There is no single best bank for every expat in Spain. The right choice depends on whether you are a resident or non-resident, whether you have an NIE, how much you value branches and English-speaking support, and how often you move money between countries. In general, large national banks suit people who want a full local banking relationship (mortgage, salary, in-person service), online-first banks suit residents who prefer low fees and apps, and neobanks and money apps suit new arrivals and frequent international transfers. Many expats combine two: a Spanish bank for local life and a neobank for cross-border payments.
Transparency note: [Choose and complete one.] This page contains affiliate links. If you open an account through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not decide our rankings. OR This page contains no affiliate links. Describe here how you test banks and how you handle commercial relationships.
Bank conditions, fees and policies change often and differ between branches. All information below must be verified with each bank before you apply. This guide is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice.
Table of contents
- How we compare banks (methodology)
- The three types of bank for expats
- What to look for: the criteria that matter
- Comparison table
- Bank-by-bank profiles
- Best by situation
- Using two accounts: a practical setup
- How to choose in 10 minutes
- Common mistakes when choosing
- Frequently asked questions
- Final checklist
1. How we compare banks (methodology)
A comparison is only useful if you know how it was made. This section is the heart of the page and must be completed with your own process.
Editor’s note: describe in this section what you actually did. Suggested elements: (1) the date range of your tests; (2) which banks you contacted or opened accounts with; (3) the profiles you tested (resident, non-resident, with and without NIE, EU and non-EU nationality); (4) what you recorded (documents asked, time to open, fees, English support, card delivery, app quality); (5) how you scored each criterion; (6) how you handle affiliate relationships and whether they influence rankings; (7) how often you update the page.
Our criteria, in order of weight (adjust to your scoring):
| Criterion | Why it matters | Suggested weight |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility for foreigners | Does the bank accept you, with and without NIE, as resident or non-resident? | 25 % |
| Total cost | Maintenance, card, transfer and currency conversion fees | 20 % |
| Onboarding experience | Documents, time, online or in-branch, English support | 15 % |
| Service and support | Branch network, English-speaking staff, customer service channels | 15 % |
| Digital experience | App and online banking quality, Bizum, card controls | 10 % |
| Range of products | Mortgage, credit, savings, insurance | 10 % |
| Transparency and trust | Clear conditions, licensing, complaint handling | 5 % |
2. The three types of bank for expats
Type A: Large national banks (branch-based)
These banks have branches across Spain and a complete product range, including mortgages, insurance and business accounts. Examples of this type include Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell and similar institutions.
- Best for: people who plan to live in Spain long-term, buy property or want in-person service.
- Strengths: full services, local presence, mortgage access, and in some regions dedicated non-resident or international customer services.
- Watch out for: fees that can be higher unless you meet conditions (such as salary domiciliation), appointment requirements and inconsistent policies between branches.
Type B: Online-first banks
Digital banks operating in Spain with few or no branches, app-based service and often lower fees. Examples include Openbank and ING, among others.
- Best for: residents comfortable with apps who want to reduce costs.
- Strengths: low or no maintenance fees (often under conditions), fast onboarding, good apps.
- Watch out for: more restrictive eligibility (some serve only residents or require an NIE), limited in-person help, and fewer complex products.
Type C: Neobanks and money apps
International fintech providers such as Revolut, Wise and N26, among others, built around mobile apps, multi-currency features and low-cost transfers.
- Best for: new arrivals, digital nomads, frequent travellers and cross-border payments.
- Strengths: quick sign-up, multi-currency, good exchange rates and transparent fees.
- Watch out for: the IBAN country (it may not be Spanish), acceptance by Spanish landlords, employers and utilities, fewer services such as mortgages and, in some cases, different customer protection rules than a licensed Spanish bank. Check the provider’s licence and how your deposits are protected.
[Internal link: Is Revolut Enough for Living in Spain?] [Internal link: Do You Still Need a Spanish Bank Account If You Use Wise?]
3. What to look for: the criteria that matter
3.1 Eligibility
- Does it accept non-residents?
- Is an NIE required at opening?
- Does it accept your nationality (including U.S. persons, who face extra reporting rules)?
- Is a Spanish phone number or address required?
3.2 Real cost
Look beyond the monthly fee:
- Maintenance fee and conditions to waive it
- Debit and credit card fees
- ATM withdrawals in Spain and abroad
- Transfers, including SEPA and international
- Currency conversion margin
- Inactivity or closure fees
3.3 Language and support
English-speaking staff, English app and website, and help by chat or phone matter a great deal in your first months.
3.4 Onboarding
Can you start online? Do you need a branch visit? How many days does it usually take? [Internal link: How Long Does It Take to Open a Bank Account in Spain?]
3.5 Everyday features
Bizum, instant transfers, card controls, direct debits, virtual cards and Apple Pay or Google Pay support.
3.6 Future needs
If you may take a mortgage, build a credit history or need a business account later, starting with a bank that offers these products can save time.
3.7 Safety and licensing
Check that the entity is authorised and supervised, and understand the deposit guarantee that applies to your account. Official registers are published by the Bank of Spain and by European authorities.
4. Comparison table
Editor’s note: this table must be filled with tested, dated data. Do not publish it with generic statements. Add the date of verification in every row or in the table header. Suggested banks to test: 3–4 from Type A, 2 from Type B and 2–3 from Type C.
| Bank | Type | Accepts non-residents? | NIE required? | Online opening? | English support | Monthly fee (and how to waive) | Card fee | Typical time to open | Best for | Date checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Bank 1] | A | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| [Bank 2] | A | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| [Bank 3] | A | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| [Bank 4] | B | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| [Bank 5] | B | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| [Provider 6] | C | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| [Provider 7] | C | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
5. Bank-by-bank profiles
Use the same structure for every bank so readers can compare quickly. Repeat this block for each bank in your table.
