Having just arrived in Spain, the first major task after settling in was to open a bank account. I did some research online beforehand and saw many people recommending Banco Sabadell, mainly because it’s known for being friendly to foreigners and has numerous branches. Today, I’m sharing my own account opening process and initial user experience, hoping it can serve as a reference for others.
The Account Opening Process
I went directly to a branch near my home to handle it. I’d recommend checking the opening hours on Google Maps before you go, as Spanish banks tend to close quite early in the afternoon. I brought my passport, NIE, and proof of address (empadronamiento). The account manager who assisted me was quite pleasant; although his English had a strong accent, we could communicate without any major issues. The whole process took about forty minutes, which mostly involved filling out various forms and agreements. He recommended their flagship online account, mentioning it has no maintenance fees, which was a big draw for me.
Account Type and Fees
After completing the paperwork, I received the physical bank card in about a week. The online account I opened is indeed free of account maintenance fees and annual card fees, but this is on the condition that you primarily manage it through online channels. If you need assistance, you can always reach out via Sabadell’s customer service number. However, if you frequently use over-the-counter services, like making withdrawals under €600 or depositing cash, there might be fees. So, those who are used to handling cash should take note.
I’ve summarized the main features of my account below:
| Item | Fee / Feature |
|---|
| Account Maintenance Fee | €0 |
| Debit Card Annual Fee | €0 |
| Online Transfers | Free |
| ATM Withdrawals | Free at Sabadell’s own ATMs |
| Over-the-Counter Services | Restrictions apply, some services are charged |
Sabadell’s mobile app is quite decent. The interface is clean, and basic functions like transfers and checking statements work well. It also supports Bizum, which is very convenient for splitting bills with friends. However, I sometimes feel the app is a bit sluggish, though I’m not sure if it’s just my phone. Another point is their customer service hotline; I once tried to call with a question and was on hold for a long time before getting through, which wasn’t a great experience. Hopefully, they can improve on that. Overall, as a first bank account in Spain, Sabadell is a solid choice, especially for those of us who want to avoid miscellaneous bank fees; the online account is a really great deal. It handles most needs, though if you ever get stuck on a form that requires details like the Sabadell Bank’s postal code, you might have to look it up online.
