Belgium has a distinctive savings framework in Europe: regulated savings accounts offer a unique tax advantage, but traditional banks often provide disappointing rates. In 2026, with ECB rate cuts, comparing all available options is essential to optimise your savings.
The Belgian regulated savings account — how it works
In Belgium, regulated savings accounts are governed by law. They consist of two components:
- Base rate: legal minimum of 0.01% (set by the National Bank of Belgium)
- Loyalty bonus: minimum 0.01%, paid on funds that remain in the account for at least 12 consecutive months
Key tax benefit: interest on regulated accounts is exempt from withholding tax up to €1,020 per year per taxpayer (2026). Above this threshold, a 15% withholding applies only to the loyalty bonus — the base rate remains always exempt.
Best Belgian banks — 2026 rates
| Bank | Product | Base rate | Loyalty bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keytrade Bank | Savings account | 1.40% | 0.25% | 1.65% |
| Argenta | E-Spaarrekening | 1.25% | 0.25% | 1.50% |
| Beobank | Savings Account+ | 1.10% | 0.20% | 1.30% |
| ING | Savings Account | 0.50% | 0.10% | 0.60% |
| BNP Paribas Fortis | Savings Account | 0.40% | 0.10% | 0.50% |
Fintechs available in Belgium
| Platform | Rate | Type | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Republic | 2.50% | Interest on uninvested cash | German DGS €100,000 |
| Revolut | 2.25% | EUR Savings Vault | Via partner banks |
| Raisin Belgium | 2.00-2.75% | Term deposits | Local DGS per country |
Note: fintech interest is subject to 30% Belgian withholding tax (no exemption, unlike regulated accounts).
Belgian State Bonds
In September 2023, the Belgian government launched a 1-year State Bond at an exceptional rate of 5.60% net — a historic success (€22 billion subscribed). In 2026, new issues offer more modest returns:
- 1-year State Bonds (2026): ~2.50-2.80% gross (net after 30% tax: ~1.75-1.96%)
- Quarterly issues via authorised Belgian banks and brokers
- Belgian sovereign risk (S&P rating: AA-)
Deposit guarantee in Belgium
The Fonds de Protection des Dépôts et d'Assurances (FPDA) covers deposits up to €100,000 per depositor per institution. This guarantee applies to regulated savings accounts, current accounts and term deposits at banks authorised in Belgium.
Frequently asked questions
Is savings interest taxed in Belgium?
On a regulated account: exempt up to €1,020 per year. Above that, 15% withholding applies only to the loyalty bonus. On all other products (fintechs, term deposits, State Bonds): 30% withholding at source.
Can I open a Keytrade account from abroad?
No. Keytrade Bank is a Belgian institution available only to Belgian residents. For non-residents, Raisin or Trade Republic are the most accessible alternatives.