Month 1
Time
45 min
Cost
Free at most banks (with conditions)
Difficulty
Medium
EU vs non-EU
EU/EEA: An EU ID card plus your NIE certificate opens an account anywhere. Some banks accept just the passport while your NIE is pending.
Non-EU: Bring passport, NIE/TIE (or visa), and proof of address. CaixaBank and Sabadell branches in the centre are the most used to newcomer files; smaller branches may insist on a work contract.
What to bring
NIE (some banks open "non-resident" accounts on a passport)
Passport
Proof of address (padrón or lease)
Proof of income (work contract or last payslips)
Our pick
Compare all 4 →
Prices checked August 2026
Do it
- 1
Pick your account type
With an NIE, open a resident account (free options abound). Without one yet, some branches open a non-resident account on a passport, expect fees.
- 2
Book a branch appointment or apply online
BBVA and Santander let you open fully online with an NIE and a selfie check. Branch route, bring everything original.
- 3
Sign and order your card
Free debit card by post in about a week. Set the app to English before you leave the branch. Check the card is posted to your Spanish address, not held at the branch, and ask what happens if you are away when it arrives.
- 4
Activate Bizum
In the bank's own app, link your phone number. Friends, flatmates, and half the city's market stalls settle up by Bizum.
Words you'll hear
NóminaNO-mee-na
Your payslip / salary direct-deposit. Banks waive fees for it; landlords ask to see it.
Bizum
Pay-by-phone-number from your bank's own app. 'Te hago un Bizum' = I'll send it to your number now.
Common questions
Why do banks keep asking about my nómina?
Salary direct-deposit is how Spanish banks waive fees. No nómina usually means €5 to 15/month in maintenance, or an online bank that doesn't care.
Can I open an account with just a passport?
Several banks open "non-resident" accounts on a passport, then convert when your NIE arrives. Bring the NIE certificate when you have it, the fees drop.
Is N26 or Revolut enough?
As a sidecar, yes. For rent, nómina, and Bizum reliability you'll want one Spanish account, landlords and payroll genuinely prefer it.
Full checklist tracking and task completion live in the Ternli app for Barcelona.