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Banks in Luxembourg
We explain the documents to open an account and find the best solutions for non-residents of the Grand Duchy Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a well-known European financial center, which is confirmed by the leading international rating agencies: Fitch Group, Moody's, and Standard & Poor's. There are more than 122 banks clustered in the small state, including the oldest BCEE — the State Savings Bank of Luxembourg (Banque et Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat). It's not easy to navigate among this variety. But there is a set of attributes that will help you choose the right bank for yourself.
Banks in Luxembourg: how to choose the best option among others
When it comes to selecting a bank in Luxembourg, there are several factors you should keep in mind to ensure that you are making the best decision for your financial needs.
Check reliability and safety
All major players in Luxembourg's financial sector are members of the ABBL — the Association of Banks and Bankers of Luxembourg. You can look for the bank in the ABBL directory in category A.
Trustworthy
You can also check the rating of a financial institution by Fitch Ratings.
In the Grand Duchy, the CSSF (Commission de surveillance du secteur financier) supervises all financial institutions. Check the CSSF website to find out more about the bank you are interested in.
It's important to choose a bank with a good reputation and a strong history. It’s also a good idea to research the bank's reputation online and read reviews from current and past clients to ensure that the bank is reliable and trustworthy.
But in any case, if the bank gets in trouble the FGDL (Luxembourg Deposit Guarantee Fund) protects depositors by guaranteeing deposits up to 100 000 euros, and in some cases, the guarantee may be even higher. If you don’t plan to save more than that, there is no need to worry at all.
Consider your banking needs
Before choosing a bank in Luxembourg, consider your banking needs.
Personal bank
If you need a bank for personal use, you might want to look for a bank that offers online banking, credit cards, and a wide range of savings and investment products.
Bank for commercial use
Alternatively, if you need a bank for business purposes, you may want to consider a bank that specializes in business banking services, such as trade finance, cash management, and corporate lending.
Additionally, if you come to Luxembourg to work, think also about the requirements of your employer. Perhaps he has a bank he works with, and that is where you will need to open an account. The same applies to your education.
Check customer service availability
Some banks in Luxembourg do not open accounts for third-country nationals, i.e. non residents of the Grand Duchy or European Union.
You can find this out by calling the bank or writing an e-mail. You can also choose national banks in Luxembourg like Spuerkeess, the national bank of Luxembourg.
Otherwise, choosing a bank, you may experience difficulties at the stage of application for opening an account.
According to the recent experience of our readers, given solely as advice, the following banks can be suitable to open an account for various situations.
Bank comparison
| Bank name | Service fee | Mobile app | Account before the residence permit |
| ING | No * | Yes | Yes |
| BGL BNP Paribas | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Banque Internationale a Luxembourg (BIL) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Post Bank | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spuerkeess | Yes | Yes | No |
* ING provides an option to open a fee-free account, but it depends on the tariff.
Check the network branches and ATMs
In case of need, there should be an easy option to withdraw money at an ATM without a fee. Finding an ATM is very easy but usually, when you withdraw money from an ATM that is not connected to your bank you have to pay a fee.
Many major banks, including BCEE, Banque Internationale A Luxembourg (BIL), BGL BNP Paribas S.A., Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., Raiffeisen, ING Luxembourg, etc., have an extensive network of branches and ATMs throughout the country.
You can search the cash machines near you using the VISA, Mastercard, or American Express ATM locators.
Look at the fees and charges
Fees and charges can vary between banks, so it's important to compare them before choosing one. You should consider several points:
Opening and monthly costs
Opening an account in Luxembourg typically involves some costs, such as account setup fees and maintenance fees. The specific fees and requirements vary between banks, so it's important to do your research and compare options before choosing a bank. Some banks may also require a minimum balance to be maintained in the account.
The types and cost of cards
This vary depending on the bank and the type of account, some banks in Luxembourg may offer debit cards with no annual fees, while others may charge an annual fee for debit or credit cards. Premium cards may come with higher annual fees and additional benefits, such as travel insurance or cashback rewards. It's important to review and compare the types and fees associated with cards based on your specific needs and usage patterns.In the Eurozone, the cards used are primarily Express, V PAY, Visa, or MasterCard, which are valid inside and outside the country.
