For those new to Spain, have you ever fallen into the trap of bank opening hours? You go to the bank full of purpose, only to find it’s already closed. The feeling is just… something else! Don’t ask me how I know. To help you avoid this common pitfall, I’ve put together a guide to the opening hours of major Spanish banks. Hope it helps!
Why Do Spanish Banks Close So Early?
This is probably a question every expat asks. The concept of working hours in Spain is quite different from what many of us are used to; they place a high value on work-life balance. Most bank employees work from around 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM without a long lunch break, leaving the entire afternoon for personal time. Therefore, the common practice of visiting a bank at three or four in the afternoon is generally not an option in Spain.
Standard Opening Hours for Major Banks
It’s important to note that even within the same bank, opening hours can vary slightly between different branches, especially in smaller towns or villages. Furthermore, many banks switch to a summer schedule with even earlier closing times! So, the safest bet with Spanish banks is to always check the specific branch’s hours on Google Maps before you go.
Here is a general timetable I’ve compiled for your reference:
| Bank Name | Weekdays | Weekends | Special Notes |
|---|
| Santander | 8:30 - 14:30 | Closed | Some Work Café branches are also open in the afternoon. |
| BBVA | 8:30 - 14:15 | Closed | Their digital services are excellent; using the app is recommended. |
| CaixaBank | 8:30 - 14:30 | Closed | Some branches open on Thursday afternoons. |
| Sabadell | 8:15 - 14:00 | Closed | Likewise, some branches may be open on Thursday afternoons. |
Are There Any Banks Open in the Afternoon?
Yes, there are! This is a real lifesaver for people with standard working hours. To stand out from the competition, some banks intentionally stay open in the afternoon. For instance, the Santander Work Café branches have a coffee shop-like atmosphere where you can handle your banking, have a coffee, and use the internet. Most importantly, they are open in the afternoon! Additionally, banks like CaixaBank and Sabadell also extend their hours on Thursdays, usually until around 18:30, but this doesn’t apply to all branches, so it’s best to confirm beforehand.
When banking in Spain, it’s a good habit to go early rather than late. If you can handle something online or through an app, try to avoid visiting a branch in person. Do you have any other tips or complaints about bank hours? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
