Opening a bank account in Belgium can be a great opportunity for you. Being an expatriate, you need to be sure you pick the right bank. This guide is made to assist new arrivals in Belgium by highlighting the most suitable banks, based on their offers and level of service. If you require a basic account for regular use or a premium one with more advantages, you should first find out which options are available.
A summary of banking in Belgium
The banking sector in Belgium includes traditional banks as well as online banking services. BNP Paribas Fortis and ING Bank are well-known institutions that allow customers to open current or savings accounts, as well as business accounts. They also provide customers with safe debit cards, some of which can be used for worldwide purchases. Managing finances is now easy for clients, thanks to the convenient apps available from banks.
Ways to choose the right bank
People in Belgium should keep in mind that finding a bank with highly accessible online services is very important. When people have debit cards and accounts for several currencies, it gets easier for them to handle their funds from any place. Since each institution, BNP Paribas Fortis, Belfius and ING Bank, has different charges and interest rates, the total banking expenses may be different. An effective and secure BIC number ensures smooth international banking.
Support for customers plays a big role, and effective interactions with staff are important, especially if you have just opened an account or bought travel insurance. With this information, it is easier for people to choose the right banking services in Belgium.
People who are not from Belgium should ensure the bank of choice provides quick online banking services and fast access to their accounts. Most Belgian banks provide customers with debit cards that can be used internationally, while having a savings account lets you look after your finances. You should be aware of the fees and upkeep costs, because banks like BNP Paribas Fortis and ING Bank have accounts that are free or low-cost.
Having travel insurance is beneficial for expats. There are Belgian banks that provide services for overseas banking and multi-currency accounts. An IBAN and a BIC are necessary for making secure transactions. Particularly with Belfius, international buyers receive specialised business services and user-friendly online banking.
KBC Bank
Since KBC Bank is popular among expatriates, it offers custom services that make banking easier for them. Thanks to its modern internet banking and mobile app, managing one’s finances has become easy. Expatriates have no trouble setting up a Belgian bank account and receiving an international debit card.
The team of customer service representatives is there to assist foreign residents, using various languages to make everyone’s time better. This bank is different from others in Belgium, including BNP Paribas Fortis and ING Bank, as it makes it easier to use IBAN and BIC to transfer money internationally.
Customers of KBC can purchase travel insurance and use multiple currencies without the hassle. Security is an important priority for KBC, which helps users relax while handling their banking, maintaining its top-notch ranking in expat banking.
ING Belgium
When it comes to finding state-of-the-art banking options, expats choose ING Belgium. It’s simple to use the bank’s online site and mobile app for all my banking needs. They help you open a Belgian account with a valid IBAN for simple transactions in Europe. Travellers can benefit from having a debit card and an international account with good exchange rates.
The pricing for their services is low, starting from a minimum monthly cost and with chances for waivers for underage clients. Many expats prefer ING over BNP Paribas Fortis and Belfius mainly because it has lower fees. Since customer support responds quickly in English and several other languages, expatriates can deal with their finances easily. Also, the BIC code makes it quick and safe for customers to send money internationally.
BNP Paribas Fortis
Expatriates and foreign immigrants living in Belgium often choose BNP Paribas Fortis for its attractive range of services and products. Customers of this bank benefit from both versatile, traditional banking as well as online banking that is simple to use. When compared with other banks such as Belfius or ING, BNP Paribas Fortis charges various costs for managing your account, and certain packages also give access to travel insurance.
Setting up a bank account as a foreigner is a simple process if you bring your valid passport, proof of address and maybe proof of your income. All transactions require you to use the BIC and IBAN assigned to you in Belgium. If you want to manage and transfer your finances in different currencies, BNP Paribas Fortis offers worldwide banking and allows you to do transactions at the mid-market exchange rate.
Argenta
Argenta is the preferred bank for foreigners and expats in Belgium. Managing a banking account in Belgium is easy thanks to online services from the bank, which also makes transactions with the international debit card smooth. Setting up a current account with an IBAN and BIC makes banking easier for customers.
With Argenta, you are also able to set up a business account, which helps you build credit in Canada. Argenta is popular among people searching for banking that does not cost much and is simple to use. Clearly explaining things and responding quickly to users’ needs are highlights that many note and appreciate. Since handling different types of money and getting travel insurance are important for travellers, Argenta is an attractive choice for them. From what we have seen, Argenta makes banking and transferring money safe and beneficial for international users.
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