Hey everyone, I’ve noticed many people on the forum recently discussing promotions from Spanish banks for opening new accounts, with all the different bonuses and cashback offers being quite dazzling. I just opened a new account with CaixaBank last month and received their promised bonus, so today I’m starting this thread to share my personal experience, focusing on the question everyone wants to know – how long does it actually take to get paid?
In my case, I signed up for a new customer promotion at CaixaBank, which required me to open a payroll account (‘cuenta nómina’) and have my salary deposited into it within a specified period. I applied online in early April, the document submission was smooth, and I received my bank card about two days later. Afterwards, as required, I had my company deposit my salary into this new account in mid-April. And then, the long wait began.
When I asked the bank manager before, their response was always very formal, something like, ‘it will be paid within the next one or two payment cycles after the conditions are met.’ That’s so vague! I logged into my online banking every day to check my balance, and the wait was agonizing. Finally, at the end of May, about a month and a half after my first salary deposit, the bonus finally arrived. So, counting from the moment I met the requirements, it took about 45 days.
This timeline isn’t set in stone. I’ve talked with friends who applied for bonuses at different banks, and it seems each bank’s efficiency really varies. A friend who applied at BBVA also waited for about a month and a half. However, I’ve heard that some promotions at Santander pay out very quickly, sometimes within a month. It feels like the waiting time for these bank bonuses is related to the bank’s internal review process, the type of promotion, and even the specific branch where you opened the account. Below, I’ve put together some simple info on Spanish bank bonuses based on my and my friends’ experiences. It’s not guaranteed to be 100% accurate, just for your reference!
Reference for Bank Bonus Payout Times
| Bank Name | Approx. Waiting Time | Notes |
|---|
| CaixaBank | 1.5 - 2 months | My personal experience |
| BBVA | 1 - 1.5 months | Friend’s feedback, quite consistent |
| Santander | 1 - 2 months | Speed varies greatly depending on the promotion |
| Sabadell | Around 2 months | Not many people I know have used it, less info |
If you’ve also applied for a similar bank bonus, my advice is: Be patient! As long as you’ve confirmed that you’ve met all the terms and conditions, the money is almost certainly on its way. If more than two months pass with no news, then it’s time to proactively contact your account manager or visit the bank to inquire. I hope everyone’s bonus arrives soon! And feel free to share your own experiences below!