[Bank name] (Type [A/B/C])
Our verdict: [One or two sentences.]
Who it suits: [Resident / non-resident / nomad / property buyer / etc.]
What we liked
- [Tested positive 1]
- [Tested positive 2]
What to watch out for
- [Tested negative 1]
- [Tested negative 2]
Key facts (verified on [date])
- Eligibility: [ ]
- Documents requested: [ ]
- Fees: [ ]
- Opening method and time: [ ]
- English support: [ ]
- Our test experience: [short, factual account of what happened]
Link: [Official page] [or affiliate link, clearly marked]
Writing tip: include screenshots (with personal data hidden), the exact wording of any written answer you received from the bank, and the date of each test. This is what makes the page credible and hard to copy.
6. Best by situation
Use this guide to decide which type fits you, then pick the specific bank from your tested table.
| Your situation | Type that usually fits | Why | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving to Spain with a job and an NIE | A or B | Salary domiciliation often reduces fees; full services | Fee waiver conditions, English support |
| Moving next month, no NIE yet | C first, then A or B | A neobank works immediately while you arrange the NIE | IBAN country and landlord acceptance |
| Non-resident property owner | A (with non-resident service) | Branch support and local payments | Fees, minimum balance, NIE requirement |
| Digital nomad | C plus a Spanish account when eligible | Multi-currency and quick setup | Tax rules, IBAN, acceptance by local payers |
| Retiree receiving a pension | A or B | Local payments and branch support if needed | Pension payment compatibility, fees |
| Student | B or C | Low cost and fast setup | Eligibility with student permit, card delivery |
| Buying a home with a mortgage | A | Mortgage products and local relationship | Non-resident mortgage conditions |
| Sending money home often | C plus a Spanish account | Better rates for transfers | Fees and transfer limits |
| U.S. citizen | Ask first, A or C | Some banks are cautious with U.S. persons | Written confirmation before applying |
Editor’s note: after your testing, replace this table with named recommendations, such as «Best for non-residents: [Bank], because [tested reason].»
7. Using two accounts: a practical setup
Many expats use a Spanish account plus a neobank:
- Spanish account: rent, utilities, salary, direct debits, taxes, local payments and, later, a mortgage.
- Neobank or money app: international transfers, travel, multi-currency spending and a backup card.
Tips for this setup:
- Keep only the money you need for local payments in the Spanish account, and move the rest as needed.
- Check whether your employer and landlord accept the IBAN you plan to give them.
- Compare the real cost of transfers between your accounts before making large moves.
- Keep your tax residence information consistent across all accounts. [Internal link: Resident vs Non-Resident Bank Account in Spain: Differences]
8. How to choose in 10 minutes
- Are you a resident or non-resident? This decides which accounts you can open.
- Do you have an NIE? If not, start with a neobank and apply for the NIE.
- Do you want branches or an app? Choose Type A or B accordingly.
- Do you need a mortgage or local credit? Prefer Type A.
- Do you send money abroad often? Add a Type C provider.
- Shortlist two or three banks and compare total yearly cost.
- Ask for the requirements in writing and apply to more than one.
[Internal link: How to Open a Bank Account in Spain as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide]
9. Common mistakes when choosing
- Choosing on the monthly fee alone. Include card, transfer and conversion costs.
- Assuming a neobank IBAN works everywhere. Check with your landlord, employer and utilities.
- Not asking about conditions to waive fees, which often change after the first year.
- Relying on a single bank. Acceptance varies; apply to two or three.
- Ignoring the licence and deposit protection of newer providers.
- Following outdated reviews. Conditions change; check the date.
- Giving personal documents to unofficial «agents» who promise guaranteed approval.
10. Frequently asked questions
What is the best bank for expats in Spain?
It depends on your situation. Large national banks suit long-term residents who want full services, online banks suit cost-conscious residents, and neobanks suit new arrivals and international payments.
Which bank is best for non-residents?
Banks with non-resident services and English support tend to be easier. Check the conditions, fees and NIE requirements in the table above.
Can I use only a neobank in Spain?
Sometimes, for short stays or simple needs, but many people also need a Spanish account for rent, salary and utilities.
Which Spanish bank has English-speaking support?
Some large banks have English-speaking staff or dedicated international services in certain areas, and some online banks offer English apps. Verify this for your branch or provider.
Which bank has the lowest fees?
Online-first banks often have the lowest account fees, but conditions apply. Compare the total yearly cost.
Do I need a Spanish bank account if I have Wise or Revolut?
Not always, but many landlords, employers and utilities prefer a Spanish IBAN. See the dedicated articles on this.
Can U.S. citizens open accounts in Spain?
Possible, but some banks are cautious because of U.S. tax reporting rules. Ask each bank beforehand.
How often does this comparison change?
Frequently. We review it on [schedule] and show the date checked for every bank.
11. Final checklist
- Define your status: resident or non-resident, with or without NIE
- Choose the type of bank that fits your needs
- Shortlist two or three banks and compare total yearly cost
- Ask for requirements in writing and apply to more than one
- Check the licence and deposit protection of any provider
- Confirm that your landlord and employer accept the IBAN
- Consider a second account for international transfers
- Review the conditions again after the first year
Where to go next
- [How to Open a Bank Account in Spain as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide]
- [Non-Resident Bank Account in Spain: Requirements, Banks and Fees]
- [Best Online Banks in Spain for Foreigners]
- [Best Way to Send Money to Spain: Fees and Exchange Rates Compared]