The best banks in Belgium
Whether you are moving to Belgium for higher studies or work opportunities, having a bank account is vital to lead a stable life. From managing bills to everyday spending, mortgage or rent payments, and receiving a salary, a bank account is required everywhere.
Though having a bank account is vital, which bank to choose in Belgium? Belgium is counted among Europe’s major financial and banking sector. While finding the best bank in Belgium, you will come across various banks that offer specialized banking services to expats.
When looking for the best bank in Belgium, you need to consider a lot of things. These include finding the bank nearest to your location, some bank charges a fee for opening a bank account, while others open it for free.
You can consult your colleagues and do a little research to find the ideal bank for opening a bank account in Belgium. We have selected the best Belgian banks that offer English service and clear contracts to expats and non-Flemish / French speakers. We have listed below the criteria by which we have listed a top 4 of the best banks in Belgium.
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#1 -The best bank for expats
The best bank for English speaking people who just moved to Belgium – loved among expats – free cashwithdrawels worldwide. |
The best bank for English speaking people who just moved to Belgium – loved among expats – free cashwithdrawels worldwide. |
9.3
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Visit n26.be |
#2
The perfect bank if you need more than only a current account (investing / trading advice etc) – offers a great app where you can manage all your services. |
The perfect bank if you need more than only a current account (investing / trading advice etc) – offers a great app where you can manage all your services. |
8.9
| Visit Keytrade.be |
#3
A good bank for if you need more than only a current account – ING has a lot of brick and mortar branches – personal advice available. |
A good bank for if you need more than only a current account – ING has a lot of brick and mortar branches – personal advice available. |
8.4
| Visit ING.be |
#4
Axa offers different insurances which you take out for a good price – Great bank if you want more services than a current account only. |
Axa offers different insurances which you take out for a good price – Great bank if you want more services than a current account only. |
8.1
| Visit Axabank.be |
The best banks in Belgium
If you are making Belgian bank account comparisons, then to make your task easier, we are clubbing here the top banks for you. Browse these banks to find the ideal one that meets your requirements.
After moving to Belgium, though you can open the bank account in any of your preferred banks, the top ones are here for you.
N26
Save your money, spend as required, and also track your every transaction by having a bank account in one of the best Belgium banks. Open the best Belgian bank account and enjoy all the facilities provided by your bank.
Advantages
- Set aside or spend your money while managing your bank account anytime, anywhere.
- N26 won’t charge you any hidden fees on your free bank account. The best bank for expats in Belgium always keeps you updated about what you are spending while you are traveling. You will not be charged any foreign exchange fees too.
- At N26, security is paramount. All of your online, as well as in-store purchases, are fully secured with advanced 3D Secure technology.
- The real-time push notification from the bank allows you to keep track of every transaction that is coming in and out of your N26 bank account.
- Get a better insight into spending habits, as with the help of artificial intelligence, your account automatically categorizes your spending. This helps you to manage your expenses in a better way.
Disadvantage
- In Belgian banks comparison, though N26 is counted among one of the best German banks, the only flaw is that it is focused more on the younger generation, or we can say, tech-savvy people.
Keytrade Bank
Manage your money actively by taking advantage of the market’s best banking offer with Keytrade Bank.
Advantages
- The bank allows you to keep track of all your spending and deposits with its free apps for Android, iPhone, and iPad users.
- You can sign up for free information sessions that take place in Dutch and French throughout Belgium.
- For people interested in the stock market, the bank gives a chance to gain access to the international stock market.
- Get a free VISA and debit card.
Disadvantages
- VISA card is free, but after one year, it remains free only if you are doing at least 12 transactions yearly.
- Some of the customers have shown disappointment in the bank’s customer service.
ING
Find the nearest branch, make an appointment, and become a client of one of the best banks of Belgium by opening an account here.
Advantages
- Every account holder gets one free debit card.
- You will get free in-branch advice.
- Download and easily manage your account statements.
- Invest at your own pace with the regular investment plan from only a minimal amount of €25 per month.
Disadvantages
- Customer service is not excellent.
- Customers complained about the closure of their bank account by the bank without any valid reason.
AXA
Open an account in AXA bank, and learn everything that you need to know about the daily banking.
Advantages
- Enjoy contactless payments with the AXA credit card.
- By subscribing to the free investment letter, you will receive tips on “how to invest in a better way.” These will be emailed to you six times a year.
- You will get full travel insurance without any extra costs.
- Whether you want to pay, save, invest, or borrow, you can manage all yourself with AXA online banking.
Disadvantages
- AXA is expected to sell its Belgium branch to Crelan. It might turn out to be a positive move, but chances are there it affects its customers in initial stages.
- The apps provided by the bank are good, but some of the important features are missing.
- Customers are not finding the apps user-friendly.
Tips and tricks
Being an expat you should be ready with the following documents for opening a bank account in your preferred bank in Belgium:
- Documents to prove your identity like – passport, identity card, etc.
- Carry your Belgium address proof like house bill, rent agreement, etc.
- Bring along the completed application form duly signed by you for opening the account.
These are the regular documents that banks generally ask for. But the procedure for opening an account in any of the Belgium banks varies from one bank to another. Some banks allow expats to open an online bank while some prefer opening it through the respective branch.
Once the account is opened, you can enjoy the facilities provided by the bank and lead a comfortable life in Belgium.