The Savings Account (Cat. B)1

In brief, what is it?

A regulated savings account into which you deposit your savings. Perfect for dealing with unexpected expenses.

You can find more general information (in French) about regulated savings accounts via the link www.bnpparibasfortis.be/info-epargne.

Traditional Savings
  • A free savings account2.
  • A base interest rate of 0.30% gross annually.
  • A fidelity premium of 0.20%. This is acquired for any amount remaining on the account for 12 consecutive full months.
  • You can access your money at any time. You can use it when you need it.
  • Ceiling of €250,000 per account, max. 1 account per identical (joint) account holder

Some reading before you open an account: Essential information for savers.



1According to the new classification defined by the federal government and the banking sector, a category B savings account is an account with amount conditions (limited balance).

2Is the balance of your account less than €25 and have you not made any withdrawals or payments in the last ten years? An annual fee of €2.50 will be deducted in that case, provided you are at least 24 years old and that you don't have any other accounts with BNP Paribas Fortis.

The Savings Account is a regulated savings account under Belgian law, marketed by BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV.

Interest rates

The base rate of 0.30% (on an annual basis) is the interest you receive from the day following the date of deposit, for each day your money remains in your savings account. You will receive this interest on 1 January each year (or when your account is closed).

The fidelity premium of 0.20% (on an annual basis) is calculated on each deposit that remains in your account for an uninterrupted period of 12 consecutive months. If you withdraw money before the end of this period, no fidelity premium will be paid for this amount. Earned fidelity premiums are paid on the first day following the end of the quarter in which they were acquired (1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October) or when the account is closed. Once paid on your account, they in turn generate interest and a new acquisition period of 12 months begins to run at the rate in force at that time. This rate is guaranteed for the entire acquisition period, even if the bank changes the fidelity premium rate in the meantime.

The base interest rate and the fidelity premium are subject to fluctuations depending on market conditions or any changes in the legally authorised limits. No unpleasant surprises.
You will be informed through your bank statements if the base interest rate and/or fidelity premium change.

Access your money at any time

Your Savings Account is open for an indefinite term. If you have extra money, deposit it into this account where it is tucked away safely. And if you need it because you want to treat yourself or in the event of unexpected expenses, the money is right there. Just transfer the amount you need back into your payment account.

Tax

The bank does not apply withholding tax (WHT) on the interest on your regulated savings account provided that this interest does not exceed the annual exempt amount of EUR 1,050 (income 2025). For a savings account opened in the name of two married persons/legal cohabitants, the bank does not apply WHT provided that the interest does not exceed twice this amount, i.e. EUR 2,100 (income 2025).

If you are a Belgian tax resident, you must check each year the total amount of interest on the regulated savings accounts that you receive on the basis of your wealth situation/matrimonial regime (as well as those for which you have legal enjoyment in the case of minor children) and for which the banks have not apply any WHT. If this amount exceeds the annual exempted amount of EUR 1,050 per taxpayer (assuming you are tax resident for the entire income year), you must declare the surplus in your individual income tax return. The non-exempt part of your interest is subject to 15% WHT.

Ceiling of EUR 250,000

The balance of the Savings Account is capped at €250,000. If the balance of your account is greater than this ceiling, the amount in excess is transferred to a Deposit Account, an existing non-regulated savings account or a non-regulated savings account that is opened specifically for this purpose, with identical management powers (same holder or joint holders, same representative(s), same management parameters). This other account, which is used to deposit the excess amount in anticipation of its short-term or medium-term allocation, offers the same flexibility as your Savings Account.


One account per (joint) account holder

A Savings Account can only be opened if the same holder or joint holders has/have not already opened a Savings Account with Hello bank! or BNP Paribas Fortis. A Savings Account AND a Savings Account Plus can however be opened for the same holder or joint holders.
Discover this other solution for you.

Risks for the saver

Risk of bankruptcy : in the event of bankruptcy or risk of bankruptcy of the financial institution, the saver shall bear the risk for not recovering his/her savings or may be subject to a reduction/conversion into equity/shares (bail-in) of any receivables that he/she is owed by the financial institution and that exceed €100,000, i.e., the amount protected by the deposit protection mechanism.

Inflation risk : in case of inflation, a continued rise in prices could cause the deposited money to lose value.

Complaints and Right of Recourse

Complaints can be made to the Bank through the Hello Team or by using the complaint form.

If the proposed solution is not satisfactory, the holder can file a written complaint to the Bank’s Complaints Management section by sending a letter to the following address:

BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV - Complaints Management
Montagne du Parc/Warandeberg 3
1000 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2 228 72 18
E-mail: gestiondesplaintes@bnpparibasfortis.com

If the holder is not satisfied with the solution proposed by the Bank’s Complaints Management section, they can present the dispute to:

OMBUDSFIN – Ombudsman in financial conflicts by writing to:
North Gate II, Boulevard du Roi Albert II, no. 8, box. 2, 1000 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2 545 77 70
E-mail: ombudsman@ombudsfin.be
Website: www.ombudsfin.be


How can I open my Savings Account?

Contact the Hello Team at + 32 2 433 41 45 (from Monday till Friday from 7 am until 10 pm, and on Saturdays from 9 am until 5 pm).
You can open a Savings Account provided you do not yet have a Savings Account with the same account holder or joint account holder with Hello bank! or BNP Paribas Fortis. Please read before opening an account: Essential Information for savers.

FAQ


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