Newcastle took an early lead courtesy of Callum Wilson who tucked home an effort after great work from Allan Saint-Maximin and Matt Ritchie in the build-up.
The visitors grew into proceedings but it was the Magpies who deservedly led at the break, a lead they would double soon after thanks to Saint-Maximin.
The winger was sent through one-on-one with Ander Iruarrizaga in the Bilbao goal and coolly slotted home an effort into the bottom conrer.
The visitors responded through a Raul Garcia header after the hour mark and pressed for an equaliser but just couldn’t beat Martin Dubravka as the Newcastle defence stood tall.
The result made it back-to-back wins at home for the Magpies ahead of their season opener with Nottingham Forest.
Here are our Newcastle United player ratings from the clash with Athletic Bilbao at St James’s Park:
. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Newcastle manager Eddie Howe reacts on the sidelines during the Pre Season friendly match between Newcastle United and Atalanta at St James' Park on July 29, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
This is the Newcastle United team that will face Athletic Bilbao. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
. Martin Dubravka - 7
Made a couple of decent saves including two to deny a rasping effort from Zarraga in the second-half. Photo: Stu Forster
. Emil Krafth - 7
Solid once again at right-back and dealt with everything with minimal fuss. Photo: Gualter Fatia
9. Matt Ritchie - 6
Did very well for Wilson’s opener. Switched to the left midway through the second-half but rarely had a chance to threaten the Athletic goal. Photo: Marc Atkins
10. Callum Wilson - 7
Looked a threat from the off and did very well for his goal. Had a subdued second period and had very little service to thrive on. Subbed just before the end to be replaced by Santiago Munoz. Photo: OLI SCARFF
11. Allan Saint-Maximin - 8
Promised much in the first-half to no avail. However, he took his goal superbly well after being released by Joelinton. Tracked back well defensively to his credit. Easily his best display for a long time in a Newcastle shirt. Subbed just before the final whistle. Photo: Gualter Fatia
12. SUB - Matthew Bondswell - 6
Replaced Dummett on 70 minutes and made a couple of good recovering tackles to disrupt promising looking attacks. Photo: Gualter Fatia