National Bank of Belgium
Groep Dender
AXA Bank Europe
Alpha Credit
Belgolaise
BKCP
AXA Banque
AXA Private Management
Brain Network
BNP Paribas Fortis
BNPP Paribas Personal Finance Belgium
Arab National Bank
Bundesverband deutscher Banken
Card Alliance
Banque Transatlantique
BNB
DHB Bank
bpost banque / bpost bank
Development Credit Bank Limited
Byblos Bank Europe
Bank Degroof
Bank J. Van Breda & C°
Centea
CBC Banque & Assurance
European Association of Co-operative Banks
CM-CIC LEASING
Crédit 2000
Fortis Bank Global Clearing NV, Brussels branch
ING Direct USA
Landbouwkrediet / Crédit Agricole
Fin Force
Fortuneo Belgium
Fintro
IXXO be smart!
LD&A
GAMBIT Financial Solutions
NIBC Direct Belgium
Record Bank
ProCoDel
Nederlandse Vereniging van Banken
Puilaetco
Puilaetco Dewaay Private Bankers
Tunz.com
There are around 130 banks in Belgium, both local and international, though almost three-quarters of the market is cornered by Fortis, KBC, Dexia and ING. In addition, Belgium boasts one of the highest bank branches per capita and so branches are plentiful and usually have short waiting times. Almost all banking staff in Brussels speak English, as in the rest of the country, so this does not need to be an overriding factor when deciding upon a bank. Banks usually open at 9am and close between 4 and 5pm on weekdays, and depending on the branch, may close between 1 and 2 pm for lunch. On weekends some banks and branches may open half-day, although many remain closed.
The Belgian banking system is very advanced and safe, and you can even have complete e-banking, from opening an account from your home computer and never having to go to a branch at all. Money transfers within Europe are simple to do and can be done online. Other international transfers, however, may require you to go to a branch and have the transfer processed there.
ATMs can be found anywhere as well, and in many cases fees are not charged for using another banks ATM machines.
It is advisable to always have a current account, as it is the most convenient and cheapest way of making everyday transactions and transfers.
Opening a bank account in Brussels is a simple process requiring only a valid form of identification (ID card or passport) and can even be initiated before you come to Belgium. Some of the companies offer complete online banking where you almost never have to physically go to a bank branch. Probably the most important factor when choosing a bank (as language is not an issue since English is widely spoken) is convenience of branches. The Belgian banks, in particular Fortis, KBC and Dexia have branches in all parts of Belgium making for easy access.
Once you have opened your bank account it will take a few days to receive your bank card, PIN and other relevant information. Credit cards may take longer to be issued as the banks may look at your account history to determine whether to issue one and what limits to place on it. Extra services such as online banking may cost a little bit extra, though it is a one-time expense to set it up. You can determine how often you receive statements and online banking is available and encouraged.
An appointment is not necessary to set up an account at the bank; just visit the bank of choice and speak with a representative. You do not necessarily have to deposit any money initially.
Groep Dender
AXA Bank Europe
Alpha Credit
Belgolaise
BKCP
AXA Banque
AXA Private Management
Brain Network
BNP Paribas Fortis
BNPP Paribas Personal Finance Belgium
Arab National Bank
Bundesverband deutscher Banken
Card Alliance
Banque Transatlantique
BNB
DHB Bank
bpost banque / bpost bank
Development Credit Bank Limited
Byblos Bank Europe
Bank Degroof
Bank J. Van Breda & C°
Centea
CBC Banque & Assurance
European Association of Co-operative Banks
CM-CIC LEASING
Crédit 2000
Fortis Bank Global Clearing NV, Brussels branch
ING Direct USA
Landbouwkrediet / Crédit Agricole
Fin Force
Fortuneo Belgium
Fintro
IXXO be smart!
LD&A
GAMBIT Financial Solutions
NIBC Direct Belgium
Record Bank
ProCoDel
Nederlandse Vereniging van Banken
Puilaetco
Puilaetco Dewaay Private Bankers
Tunz.com
Main banks
The Belgian banking system is very advanced and safe, and you can even have complete e-banking, from opening an account from your home computer and never having to go to a branch at all. Money transfers within Europe are simple to do and can be done online. Other international transfers, however, may require you to go to a branch and have the transfer processed there.
ATMs can be found anywhere as well, and in many cases fees are not charged for using another banks ATM machines.
It is advisable to always have a current account, as it is the most convenient and cheapest way of making everyday transactions and transfers.
Opening a bank account
Once you have opened your bank account it will take a few days to receive your bank card, PIN and other relevant information. Credit cards may take longer to be issued as the banks may look at your account history to determine whether to issue one and what limits to place on it. Extra services such as online banking may cost a little bit extra, though it is a one-time expense to set it up. You can determine how often you receive statements and online banking is available and encouraged.
An appointment is not necessary to set up an account at the bank; just visit the bank of choice and speak with a representative. You do not necessarily have to deposit any money initially.
