Which is the best bank without having a nie no?

Hi Katielou

Welcome to the forum

The question “which is the best” is subjective. You’ll get any number of answers from members, all with their own opinions, based, generally on their experiences. All will be legitimate. Perhaps if you can define your requirements? 🤪🥂

Hi. Generally you will need an NIE number in Spain for a number of things such as opening a bank account, getting a mobile SIM card with a Spanish provider, buying a house/flat/car etc but in the meantime Starling Bank (a virtual app based UK bank) does offer a Euro account which you will get a debit card with no fees (no ATM fees either) and the account number will be in the form of an IBAN so transferring to from Spanish banks and transactions will be no different.

Here's the link for this: https://www.starlingbank.com/current-account/euro-bank-account/

Hope that helps.

(edit. I should mention I have this account and it's great - recently used this month in Spain no issues)

I've not got an NIE yet (have an appointment to get one this week). Last month I opened a keycard account with Sabadell using my passport. I organised it online and had to pop in to the El Campello branch in person to complete the process.

Hi thanks for replying. Is that just a basic account or any overdraft facilities etc? 

I also have had a Starling account for about 12 months but not had the opportunity to use it in Spain yet. 

I love the App and it works seamlessly with the Euro Starling account as well. I use this account in conjunction with a Transferwise account. I took this route because it uses a foreign IBAN number (Belgium I think) so I'm hoping to eventually swap all my Spanish utilities and other bill's in due course. 

I understand that other members had issues with Starling on certain utilities because it has a GB IBAN number.

Of course if I obtain residency in the meantime I can just stick with Sabadell with no fees........however I will still keep Starling and Transferwise.

Just a basic account, but there are other accounts available. Mine is ok for depositing and withdrawing funds, paying direct debits and bills and so on. I also get a debit card and internet banking.

you can open a non resident account with your passport and P60. however, having UK bank statements available will help. 

Do you need the account as part of a residency application? If not, there are many fee free online banks that would work in Spain.

Thinking back I opened my Sabadell Key account with just my passport. They do charge like most Spanish banks but almost every branch has an English speaking staff member. Never had an issue and also have their app.

As an aside they also own TSB in the UK.

G

I've recently changed from Sabadell (they charge 140 euros p.a) to Starling that costs me nothing (plus they pay a very small interest rate on credit balances) and I've switched all my DDs to them virtually seamlessly (Hydraqua was a bit of a pain). Euro exchange rate from Starling is very good. 

https://www.starlingbank.com/current-account/euro-bank-account/