For those new to Spain, have many of you opened an Abanca account? It’s known for being friendly to students and young people, with a relatively straightforward account opening process. However, when you need to handle business in person or deposit cash, you’ll have to find a physical branch. When I first arrived, I spent ages wandering the streets looking for one, so today I’ve put together a guide on Abanca’s branch distribution in major regions of Spain to help everyone out.
Where Abanca Branches Are Concentrated
First thing to know: Abanca’s home base is in the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain. So if you live in cities like A Coruña or Vigo, you’re in luck! You’ll find Abanca branches are more common than corner shops—there’s one practically on every corner, making banking super convenient.
However, in other regions, especially in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, the number of Abanca branches is much lower. When I first arrived in Madrid, I searched on Google Maps and found there were only a handful of branches in the entire city, mainly concentrated in the city center or financial districts. So, for those living in these two big cities, I recommend checking for the nearest branch to your home or school before opening an account to avoid long trips later. For instance, I live in Usera, and the nearest branch is over half an hour away by metro, which is quite a hassle.
Overview of Branch Distribution in Major Cities
To give you a clearer picture, I’ve created a simple table to help you quickly understand the bank’s presence. This information is based on my own observations and the official website, so it may be subject to change. For the most accurate information, it’s always best to check the official app or a map service.
| City/Region | Branch Density | Tip for Finding Branches |
|---|
| Galicia | Very High | They’re almost everywhere, easy to find |
| Madrid | Low | Concentrated in central financial areas, like the Salamanca district |
| Barcelona | Low | Mainly in central areas like the Eixample district |
| Andalusia | Sparse | Only a few scattered branches in major cities like Seville and Málaga |
| Other Regions | Very Sparse | Many small to medium-sized cities may have no branches at all |
Abanca is very much a regional bank. If you live in Galicia, it’s an absolute top choice. However, if you’re in other regions, especially in the south or in smaller cities, you might want to consider the convenience of in-person banking. When choosing a bank, besides looking at account benefits, branch coverage is a really important factor to consider! I hope this post is helpful, and feel free to add your own tips or corrections!
