When I first arrived in Spain, getting a bank card was a real headache. After asking around, I ended up choosing Cajamar on a friend’s recommendation. I feel like this bank isn’t discussed much within the Chinese expat community, so I wanted to start a thread to share my own experience as a reference for others.
My Account Opening Experience
I opened my account in a city in the south, at a Cajamar branch near my home. I went in and told the staff I wanted to open an account. The person who helped me was a very kind older gentleman. Even though my Spanish was a bit broken, he was very patient and guided me through the paperwork step by step. The required documents were standard: my residence card and proof of address. The whole process took about half an hour, and I left with a temporary paper certificate. The official bank card arrived in my mailbox about a week later. Overall, the in-person account opening experience was quite smooth, with no hassles.
User Experience and the Mobile App
Cajamar’s app is called “Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar,” and its features are pretty standard. It has all the basic functions like transfers, transaction history, and Bizum, and the user interface is relatively clear. However, I sometimes feel the app can be a bit slow, especially with a poor internet connection. I haven’t had any issues using their card for payments, both online and in-store. Once, when I made a large online payment, the bank called me to verify it was actually me, which made me feel that their security measures are quite good.
Summary of Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Numerous branches, especially in southern regions like Andalusia, offering high coverage and convenient access.
- The requirements for opening an account are relatively low, making it friendly for students and newcomers to Spain.
- Good customer service; at least the staff I encountered were very patient.
Cons:
- The mobile app experience could be improved, as it occasionally lags.
- Compared to major banks like Santander or BBVA, its international presence and ATM network are smaller.
- Some Cajamar account types may have maintenance fees, so be sure to ask about the conditions for waiving them when you open the account, such as depositing a fixed amount monthly or setting up direct debits for utility bills.
Cajamar is a rather down-to-earth bank, and it’s suitable as a first bank card for living in Spain. If your activities are mainly within Spain and you don’t have high demands for the banking app, it’s a solid choice. It’s also interesting to note that Cajamar even sells properties. Here is a simple comparison I’ve put together for your reference:
| Feature | Cajamar Experience | Other Major Banks |
|---|
| Account Opening Difficulty | Low, less strict on documents | Can be higher, some branches are strict |
| App Experience | Full-featured, but average performance | Usually smoother, more features |
| Branch Network | Good coverage in the south and rural areas | Extensive coverage in major cities nationwide |
| Account Fees | Need to check waiver conditions | Also have waiver conditions, often with more options |
Are there any other Cajamar users on the forum? Feel free to leave a comment below to discuss and share your experiences!
