bunq – The Best Bank for International Students in Spain

Moving to Spain for your studies? Youโve got enough to figure outโyour bank shouldnโt be one of them. Traditional banks make you jump through hoops, demanding proof of residence, local documents, and endless paperwork before you can even touch your money. Thatโs where bunq changes the game.
As a fully mobile bank, bunq lets you open a Spanish bank account in just 5 minutesโno NIE/TIE required for the first 90 days, just your passport. With a Spanish IBAN and the freedom to hold multiple European IBANs, you can start sending, receiving, and managing money right away.
To read more about how to open a bank account in Spain, the best options for your situation and how the whole system works, check out our guide to “The Best Banks in Spain for Internationals”.
Why International Students in Spain Choose bunq
No NIE/TIE? No Problem
Most banks wonโt let you open an account without local paperwork. With bunq, you donโt need a NIE or TIE for your first 90 days, just your passport. You can start paying rent, receiving money from home, and splitting bills from day one!
Banking in Your Language
Handling admin in a foreign language is stressful. bunq offers support in 35+ languages, so you can manage your finances without the headache.
The Essentials to Get You Started
bunq offers different plans, including student plans and expat plans, which is available to everyoneโwhether you’re a student or not. With bunq Free, you get:
- Up to 3 free Bank Accounts, supporting 22 Foreign Currencies
- Instant Payments across Europe
- Low-cost international transfers for sending and receiving money abroad

Budgeting So Easy Youโll Actually Do It
Between tuition, rent, groceries, and nights out, keeping track of your money can be a challenge. With bunq, you get:
- Easy Budgeting tools to organize expenses effortlessly
- Simplify group expenses with tricount
- High interest on savings, so your money grows while you study
Free Student Banking
Your budget is tightโwe get it. Thatโs why bunq offers bunq Pro for free to students who verify their enrollment. No monthly fees, just premium banking features:
- Best exchange rates abroad with Zero FX
- 6 monthly free international foreign currency transfers
- 6 monthly free ATM withdrawls
- 3 free physical cards
Skip the Paperwork. Start Banking Today
Forget in-person appointments, endless forms, and hidden fees. Open a Spanish bank account in minutes and focus on what really mattersโenjoying life in Spain.
Sign up today and experience banking that works for you.
More Articles About Banking & Budgeting in Spain:
The Cost of Living in Spain – Budgeting for Spain’s Major Cities
bunq – The Best Bank for International Students in Spain
Wise – The International Bank Account for Everyone
N26 Online Banking – Open Your Spanish Bank Account Before you Arrive
Revolut – The World’s First Financial Super App
Leah Warner
Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!

