Opening a Bank Account
in Spain as an Expat
You need a Spanish IBAN for utilities, rent, and life in Spain. But banks make it harder than it should be. Here's which ones actually work for foreigners, what to bring, and how to structure your finances.
3
Banks compared
NIE required
Minimum document
~1 week
Card delivery time
€0
Best monthly fee possible
Why Wise and Revolut aren't enough
Wise gives you a European IBAN and Revolut gives you a Lithuanian IBAN ~ both useful for international transfers and daily spending. But for life in Spain, you'll run into walls:
- Spanish utility companies (electricity, gas) often reject non-Spanish IBANs for direct debits
- Landlords frequently require a Spanish bank account for standing order payments
- The Hacienda (tax authority) prefers Spanish IBANs for refunds
- Some government agencies only accept payments from Spanish-registered bank accounts
The recommended setup: A Spanish bank for direct debits and official payments + Wise for international income + Revolut for travel spending. Three accounts, each doing what it does best.
Spanish banks compared
Sabadell
Most foreigner-friendly
Pros
- English-speaking staff in many branches
- Accepts non-residents with NIE
- Good app and online banking
- English online portal available
Cons
- Monthly maintenance fee if balance falls below threshold
- Some branches not helpful ~ visit a larger branch
BBVA
Best mobile app
Pros
- Excellent BBVA app rated consistently highly
- No fees with minimum balance
- Wide ATM network
- Online account opening possible in some cases
Cons
- English support hit-or-miss at branches
- Stricter on proof of income documentation
CaixaBank
Largest network
Pros
- Biggest branch and ATM network in Spain
- ImaginBank (digital arm) for younger clients
- Partnership with Correos ~ great rural access
Cons
- Customer service quality varies significantly by branch
- High fees if you don't meet minimum balance requirements
Digital alternatives: Wise, Revolut & Openbank
Wise
International Transfer · European IBAN
Works well for
- International transfers at real exchange rate
- Multi-currency account
- Works for many Spanish direct debits
Limitations
- Not accepted by all Spanish utilities
- No physical branch if something goes wrong
Revolut
Neobank · Lithuanian IBAN
Works well for
- Excellent travel spending
- Metal plan includes decent insurance
- Crypto and stock trading
Limitations
- Lithuanian IBAN rejected by some Spanish landlords and utilities
- Limited customer support
Openbank
Spanish Digital Bank · Spanish IBAN
Works well for
- Full Spanish IBAN ~ accepted everywhere
- Santander subsidiary with proper banking licence
- Good interest on savings accounts
Limitations
- No branches ~ online only
- Stricter NIE requirements
Documents to bring to the bank
Passport or TIE card
Original + photocopy. TIE is preferred once you have it.
NIE number
On your visa approval letter ~ you don't need the physical TIE to open many accounts.
Padrón certificate
Required by most banks ~ must be less than 3 months old.
Proof of income
Three months of payslips, client contracts, or a company letter confirming your remote employment.
Spanish address
Your rental contract matching your registered Padrón address.
Spanish phone number
Required for SMS verification ~ get a SIM card first.
Pro tip: Visit a branch in a larger city centre. Airport branches and tourist-area branches tend to be less experienced with foreign resident accounts. A Sabadell or BBVA branch in a business district will have handled this many times before.
What if I don't have my TIE or Padrón yet?
Some banks (Sabadell, N26) will open a non-resident account with just your passport and NIE number ~ useful for the first few weeks. You can upgrade to a resident account once you have your Padrón certificate. This gives you a Spanish IBAN immediately for urgent direct debits while you work through the bureaucratic sequence.
Part of the Soft Landing Playbook
Banking is just Phase 2 of 6
The Soft Landing Playbook covers everything ~ NIE/TIE, Padrón, banking, healthcare, housing, SIM cards, schools, and your year-one milestones. 30 lessons. Join the early access waitlist.