Does anyone know how I go about opening a bank account in Spain? (Especially as I do not speak Spanish!)?

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JillPinky

I live in Spain and it is quite easy and straightforward to open a bank account in Spain. Most (not all), banks have English speaking staff. They will take the time and trouble to talk you through all of the available accounts. Don't forget, they want your custom so it's in their interest to help you. You will need to take your passport in to the bank. They will take a copy to keep on file and return it to you immediately. You don't even need to open the account with any cash. It's that easy.

Neil W

I live in Gibraltar
have property in Spain
la caixa have large amount of offices they also operate an on line feature in English giving you all info you need in English

derf

Open one with the Halifax you can do it from the UK

SunnyDays

Go into any bank along the coast as they will usually have staff that speak several languages, and they will do the rest, you do not have to be resident, they will ask you to sign a form and you pay about 17â‚¬ in a tax each year as non resident.
You will need to show your passport
You don't have to put any money in, but depending on the account, it may be a better idea. Some banks offer a Mastercard as a debit card, Banco Popular do this and that is handy as can be used on the net from anywhere in the world.
CAM bank is a reasonable one with regard to charges, watch out for some though, as they do have various charges they are not always up front about, SolBank are bad on this score.
You may need to actually collect any cards as some do not send through the post.Once you have an account, then its easy to set up direct debits and use the cash points, which can also be operated in English in many cases

razorbite

Try the Abbey they are now spanish.
www.abbey.com

Selin

Why would you? especially if you don't speak english?

biotch

Use the internet! Just try to find a Spanish web page of a bank.....in Spain! That sounds interesting. Let me know if you get one open!

Eugene Hogget

Actually it is very easy, we went with the bank called "La Caixa" they have everything translated for you they speak english, my bank account is defaulted to English, also my internet account is also in english www.lacaixa.com
we are really happy with it all, i even have a mortgage with them know and a credit card, so easy.

pinklady

You can open an account with just a photocopy of your passport and you don't even need to be there in person, you can do it all by fax.

Don't worry about the language, assuming you choose a branch in a relatively tourist area, the manager will almost certainly speak English. It is better if you get a DNI number. ie get registered by the local council. You need this number for all sorts of things in Spain, you can visit the offices yourself or a gestor will do it for you for around 50â‚¬

ann.inspain

You will need your passport for proof if identity. Sol Bank also require your NIE number not NIF, and this has to be the origional document, not a copy. You may also be asked to provide proof of your address and this can be shown by a rental agreement, or utility bill, ie phone but not mobile, it has to be a land line.
If you open a bank account in the UK, ie the Halifax, it is not automatically transfered to the Halifax in Spain. You have to go to a branch in person and show them your UK documents.
To obtain a NIE number you have to register at a National Police Station.Also if you are depositing a large amount of money you have to declare where it has come from.

D B

Do you live in Spain? If so head for the nearest bank and say to the person serving you 'Habla Inglese'. If they answer yes you don't have a problem. If thye look blankly at you go to another bank etc etc.
Also, learn some Spanish.

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