Banking in Belgium
A Belgian bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, and daily transactions. Belgium is predominantly cashless, with contactless payments widely accepted everywhere.
Opening a Bank Account
Standard Requirements:
- Valid passport or ID card
- Proof of Belgian address (rental contract, utility bill, commune registration)
- Some banks accept applications before arrival
Some banks allow online account opening if you have Itsme (Belgian digital ID) or by uploading documents. Otherwise, visit a branch in person.
Major Banks Comparison (2026)
| Bank | Monthly Fee | English Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBC | €0-3.25 | Good | Best-rated Belgian bank, excellent app |
| ING | €1.90+ | Excellent | Special expat services, Dutch bank |
| BNP Paribas Fortis | €0-7.50 | Moderate | Largest bank in Belgium |
| Belfius | €0-4 | Good | Former Dexia, strong digital |
| N26 | €0-16.90 | Excellent | German digital bank, limited Belgian features |
Payment Methods
Contactless/cards: Standard everywhere. Visa and Mastercard debit cards widely accepted. Bancontact is Belgium's local debit card network.
Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay increasingly accepted. Payconiq is Belgium's popular mobile payment app for peer-to-peer transfers.
Cash: Still accepted but declining. Some smaller businesses are cash-only, but most are card-friendly.
Important Services
Itsme: Belgium's digital identity app. Used for online banking, government services, and digital signatures. Set up through your bank or eID card. Essential for digital life in Belgium.
Domiciliation: Many services (utilities, insurance, subscriptions) use direct debit (domiciliation). Set these up through your bank.
Getting Your National Register Number
When you register at your local commune (municipality), you receive a national register number. This serves as your identification for banking, tax, healthcare, and all official services.
Process:
- Register at your commune within 8 days of arrival
- Receive proof of registration
- National register number assigned
- eID card issued (for long-term residents)
Tips for New Expats
Salary: Belgian salaries are typically paid monthly around the 25th. Thirteenth month (bonus) and holiday pay are standard.
International transfers: Use Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates when sending money abroad.
Savings: Belgian savings accounts offer modest interest. First €1,020 of interest is tax-free on regulated savings accounts.
Tax Considerations
Tax filing: Belgian tax returns are due June 30 (paper) or July 15 (online) for the previous year's income. Use Tax-on-web with your eID or Itsme.
ISTR: If eligible for the expat tax regime, coordinate with your employer to structure the 35% allowance correctly.
Pro Tips
- •KBC is consistently rated Belgium's best bank with an excellent app
- •Set up Itsme as soon as possible — needed for banking, taxes, and government services
- •ING offers special expat packages including blocked rental guarantee accounts
- •Payconiq app is useful for splitting bills and peer-to-peer payments
- •First €1,020 of savings interest is tax-free on regulated accounts
Have questions about banking in Belgium?