Financial inclusion for all
08/09/2026
In May, the Banco de España published its Financial Inclusion Report 2025.Abre en ventana nueva The report looks at the challenges people in Spain face in accessing banking services in person and how those services are being used.
One of the main new features in this edition is its analysis of financial inclusion among migrants, with a particular focus on people in an irregular situation. It also underlines the importance of financial education as a tool for improving financial inclusion, an area in which the Banco de España plays a leading role.
Some people find it harder than others to access banking services. This may be the case for older people, those living in rural areas, people on lower incomes or with lower levels of educational attainment, those who aren’t comfortable using digital tools, the migrant population, asylum seekers and people with disabilities. In many cases, there are more barriers than just the financial ones. A lack of information, complicated procedures, the digital divide and a lack of awareness of customer rights can also get in the way.
One especially important tool for promoting financial inclusion is the basic payment account. This type of account is designed to support and promote financial inclusion in the European Union by making it easier for customers to access basic banking services. All banks must offer one, provided certain requirements are met. These accounts allow people to carry out essential transactions such as paying in and withdrawing money, setting up direct debits, paying by card and making transfers. For people who are vulnerable or at risk of exclusion, it may also be free of charge.
Financial education can help reduce financial exclusion and improve many people’s well-being. But if inclusion is to be truly meaningful, providing information isn’t enough. Services also need to be accessible, support needs to be close at hand, procedures need to be simpler and financial products need to be designed around everyone’s needs.
