Having recently arrived in Spain, after sorting out my phone and transport cards, the next top priority was getting a bank account. I asked around, and many friends recommended ING, mentioning it has no messy maintenance fees and a user-friendly app. I just opened my account last week, and the process was smoother than I expected, so I decided to write this post to share my experience and hopefully help others.
Why Choose ING?
The main draw for me was their advertised “0 Comisiones”, which means zero commissions and zero maintenance fees. Many traditional banks in Spain (which often use payment systems from companies like Ingenico) will charge a maintenance fee of several tens of euros each quarter if your balance doesn’t meet a certain threshold or you don’t subscribe to specific services. This can really add up over time. ING is much more reasonable in this regard, making it very friendly for those of us just starting out or with unstable incomes.
Choosing an Account Type: Cuenta Nómina vs. Cuenta NoCuenta
ING primarily offers two types of accounts suitable for daily use:
| Account Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|
| Cuenta Nómina | Requires a monthly deposit of at least €700 from a salary or regular income | Salaried employees with stable jobs |
| Cuenta NoCuenta | No income requirements, completely free | Students, freelancers, or anyone without a regular income |
As a student without a regular payslip, I’m currently with the ING bank and I chose the Cuenta NoCuenta without hesitation. This account is truly worry-free; you don’t have to stress about being charged a fee for forgetting to deposit funds. If you have a stable job, you might want to consider the Cuenta Nómina from ING in Spain, as I’ve heard it comes with more benefits.
Application Process and Required Documents
I applied directly online through the ING website, and the process was very clear. First, you fill out your personal information online, including your NIE number, address, and phone number. After completing the form, the system generates an application document. The next step is identity verification, for which there are two options:
- Video Verification: You can have a video call with a customer service representative directly through the app. Just show your residence card as requested—it’s very fast.
- Courier Visit: An ING-partnered courier will contact you to arrange a visit to verify your identity and check your original residence card. I chose this option. The delivery guy was punctual, he just checked my card, I signed a paper, and that was it.
After my identity was verified, I received my bank card and PIN letter in about a week. They were sent in separate mailings for security. The entire process didn’t require me to go to a physical branch and wait in line, which was a real lifesaver for someone like me whose Spanish isn’t very fluent yet.
Overall, the account opening experience with ING was excellent. The app interface is modern, and things like transferring money or checking statements are very straightforward. I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much energy on banking matters or worry about hidden fees. Of course, bank policies can change, so it’s always best to check the latest terms on their official website before applying. If anyone has experience opening accounts with other banks, feel free to share and discuss!
