Banking in Barcelona

If you are a resident in Barcelona and you have your NIE and a permanent address then it is not difficult to open a bank account here. La Caixa is probably the most popular bank in Barcelona and offers a lot of benefits to its customers for example through a La Caixa bank account you can buy tickets to events such as FC Barcelona games and concerts, you can top up your mobile phone and obviously pay all your bills and rent! For young people La Caixa also offers the tarjeta Jove which is a no strings account.

It is best to have a Spanish bank account if you’re planning on being in Barcelona for a long period of time because if you stick to using your English credit of debit card then you will be charged a significant amount every time you withdraw money or use your card.

To open a bank account just pop into any local branch with your NIE and passport for proof of identity and proof of your address in Barcelona such as a bill with your name on it or your tenancy contract.