Having just arrived in Spain, I found using cash for everything quite inconvenient, especially for online shopping or paying for subscriptions. Since my residence card hadn’t arrived yet, I couldn’t open a formal bank account. So, I looked into how to top up a temporary prepaid card and also compiled some ways to deposit money onto a regular debit card, including how to use a banking app to top up your transport card. I’m sharing this for anyone facing the same issue.
Main Ways to Top Up a Bank Card
There are several main channels for topping up a bank card in Spain, and the process is quite similar for both prepaid and regular debit cards.
1. Direct Deposit at an ATM
Personally, I find this the most convenient and fastest method. Most bank ATMs now support ‘cardless deposits’ or direct deposits by inserting your card. I use a BBVA prepaid card, and at their ATMs, I just select “Ingresar dinero,” place the cash into the deposit slot, and the machine automatically counts it. After confirming the amount, the money is credited instantly. It’s worth noting that some ATMs only accept deposits for their own bank’s cards, and there’s often a limit per transaction, usually around €1,000.
2. Over the Counter at a Bank Branch
If the ATM is out of order or you need to deposit a large amount of cash, going to the counter is the safest option. Just tell the staff you want to “hacer un ingreso en cuenta,” provide your card number or IBAN, and hand them the cash. The downside is you have to go during banking hours and might have to wait in line. For those of us not yet fluent in Spanish, it might be a good idea to prepare the phrase in advance, but usually, they’ll understand if you just hand them your card and the money.
3. Online Transfer
If you have another bank account, or if a friend can transfer money to you, this is undoubtedly the easiest way. All you need is the IBAN of your card, and a transfer can be made through any bank’s app or online banking service, similar to how you might use a banking app to top up a transport card. Domestic transfers within Spain are usually free, but the crediting time can vary. A standard transfer might take 1-2 business days, while instant transfers, though immediate, may incur a fee from some banks.
Additional Methods for Specific Cards
Some specific prepaid cards also support top-ups at partner locations. For example, the well-known Correos (Spanish Post Office) prepaid Mastercard can be reloaded with cash at any Correos branch, which is very convenient. Below is a simple table comparing the pros and cons of these common methods:
| Top-up Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| ATM Deposit | Convenient, fast, and available 24/7 | May have transaction limits; some machines only accept their own bank’s cards |
| Bank Counter | Secure, reliable, and no amount limit | Requires visiting during business hours; potential queues |
| Online Transfer | Easy to do from home | Requires another bank account; standard transfers are not instant |
| Partner Location | Numerous locations (e.g., post offices, tobacconists) | Limited to specific partner cards; may involve a fee |
As you can see, there are plenty of options. For newcomers who don’t have a formal bank account yet, getting a prepaid card that can be topped up at an ATM is an excellent choice for the initial transition period. I hope this information is helpful! If you know of any other good methods, feel free to share them in the discussion below!
