MyNomadWorld MyNomadWorld
Home › Spain › Banks

Banking in Spain

Best banks in Spain for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Spain. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Spain

Non-residents generally need an NIE (foreigner identity number) or a certificado de no residencia, plus passport and proof of address; some banks (Sabadell, BBVA, Santander) open a 'non-resident account' before you have residency. Fintechs like Wise, Revolut and N26 can be opened with just an ID as an interim solution.

Our top pick

Wise multi-currency account

Wise is the option we recommend for almost anyone moving to Spain: hold and convert 40+ currencies, get local account details to be paid like a local, and send money at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees. It works before you even arrive, so you can receive income and pay deposits while your local account is still being set up.

Open a free Wise account →

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Wise is a fintech, not a bank; balances are safeguarded, not covered by deposit insurance.

Top banks in Spain

CaixaBank

traditional
largest branch/ATM network

Spain's biggest retail bank; English-language online and app banking available.

BBVA

traditional
strong mobile app

Offers non-resident accounts (cuenta no residente) and a well-rated English app.

Banco Santander

traditional
international presence

Large global bank with non-resident account options for newcomers.

Banco Sabadell

traditional
expat/non-resident accounts

Runs a dedicated expat/non-resident account service with English support.

Openbank

digital
fully online, no branch visit

Santander's fully digital bank; account opening online with a Spanish tax ID.

ING

digital
low fees, popular with expats

Online-focused bank with a fee-free current account; long-standing expat favourite.

Bankinter

traditional
digital-forward traditional bank

Mid-size bank known for a strong app and online services.

International accounts & neobanks

Revolut

Widely used app for spending, transfers and FX; EEA-wide operation.

N26

German-licensed mobile bank fully available to Spain residents.

Bunq

Dutch EEA bank available to Spain residents; offers Spanish IBAN option.

Payoneer

Payments platform mainly for freelancers receiving international payments; not a local current account.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Spain

See the full Spain tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Spain with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.