Banking

Opening a bank account in Spain

What you need to open a bank account and how to choose between a resident and non-resident account.

Resident vs non-resident bank accounts

The real differences between a resident and non-resident Spanish bank account, and which one fits your situation.

Documents needed to open a bank account

The complete document checklist for opening a Spanish bank account, for both residents and non-residents.

Choosing the right bank in Spain

What to actually compare between Spanish banks before opening an account, beyond just brand recognition.

Closing a bank account

How to properly close a Spanish bank account, and what to check first to avoid leftover fees or debts.

Debit and credit cards in Spain

The difference between debit and credit cards in Spain, and how to get one with your new account.

Contactless and mobile payments

How contactless cards, mobile wallets, and Bizum work for everyday payments in Spain.

Cash withdrawals and ATM fees

How ATM withdrawal fees work in Spain, and how to avoid unnecessary charges.

Lost or stolen bank cards

What to do immediately if your Spanish bank card is lost or stolen, and how liability works.

Sending money internationally

Options for transferring money between Spain and your home country, and what to watch for in fees and exchange rates.

Receiving money from abroad

What you need to provide to receive an international transfer into your Spanish bank account.

SEPA transfers explained

What the SEPA zone is, and why it makes euro transfers across much of Europe as simple as a domestic one.

International transfer fees and exchange rates

How to compare the real cost of an international transfer, since the advertised fee is rarely the whole story.

Setting up online banking

How to activate and set up your Spanish bank's online banking service for the first time.

Mobile banking apps in Spain

What to expect from your Spanish bank's mobile app, and the features most people use day to day.

Online banking security

How to keep your Spanish bank account secure, and how to recognise a genuine bank communication from a scam.

Two-factor authentication and digital verification

Why Spanish banks require an extra verification step for online payments, under EU law.

Direct debits (Domiciliación bancaria)

How direct debits work in Spain, and how to set one up for regular bills like rent, utilities or subscriptions.

Standing orders in Spain

How standing orders (fixed automatic transfers) work in Spain, and how they differ from direct debits.

Joint bank accounts

How joint bank accounts work in Spain, and what to consider before opening one with a partner or family member.

Understanding bank fees

The main types of fees Spanish banks charge, and how to minimise or avoid them.

Bank statements and certificates

How to get bank statements and official certificates from your Spanish bank when another institution requests them.

Personal loans in Spain

How personal loans work in Spain, and what banks assess before approving one.

Credit scores in Spain

How creditworthiness actually works in Spain — there's no single 'credit score' like in some other countries.

Mortgages and financing basics

The general principles of how Spanish banks assess and price financing, whether for a mortgage or another large purchase.

Opening a business bank account

How to open a business bank account in Spain for a registered company.

Banking for self-employed workers (Autónomos)

Whether a self-employed worker in Spain needs a separate business account, and how to manage freelance banking well.