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 June 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.
- 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 €5–15/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 Settli app for Barcelona.