When you first arrive in Spain, after finding a house and getting your residency permit, the next major task is probably opening a bank account. I’ve seen many new arrivals asking on forums about which bank to choose. So today, as a long-time user, I’m going to share my thoughts on BBVA, the ‘Smurf bank,’ and offer some useful information, such as BBVA’s phone number.
Why I Chose BBVA Initially
To be honest, I initially chose it just to go with the flow, as many of my classmates and friends were using BBVA, which made transfers easier. And it’s true—in Spain, using the same bank as your friends really simplifies things. This is especially true with Bizum, where transfers are instant, making it super convenient for splitting bills after a meal or sending small amounts of money. Plus, BBVA has a huge network of physical branches and ATMs. Whether you’re in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona or traveling to a small town, you can almost always find its blue logo, making it easy to withdraw or deposit cash.
Online Experience: One App to Rule Them All
What truly deserves praise is BBVA’s mobile app! The interface is modern, the layout is clear, and it’s much more user-friendly than other Spanish banking apps I’ve tried. You can do almost everything on the app: check your transaction history, make transfers, pay utility bills, manage your cards, and even contact your personal advisor (gestor) online. I feel that since I got this app, aside from large transactions that require a visit to a physical BBVA bank, I’ve hardly ever been to a branch. Oh, and it has a feature called ‘Programa tu Cuenta’ (Organize your Account), which helps analyze your monthly income and expenses. It’s quite useful for spendthrifts who want to save money.
| Feature | Personal Review | Rating |
|---|
| Mobile App Usability | Excellent, clear interface | ★★★★★ |
| Bizum Transfers | Extremely convenient, instant | ★★★★★ |
| ATM/Branch Coverage | Extensive, in cities of all sizes | ★★★★☆ |
| Account Maintenance Fees | Free for youth accounts, conditional for others | ★★★☆☆ |
Opening an Account and Some Pointers
As for opening an account, it’s generally straightforward for students. You just need to go to a branch with your passport, NIE, university acceptance letter, and your empadronamiento (proof of address). However, many banks are now becoming stricter when opening accounts for those with a non-lucrative visa, and may require more proof of your source of funds. This can impact everything from opening the account to making BBVA transfers. I recommend visiting a few different branches, as requirements and the friendliness of the staff can vary. Also, be sure to ask about the maintenance fees! BBVA offers fee-free accounts for young people, but standard accounts usually require you to meet certain conditions to waive the fees, such as having your salary paid into the account or purchasing one of their financial products. When opening your account, make sure to get all the fees and waiver conditions in writing to avoid any unexpected charges later. Overall, BBVA is a well-balanced bank in terms of service, convenience, and technology. I’d recommend it to newcomers in Spain who are still figuring things out.
