What you need before you walk into a Spanish bank
Spanish banks require a valid passport or national ID card, proof of your current address, and your tax identification number (NIE — Número de Identidad de Extranjero — if you are not a Spanish citizen). If you do not yet have a NIE, you can obtain one at the National Police station (Comisaría de Policía Nacional) in your area, though some banks will help you explore during the account opening process. You will also need to bring proof of address: a utility bill, rental contract, or official letter from your employer showing your Spanish address.
The specific documents vary slightly between banks and between regions, so call ahead or check the bank's website before you go. Most major Spanish banks — BBVA, CaixaBank, Santander, ING, Banco Sabadell — have English-speaking staff in larger cities, though smaller branches may not. If you are opening an account remotely or online, you will upload these documents digitally instead of presenting them in person.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid ID (passport or national ID), proof of address, and a NIE (tax ID number) — if you do not have a NIE yet, the bank can often help you get one during the account opening process.
- In-person account opening at a branch typically takes 20 to 40 minutes and can be completed the same day, while online applications may take three to five business days for approval.
- Spanish banks charge monthly maintenance fees that range from zero to around €15 per month depending on the bank and account type, so compare options before committing.
- You will receive a debit card within one to two weeks and online banking access when ready or within 24 hours, depending on the bank.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of a major Spanish bank with your documents and ask to open a current account (cuenta corriente). A staff member will take you to a desk, verify your identity, and ask basic questions about your income, employment, and the reason you are opening the account. This conversation is standard anti-money-laundering procedure and takes about five minutes. They will then explain the account features, fees, and what comes with it — usually a debit card, online banking access, and a checkbook if you request one.
You will sign the account agreement (contrato de cuenta) and any other required forms. The bank will give you your account number (IBAN) when ready, though your debit card will arrive by post within one to two weeks. Online banking access is usually activated the same day or within 24 hours — the bank will give you temporary login credentials on paper or via email. The entire process takes 20 to 40 minutes. You can begin making transfers and receiving deposits as soon as your account is open, even before the physical card arrives.
Opening an account online or by post
Most Spanish banks now offer online account opening through their website or mobile app. You upload a photo of your ID (both sides), a photo of your proof of address, and your NIE number. The bank reviews these documents, which typically takes three to five business days. Some banks use video verification instead — you schedule a brief video call with a staff member who confirms your identity and asks the same questions a branch employee would ask.
Once approved, the bank sends your debit card and welcome materials by post. This route is slower than in-person opening but works well if you are outside Spain or prefer not to visit a branch. You will have online banking access before the physical card arrives, so you can receive salary deposits and make transfers when ready. The timeline from process to receiving your card is usually two to three weeks.
What happens with your NIE if you do not have one yet
If you are a non-Spanish resident without a NIE, you have two options. You can obtain one yourself by visiting the National Police station (Comisaría de Policía Nacional) with your passport, completed form EX-15, and proof of address. This takes one to two weeks and costs nothing. Alternatively, many banks will initiate the NIE process on your behalf during account opening — they submit your information to the police, and you receive your NIE by post within two to four weeks. The bank will give you a temporary tax identification number to use in the meantime.
If the bank offers to handle the NIE process, take them up on it — it saves you a trip to the police station. You will still need to provide your passport and proof of address, but the bank staff will guide you through what is needed. Once your NIE arrives, you will need to update it with the bank, though this is usually a straightforward online update or a quick phone call.
Monthly fees and what to expect from different banks
Spanish bank fees vary widely. Some accounts are free if you meet certain conditions — for example, if you receive a monthly salary deposit or maintain a minimum balance. Others charge a flat monthly fee of €5 to €15 regardless of activity. BBVA and Santander typically charge €6 to €12 per month for standard current accounts, though they offer free accounts for students and young people. CaixaBank and Banco Sabadell often have lower-cost options. ING and some online-only banks like Revolut or Wise charge no monthly fees but may charge for certain services like international transfers.
Ask about the total cost before you open the account, not just the headline fee. Some banks charge extra for paper statements, international transfers, or overdraft protection. Most include a debit card and online banking at no extra cost. If you are planning to receive salary deposits or make frequent transfers, ask whether the bank waives the monthly fee for customers who meet those conditions — many do.
Using your account once it is open
Once your account is active, you can receive salary deposits, make domestic transfers (transferencias), and pay bills through online banking. Spanish domestic transfers are usually free and arrive the same day or next business day. International transfers cost €10 to €30 depending on the destination and the bank. You can also use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs — most Spanish banks charge nothing for withdrawals from their own ATMs but charge €2 to €3 for withdrawals from other banks' machines.
Set up online banking (banca online) as soon as you receive your login credentials. You will need it to view your balance, make transfers, and pay bills. Most Spanish banks also offer a mobile app that works the same way. If you need a checkbook, ask the bank for one — they are less common than they used to be but still available. Your debit card works everywhere in Spain and across Europe, and you can use it to pay online as well as in shops.
What to do if you are not a resident or do not have a Spanish address yet
Non-residents can open accounts in Spain, but the process is slightly different. You will need a valid passport, your home country's tax ID number (or a letter from your home country's tax authority stating you do not have one), and proof of your non-Spanish address. Some banks require you to open the account in person at a branch, while others allow online opening for non-residents. Call the bank before you travel to confirm what they need.
If you are moving to Spain and do not yet have a Spanish address, some banks will accept a temporary address — your hotel, an Airbnb, or a friend's address — as long as you provide a lease or other document showing you will be living there. Once you have a permanent address, you will need to update it with the bank, which you can do online or by visiting a branch. This update is free and takes a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Spanish bank account without a NIE?
Most banks require a NIE or will start the process process for you during account opening. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they can explore on your behalf — many will. If not, you can obtain one yourself at the National Police station with your passport and proof of address, which takes one to two weeks.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Physical debit cards arrive by post within one to two weeks of account opening. You can use your account for transfers and online payments when ready through online banking, even before the card arrives. Some banks offer temporary digital cards you can use online right away.
What if I need to open an account but I am not in Spain right now?
Most Spanish banks offer online account opening with video verification. You upload your ID and proof of address, schedule a video call with the bank, and the account is approved within three to five business days. Your debit card is then posted to your Spanish address or to an address you provide.
Do I need to speak Spanish to open a bank account?
In major cities and at larger branches, staff speak English and can guide you through the process entirely in English. In smaller towns, you may need basic Spanish or a translator. Many banks have English-language websites and customer service lines, so you can prepare questions in advance or bring a written list.
Which Spanish bank is cheapest for someone who just moved here?
ING and some online banks charge no monthly fees. CaixaBank and Banco Sabadell offer low-cost accounts. BBVA and Santander charge €6 to €12 per month but may waive fees if you receive salary deposits. Compare the total cost — monthly fee plus charges for transfers, withdrawals, and other services — rather than the headline fee alone.