Compare Savings Accounts in Belgium
Live offers across tracked providers in Belgium — updated daily from the Giraffy database.
Live offers
- AXA Bank Spaarrekening BE
- VDK Bank Spaarrekening BE
- MeDirect Essential
- Triodos Spaarrekening BE
- Hello bank! Savings BE
What is a Savings Account in Belgium?
A Belgian regulated savings account (compte d'épargne réglementé / gereglementeerde spaarrekening) is an instant-access account paying interest in two parts: a base rate plus a loyalty premium (prime de fidélité / getrouwheidspremie) that you earn only if funds stay put for twelve consecutive months. Rates across the market currently run from about 1.2% to 3.75% once both parts are combined.
Providers include ING Belgium, Argenta BE, Belfius BE, MeDirect, Keytrade Bank, Santander Consumer Bank, VDK Bank BE and AXA Bank BE.
How the Belgian market works
Regulated savings accounts are a distinctly Belgian product. The headline rate is split so that the base rate is credited continuously, while the loyalty premium is only secured after money remains untouched for twelve months, then paid on the anniversary. Moving cash early forfeits the premium on the withdrawn amount.
Interest on regulated accounts is tax-exempt up to an annual threshold set each year; interest above that ceiling is subject to the précompte mobilier withholding tax of 30%. Online banks such as MeDirect and Keytrade Bank often lead the rate tables, while Argenta BE, Belfius BE, ING Belgium, VDK Bank BE and AXA Bank BE compete on stability and service.
Benefits
Tax-efficient interest — interest is exempt up to the yearly threshold, so modest savers often pay no tax at all.
Instant access — funds remain available at any time, though early withdrawal forfeits the loyalty premium on that amount.
Competitive online rates — MeDirect and Keytrade Bank frequently top the tables toward the 3.75% end of the range.
Deposit protection — balances are covered up to €100,000 per person, per bank.
How to choose
Look at the combined rate but read how it splits between base rate and loyalty premium. A high base rate rewards savers who move money around; a high loyalty premium rewards those who leave funds untouched for a full year. If you may need access sooner, favour a strong base rate.
Check the current tax-exemption threshold, whether the account is genuinely a regulated account (and therefore eligible for the exemption), and the language of service from providers like Belfius BE or Argenta BE.
Leading providers in Belgium
ING Belgium, Belfius BE, Argenta BE, VDK Bank BE and AXA Bank BE offer widely held regulated savings accounts. MeDirect, Keytrade Bank and Santander Consumer Bank are known for pushing rates toward the top of the range, making them popular with savers chasing yield.
What it costs
Regulated savings accounts carry no account-management fee; the cost that matters is tax. Interest is exempt up to the annual threshold, above which the précompte mobilier applies at 30%. The trade-off to weigh is the loyalty premium: withdrawing before the twelve-month mark forfeits that portion of your return.
Protections and regulation
Savings banks are supervised by the National Bank of Belgium (NBB). Regulated savings accounts must meet legal criteria to qualify for the tax exemption. Eligible deposits are protected up to €100,000 per depositor, per institution under the Belgian deposit guarantee scheme.
Common questions
Why are there two rates? A regulated account pays a base rate plus a loyalty premium earned only after funds stay in place for twelve months.
Do I pay tax on the interest? Interest is tax-exempt up to the annual threshold; above it, 30% précompte mobilier applies.
Can I withdraw any time? Yes, but early withdrawal forfeits the loyalty premium on the amount taken out.
Savings Accounts in Belgium — FAQ
What is the highest savings rate in Belgium right now?
Giraffy tracks 5 savings accounts across AXA Bank BE,VDK Bank BE,MeDirect,Triodos Bank BE,Hello bank! BE providers in Belgium. Sort by highest rate and filter by account type (easy access vs. fixed) to find the best deal for your timeline.
Is my money safe in a savings account?
Yes — the Belgian Deposit Guarantee Scheme protects up to €100,000 per person, per bank. Always confirm your institution is NBB-regulated before depositing. If your balance exceeds the protection limit, spread funds across multiple separately-licensed banks.
What does p.a. mean on a savings account?
p.a. (per annum) is the standardised rate that accounts for how often interest is compounded over a year. It's the fairest number to compare across accounts — always compare like-for-like using p.a. rather than the gross or monthly rate.
What is the difference between easy access and fixed-rate savings?
Easy access accounts let you withdraw your money at any time — rates are variable and may change. Fixed-rate bonds or term deposits lock your money away for a set period (usually 1–5 years) at a guaranteed rate, which is typically higher. Choose fixed if you don't need the funds before the term ends.
Do I pay tax on savings interest?
Tax on savings interest varies by country and income level. Check your country's tax authority guidance or speak to a financial adviser if your interest income is significant.
Can I open multiple savings accounts at different banks?
Yes — and it can be a smart strategy. Spreading savings across banks maximises your deposit protection (€100,000 under the Belgian DGS per institution) and lets you earn the best rate at each bank. Just keep track of all accounts to avoid losing money to dormancy fees.
How quickly can I access my money in an easy access savings account?
Most easy access accounts transfer funds to a linked current account within one working day, and many process withdrawals the same day. Some accounts restrict the number of free withdrawals per month — check the terms before you open one if flexibility matters to you.