Opening a Bank Account

Hi, I came to open a new account.

Using the imperfect tense ('venía') is a natural, slightly indirect way to state your goal when approaching a desk.

Hi, I'd like to open a bank account, please.

A standard, polite way to explain why you are at the bank.

Good morning. I would like to get information about the requirements to open an account.

A more formal approach asking for information first.

Are you going to charge me anything every month for having this account?

A direct, everyday way to ask about monthly fees.

Does this account have a monthly maintenance fee?

The standard banking term for a fee is 'comisión'.

I just need a basic checking account to direct deposit my salary.

In Spain and Latin America, 'domiciliar' is the standard verb for setting up direct deposits or automatic payments.

Do you charge a fee for withdrawing money at other banks' ATMs?

Useful for checking out-of-network ATM fees.

Here is my passport and the lease agreement I signed yesterday.

Bank clerks will often ask for 'un comprobante de domicilio' (proof of address), like a lease.

Is it necessary that I bring a printed proof of address today?

Uses the subjunctive 'traiga' because it follows the impersonal trigger 'es necesario que'.

Do you give me the card now or does it arrive by mail?

A simple, conversational way to ask about receiving your debit card.

How long would it take for the debit card to arrive at my house?

Using the conditional 'tardaría' softens the question and makes it sound more polite.

Do you give me the passwords today to log into online banking?

Passwords or login credentials in Spanish banking are commonly called 'claves'.

Is there a minimum balance I need to keep in the account?

Uses the subjunctive 'deba' to describe a hypothetical requirement.