Biggest Bank Spain: A Comprehensive Overview

Spain's banking sector is a significant player in the global economy, and one of the largest banks in the country is Santander.

Santander has a long history dating back to 1857 and has undergone significant transformations over the years to become the bank it is today.

The bank has a strong presence in Spain, with over 1,500 branches across the country.

In addition to its domestic operations, Santander also has a significant presence in other countries around the world, including the UK, Latin America, and Europe.

Discover more: How Much Bank Balance Is Required for Spain Student Visa

Spain's banking scene is dominated by a few big players, but if you're a foreigner looking for a reliable bank, you'll want to consider the top banks in Spain. Santander, the largest bank in Spain, has a huge international presence with 133 million customers worldwide.

Santander's rapid expansion has made it one of the largest banks in the world, with a presence in the UK, North America, Singapore, South America, and Africa. You can open an account in English, making it perfect for expats.

BBVA, the second largest bank in Spain, is also a great option, especially for its customer focus and online services. You can open an account in Cuenta Azul Online or Cuenta Online, and all necessary manipulations can be carried out from a computer or smartphone.

On a similar theme: Bank Brokerage Account

Santander is Spain's largest bank, with a huge international presence making it perfect for expats. It has 133 million customers worldwide and is one of the largest banks in the world.

The bank has undergone significant expansion through major acquisitions, including Abbey National in 2004 and Banco Popular in 2017. This has helped it to become a global banking powerhouse.

Santander's net profit in the first quarter of 2018 was €677m, a rise of 27% year-on-year. This is a testament to the bank's financial stability and success.

CaixaBank is another major player in the Spanish banking scene. It was named the best financial institution in Western Europe by the American Magazine Global Finance in 2021.

CaixaBank has a highly developed network of branches and ATMs, offering non-residents services tailored to their needs. It also has a version of its website in English, making it easier for foreigners to navigate.

The bank's digital client base is 56% of its total client base, making it a leader in online and mobile banking in Spain. With 15.7 million customers, CaixaBank has an outstanding presence in the country.

Explore further: Financial Ratios in Banking

BBVA is another well-known bank in Spain, although it is not as highly ranked as Santander and CaixaBank. It is, however, a significant player in the Spanish banking market.

ING Direct offers a low commission fee of just 25 euros for non-residents, making it an attractive option for those looking to open a bank account in Spain.

Suggestion: What Continent Is Spain In?

Our rating of banks in Spain is compiled using data from international rating agencies, which indicates the stability and reliability of each institution represented.

The top 5 banks in Spain for foreigners are carefully selected based on feedback from international clients.

Our rating takes into account the convenience, quality of service, and loyalty to non-residents, ensuring that the banks we recommend meet the needs of expats and international visitors.

The banks in our top 5 list have been praised for their stability and reliability, making them a safe choice for foreigners to manage their finances in Spain.

These banks offer a range of services tailored to international clients, including account opening, currency exchange, and investment opportunities.

Their reputation among foreigners is built on the quality of their customer service, with many clients praising their helpful and knowledgeable staff.

BBVA is a top bank in Spain that has earned its reputation for reliability and customer focus. It's one of the "Big Four" in Spain.

You can easily find BBVA offices and ATMs in any region of the country, making it convenient for customers. They also have an English version of their website.

BBVA was formed from the merger of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya and Argentaria in 1999, making it the second largest bank in Spain. This merger has helped the bank grow and expand its services.

You can open an account with BBVA, such as Cuenta Azul Online for customers aged 18-29, or Cuenta Online. While online banking is convenient, you'll still need to bring original documents to the department.

Explore further: Columbia Bank Umpqua

Santander, one of the biggest banks in Spain, has a long history dating back to 1857. It was founded by a group of businessmen led by Amalia Heredia, a prominent figure in Spanish society.

Santander has a strong presence in Spain, with over 14,000 branches across the country. This extensive network allows customers to easily access their banking services.

The bank's headquarters is located in Madrid, the capital city of Spain, and it employs over 190,000 people worldwide.

Bankinter is a Spanish bank with its headquarters in Madrid, listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange (BKT) and part of the Ibex35 Index.

Bankinter offers a range of services, including internet banking through ebankinter.com, telephone banking, and a network of branches. You can also use their services to carry out transactions and make queries online, by phone, or in person.

Bankinter's current account costs just €45 per year to maintain.

International transfers to EU countries in euros are a bargain, costing just 26 cents if done online for amounts up to €50,000. If you transfer cash by phone, the charge is 0.05% plus 26 cents (minimum charge €2, maximum charge €250). At a branch, the fee is 0.25% plus 26 cents.

