Revolut or a foreign IBAN works in Spain
A foreign IBAN from Wise, Revolut or another EU bank works for many payments in Spain, but employers, utilities and some landlords often ask for a Spanish one, and Social Security debits the self-employed (autónomo) quota only from a Spanish-branch account.
Joint bank accounts for couples in Spain
Explains the two kinds of joint bank account in Spain, indistinta and mancomunada, and how they differ on access, debt and what happens after a death or separation. For couples deciding which to open.
Accounts for children, and letting someone act on yours
How to open and run a bank account for a child, and how to let someone else act on your account: authorised users, power of attorney and gestors. For parents and for anyone who needs help with banking in Spain.
How safe is your money in a Spanish bank?
Explains how Spain's deposit guarantee protects your savings, which banks and apps it covers, and how to spread a large balance across holders and banks. For anyone about to move significant money into a Spanish account.
Branch banking in Spain: appointments, hours and small towns
How in-person banking works in Spain: appointments, short morning hours, what to expect in small towns, and which regional banks may suit where you live. For newcomers choosing or using a branch.
Banking setup for remote workers and retirees with foreign income
How to set up your banking if you are paid in a foreign currency or draw a foreign pension in Spain: a Spanish euro account for daily life, plus a cheap route to move your income. For remote workers and retirees.
About this topic
When you have chosen, Opening a bank account covers the steps for residents and non-residents and what to do if a bank refuses you; the documents a bank asks for are in What documents a Spanish bank asks for to open an account. Switching banks later is in Switching banks in Spain without missing a payment. Unexpected charges and complaints are in Unexpected bank fees, overdraft charges and abusive clauses.
Key rules
- Deposit guarantee: Deposits in a Spanish-licensed bank are guaranteed up to €100,000 per person per bank, and joint accounts are split between holders equally.
- Fintech safety: E-money providers such as Wise have no deposit guarantee; they hold your money in separate safeguarded accounts.
Explore places
Where you live changes the details. See how Spanish regions and cities compare on rent, jobs, weather, safety and healthcare.
What to read next
More in Banking, payments, and credit
Opening a bank account
You will know what to bring, which route fits your status, and what to do if the bank says no.
Cards, Bizum and cash
You will know which payment tool to use where, what the limits and traps are, and how to react to a lost card.
Moving money across borders
You will move money into and out of Spain cheaply, with the evidence banks will ask for.
Also in Money and taxes
Need certainty before you act?
For important relocation decisions, speak with a qualified human specialist.
Always verify important information with the relevant official authority or a qualified adviser before acting. This website uses large language models together with various public data sources, official government documents and other established sources. Due to the amount of data on this website, some information might be wrong. Information may also be incomplete or outdated.