Step · Money
Open a Spanish bank account
A Spanish (euro, IBAN) bank account is what you need for rent, direct-debited utilities, salary, Bizum and everyday card payments; any legal resident of the EU also has a legal right to a low-fee 'cuenta de pago básica' if a bank will not open an ordinary account.
- Why it matters
- Landlords, utility companies and employers in Spain typically expect a Spanish IBAN, and several other items (Bizum, direct debits) depend on it. Americans are also asked by Spanish banks for US tax-status information because of FATCA.
- When
- You are about to sign a lease, set up utilities, receive a Spanish salary, or simply want a local debit card and IBAN.
- How long it takes
- Basic payment account: the bank must give its decision within 10 business days of receiving the complete application (RDL 19/2017, art. 5.2). Ordinary accounts: not stated by an official source.
- Official page
- How to request a basic payment account (cuenta de pago básica)
- Last checked
- 6 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 5 steps, what to bring (6 items), and tips and what to watch for, with every official source.