Receiving euros from a foreign account is free with Bankinter.

Here are some of the services Bankinter offers:

BBVA is a reliable bank in Spain, not just because of its trustworthiness, but also because of its customer focus. It's great to see that they have an English version of their website, making it accessible to international visitors.

You can open an account with BBVA through their Cuenta Azul Online or Cuenta Online services, both of which can be accessed from a computer or smartphone. However, be prepared to bring original documents to the department.

BBVA is formed from the merger of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya and Argentaria in 1999, and it's now considered the second largest bank in Spain. This merger has helped BBVA become a major player in the country's banking scene.

BBVA is one of the "Big Four" in Spain, a group of top banks that are highly regarded for their services.

Broaden your view: Bbva Bank Headquarters

Abanca is a financial institution in Spain that's definitely worth mentioning. It's a young but ambitious company that has already taken over several less successful national banks.

Abanca has a very extensive network of offices, thanks to its recent acquisitions. This is a big advantage for customers who prefer to bank in person.

The Clara Abanca Basic Account can be opened online, and an additional advantage is the absence of account maintenance fees. This makes it a very attractive option for those looking to open a bank account in Spain.

In 2019, the bank received an A+ rating from Brand Finance, which is a testament to its strong brand value.

Bankia is a Spanish bank that's been making waves in the industry. It was formed in 2010 by merging seven Spanish savings banks.

The bank has had its ups and downs, but it's now on a growth trajectory. In 2017, it held €179.1 billion in assets.

Bankia has ambitious plans to distribute more than €2.5 billion to shareholders over the next three years. This is a significant increase from the €1.16 billion given out in the previous four years.

The bank is also expecting a profit of €1.3 billion by 2020, which is 62% higher than its 2017 profit.

The Spanish banking system has its own set of rules and regulations that may seem confusing to foreigners. Most banks in Spain are ready to accept debits up to 5 thousand euros.

However, it's not uncommon for banks to request supporting documents for smaller amounts. This is something to keep in mind when depositing money into an account in Spain.

The good news is that all financial institutions in Spain meet high reliability indicators, giving you peace of mind when it comes to your money. This is a major advantage of the Spanish banking system.

Here are some specific details about popular banks in Spain:

It's always a good idea to clarify the specific requirements for depositing money into an account in Spain, especially if you're planning to deposit a large amount.

Banking in Spain can be a bit confusing, especially for non-residents. Banks in Spain are controlled by the Bank of Spain, which has its main office in Madrid and branches in every city.

You'll find that online banks are a popular option, offering free account arrangements and a change from traditional banks that often have inconsistent policies. For example, one branch may charge to open an account, while another won't.

Some banks in Spain charge higher fees for non-residents, with Mare Nostrum charging 193 euros and Deutsche Bank charging 185.80 euros, according to FACUA. On the other hand, ING Direct offers a lower fee of 25 euros.

If this caught your attention, see: Bank Charge

If you're a non-resident, you'll need to provide a 'certificado de no residencia' from your local police station and your travel permit to open a bank account. Alternatively, your bank can obtain the document for you for a 15 euro fee.

Here's a list of some common bank fees in Spain:

Our rating of banks in Spain is compiled using data from international rating agencies, which indicates the stability and reliability of each institution represented.

These rating agencies help us identify the top banks for foreigners in Spain, giving us a clear picture of which banks are most suitable for expats.

The top 5 banks in Spain for foreigners are carefully selected based on feedback from international clients, allowing us to assess the quality of service and loyalty to non-residents.

These banks have demonstrated a commitment to serving the needs of expats, making banking in Spain a more accessible and convenient experience for everyone.

The feedback from foreign clients of these financial institutions was also taken into account, which allows us to draw conclusions about the convenience, quality of service and loyalty to non-residents.

Banking fees are a reality in Spain, and even the best bank will charge you some sort of fee to use a service.

You'll need to be informed about what to expect, so you can spend your money as you see fit.

No matter which bank you're with, you'll likely encounter fees for using an ATM, making withdrawals, and other normal transactions.

To avoid fees, it's a good idea to understand how they work and plan accordingly.

Being aware of these fees will help you manage your finances more effectively in Spain.

Santander Asset Management has seen steady revenue growth over the years, with a peak of €57.423 billion in 2022.

Let's take a look at the financial data of Santander Asset Management:

Revenue has been steadily increasing, from €39.753 billion in 2013 to €57.423 billion in 2022.

In 2013, the company had 182,958 employees.

Here's a breakdown of the company's revenue over the years:

The company's net income has also seen a steady increase, from €5.409 billion in 2013 to €11.080 billion in 2022.

In 2022, Santander Asset Management had 212,764 employees.