Compare savings accounts

A savings account is a bank account where you place money that you do not need immediately. In return, the bank pays you a return: interest.

Unlike a term deposit, a savings account does not have a fixed term. You can normally deposit or withdraw money at any time. However, the exact conditions may vary from one account to another.

Conditions such as a minimum or maximum deposit, fees and restrictions can be found in the savings account information sheet. For regulated savings accounts, the bank is legally required to make an “essential information sheet” available.

A regulated savings account is a savings account that meets legal requirements and offers two types of interest: the base interest rate and the loyalty premium.

The base interest rate applies to the amounts you deposit into the account and is acquired no later than from the day after the deposit. The loyalty premium is earned on amounts that remain in the savings account uninterrupted for 12 months. The loyalty premium rate is fixed at the time of the deposit for the following 12 months.

The bank can change the base interest rate at any time. The loyalty premium is fixed for a period of 12 months for a particular deposit. If you plan to leave your money in a savings account for a short period, it is best to focus mainly on the base interest rate. If you plan to leave your money for at least 1 year, the loyalty premium is more important.

A non-regulated savings account does not meet the legal requirements that apply to regulated savings accounts. It offers only a base interest rate and no loyalty premium.

The absence of a loyalty premium does not automatically mean that a non-regulated savings account is less attractive. Its interest rate may be higher than that of regulated accounts, making it important to also consider taxation and the net return. When comparing accounts, always look at what you ultimately keep after tax.

For a regulated savings account, interest is tax-exempt up to a certain amount. In 2026, interest is exempt up to €1,020 per person per year. You pay 15% withholding tax on the amount above this exemption. For married couples and legally cohabiting partners, the exemption amounts to per year. Keep in mind that this exemption does not apply per account, but to all regulated savings accounts held by the same person.