In certain situations, it is very convenient to have a local bank account. For example, you cannot get a contract with a mobile phone provider without one. There are no fundamental differences between banks as far as students are concerned. Among the most popular Spanish banks are: Banco Sabadell, Santander, La Caixa, Catalunya Caixa, BBVA, and ING.
While conditions may vary from bank to bank, here are the most common requirements you need to comply with to open an account:
- Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
- Photographic proof of identity (passport or National Identity Card from the country of origin for each applicant).
- Proof of occupation or status (employment contract/payslip, letter from accountant/lawyer, pension or disability payment confirmation, student card).
- Residents also need to produce their Foreigner Identification Number and certificate (Número de Identidad de Extranjero or NIE).
- Confirmation of address (utility bill, driver’s licence, or council tax bill; proof of address must have been issued within the last three months).