When you first arrive in Spain, you get your bank card and deposit some money, but it’s natural to feel a bit uneasy and want an easy way to check how much is left. I asked some senior students and did some research myself, and it turns out there are quite a few methods. I’ve compiled them here for other newcomers to avoid the confusion I felt at the beginning.
Checking via Mobile Banking App
This is by far the most convenient and popular method today, hands down! Whether you’re with Sabadell, CaixaBank, BBVA, or Santander, they all have their own mobile apps. When you open your account, the bank staff will usually help you download and activate it. Once activated, you can log in with your fingerprint or password, and your account balances will be clearly displayed right on the home screen. You can also view recent transactions, so you know exactly where every cent has gone.
I personally use Sabadell, and its app interface is quite intuitive; you log in and immediately see your list of accounts and their balances. A friend uses CaixaBank Now and says it’s also very feature-rich. Regardless of which bank you’re with, I highly recommend installing the official app right away. It really saves a lot of hassle.
App Names for Major Banks
To help you find them easily in the app store, I’ve created a simple table with the app names for several common banks. You can find the one that corresponds to your bank card.
| Bank Name | App Name |
|---|
| Sabadell | Banco Sabadell |
| CaixaBank | CaixaBankNow |
| BBVA | BBVA España |
| Santander | App Santander |
Checking at an ATM
If you don’t have internet on your phone or prefer not to use the app, an ATM is another straightforward option. Just find an ATM belonging to your own bank, insert your card, enter your PIN, and on the main menu, you’ll usually find an option like “Consulta de saldos” (Balance Inquiry). Select it, and your account balance will be displayed on the screen. Some machines will ask if you want to print a receipt; you can choose based on your needs. This method is simple, but the downside is you have to make a special trip to an ATM.
Overall, I still recommend using the mobile app the most, as you can check your balance anytime, anywhere, and also manage transfers and payments. Using an ATM is a good backup plan, and it’s also where you might get a proof of funds certificate. You might not be familiar with checking your bank balance at first, but you’ll get used to it after a few tries. I hope this post helps! If you have other methods or questions, especially regarding the bank balance required for residence renewal, feel free to add them in the comments!
