Managing your money can be a confusing and complicated task at times. It’s even worse when you have to do it in another language.

But if you’re moving to another country, or simply traveling abroad, you’ll have to do it eventually. Because you’re going to have to withdraw money from your bank to pay for some things. Maybe you’ll have to open an account in your new country of residence, or do any kind of transaction.

Spanish is a very popular language, and it is spoken in many different countries around the world. Maybe you’re planning to live or travel to Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, or somewhere else.

Here are some Spanish words and phrases for the bank that will help you have a smooth transition into the world of economics in the Spanish language.

Things to Do Before Going to a Bank in a Foreign Country

Research the banks in the country you’re traveling or moving into. It’s important that you know which banks exist in that country. You might find some that you’ve never heard of, and others that also exist in your country. Check their benefits and what they offer.

You should also read what people are saying about that bank, so you can have different opinions on whether it’s good or not. All of this will help you have the best view of which banks are safe and real so you are not scammed.

Check which currency is used in the place you’re going to. You need to know this to pay things accurately and to know the exchange rate between your and the foreign country’s currency.

Check the location of the banks and ATMs. This will help you see which banks are closer to your hotel or home in case you need to withdraw money. Some banks or ATMs might be far away from where you’re staying, and that could be complicated.

Make sure that your bank knows that you’re traveling. So they won’t think that your credit card was stolen if you pay something abroad with it. They could block your card, and leave you with no other form of payment but cash.

If you’re moving, check the documents that you’ll need to open a bank account. You can Google it; but, of course, for more specific details and to avoid confusion, call the bank.

Learn these next Spanish words for the bank, and practice how to use them in a context. You might need a lot of them when the time comes.

34 Spanish Words for the Bank

  1. Bank – Banco
  2. Bank account – Cuenta bancaria
  3. Apertura de cuenta – Account opening
  4. Account number – Número de cuenta
  5. ATM – Cajero automático / Cajero
  6. Electronic banking – Banca electrónica
  7. Documents – Documentos
  8. Deposit – Depósito
  9. Credit card – Tarjeta de crédito
  10. Debit card – Tarjeta de débito
  11. Cash – Efectivo
  12. Coins – Monedas
  13. Banknotes / Bills – Billete
  14. Check – Cheque
  15. Currency – Moneda
  16. Dollars – Dólares
  17. Pesos – Pesos
  18. Euro – Euro
  19. Withdrawal – Retiro
  20. To withdraw money / To withdraw cash – Retirar dinero / Retirar efectivo
  21. Funds – Fondos
  22. Refund – Reembolso
  23. Conversation ratio – Tasa de conversión
  24. Bank transfer – Transferencia bancaria
  25. Transaction – Transacción
  26. Fee – Tarifa
  27. Transaction fees – Tarifa de transacción
  28. Maintenance fee – Tarifa de mantenimiento
  29. Exchange rate – Tipo de cambio
  30. International banks – Bancos internacionales
  31. Savings account – Cuenta de ahorros
  32. Pension – Pensión
  33. Credit – Crédito
  34. Mortgage credit – Crédito hipotecario

Spanish Phrases and Questions to Use in a Bank

Since you’re in a foreign country, you might have some doubts about how financial things work there. Here are some phrases and questions that will help you clarify things with a local bank.

  • Buen día, ¿cómo puedo aperturar una cuenta?
    Good day, how can I open an account?
  • ¿Cuánto puedo retirar en el cajero?
    How much can I withdraw from the ATM?
  • ¿Qué necesito para cobrar un cheque?
    What do I need to cash a check?
  • ¿Cómo solicito una tarjeta adicional?
    How do I request an additional card?
  • Me gustaría solicitar un crédito. / Quiero solicitar un crédito.
    I would like to request a credit. / I want to request a credit.

Spanish Phrases and Questions You Might Hear

Bank executives might have some of these important requests in order to help you out.

  • ¿Me permite su identificación para pagarle su cheque?
    Can I have your ID to be able to pay you your check?
  • ¿Puede, por favor, tomar su turno para pasar con el ejecutivo de cuenta? / Por favor tome un turno para pasar con el ejecutivo de cuenta.
    Can you please take your turn to pass with the account executive? / Please take a turn to pass with the account executive.
  • Por favor tome un lugar en la fila.
    Please get in line.

Keep Learning Spanish Words & Phrases for the Bank

These Spanish words, phrases, and questions above will be useful for you whether you’re traveling, moving, or even working at a bank. So learning them is important. But you should keep improving your language skills if you want to be sure that you’re doing the right thing when it comes to your finances in Spanish.

TruFluency’s Spanish classes can help you with that. We will not only provide you with more vocabulary but also make you practice it by speaking. We want you to be able to have a conversation in Spanish and not get lost.

We have native tutors, so you will be able to practice your listening, speaking, and accent with native Spanish speakers. They can also answer any questions you have about their countries’ banks and currencies.

Our classes are also customized. So if you have specific language goals, like learning Spanish words and phrases for the bank or traveling, we’ll help you achieve them.

All of our lessons are online. So you can learn with us even if you have already moved to a Spanish country, but your language abilities still need to be polished. Numbers and financial documents can be complicated in a new language, so taking classes is a great option to improve that aspect.

All you have to do is choose a TruFluency Spanish teacher and set a schedule. Get 20% off of your first month of classes with code TF20!