Transaction and withdrawal fees
Moneytransfers within the Eurozone are done by a Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) transfer and don’t have any cost if the value is less than 50,000 euros. Foreign currency transactions, on the other hand, are usually charged transaction fees. If this is relevant to you it will be necessary to review and compare fee schedules carefully before selecting a bank.Some banks charge a small fee for instant transfers: if fast transfers are essential to you, it would be a good idea to find a bank that doesn’t charge you for this option. Revolut is just one of them. Usually, online banks propose this type of service for free.
Cost of overdrafts
Some banks may charge a flat fee per overdraft occurrence, while others may charge interest on the overdrawn amount. There are also authorized and unauthorized overdrafts and different charges for each one. It's important to review and compare the terms and fees associated and to avoid relying on overdrafts as a long-term solution due to the potential costs.
Check special offers
Some banks in Luxembourg may offer entry gifts or welcome bonuses to attract new customers to open an account.
Welcome present
Sometimes if you are referred by a friend, they will also give you both some gifts.
Usually, that is the case with online banking. By using the links of friends before creating an account you can benefit from some amounts of money.
However, even though entry gifts can be appealing, it's important to carefully review and compare the overall terms and fees associated with the account before deciding based solely on the entry gift.
Assess the level of customer service
Source: Luxtoday
Customer service is essential when it comes to banking. You want to choose a bank that provides excellent customer service and is easily accessible if you have any issues or questions. They will help you resolve all inconveniences and problems, so choose wisely.
Digital banking
Check the bank's opening hours and verify if it offers an online version, mobile application, and support services.
Most banks are open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch breaks are usually from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. But some branches work without breaks.
Also, check if you can count on an advisor to help you and in which language this help is available. Online banks like Revolut, Wise or N26 can be cheaper in service fees (sometimes even free), but as they are completely digital, you will not be able to meet an advisor in person. They provide online support of good quality, though.
But be prepared, that Luxembourgish banks, even ones that have managers that work with customers in person, are never in a hurry. Some resolutions can take up to a few weeks.
Where to open a bank account in Luxembourg
Source: Unsplash, profile CardMapr.nl
The list of banks in Luxembourg is pretty big so it's important to understand the banking landscape and compare the offerings of different banks. In this section, we'll provide an overview of five of the largest banks in Luxembourg, including their history, services, and reputation.
BGL BNP Paribas
Logo from site BGL BNP Paribas
About BGL
This is one of the largest banks in Luxembourg, with a history dating back over a century, and has a reputation for strong financial performance and stability.
The bank offers a broad range of services, including personal and business banking, investment management, and insurance.
BGL BNP Paribas has an extensive network of branches and ATMs throughout Luxembourg, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a local banking partner. The bank provides its clients with a range of account types, including current accounts, savings accounts, and investment opportunities.
Spuerkeess
Logo from site Spuerkeess
About Spuerkeess
It has a history dating back to the early 19th century and as it is a national bank, it holds the national savings of Luxembourg. That means that it is owned by the state, and its statutory missions are to promote savings, facilitate access to housing and support the development of the national economy.
The bank is also known as Banque et Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat. It offers a wide range of banking services, including personal and business banking, mortgages, and insurance.
It also has digital banking services, online banking, and mobile banking apps. Its unique ownership structure and its digital banking offerings may make it an attractive option for individuals and businesses looking for safety and stability in combination with a wide range of products and services.
International approval
Spuerkeess is recognized throughout the world for its excellent financial health as well as that of its sole shareholder, the Luxembourg State. This has led the international rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's to award it AA+/Aa2 ratings, the best in the Luxembourg financial market.
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL)
Logo from site BIL
About BIL
It’s majority-owned by Legend Holdings, a Chinese investment holding company. Legend Holdings acquired a 90% stake in BIL in 2018, with the remaining 10% of shares owned by the Luxembourg government.
This is the oldest private bank in Luxembourg. BIL has a grey point in its reputation due to an incident in 2020 when the BIL was fined 4.6 million euros by Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) for violations related to its anti-money laundering (AML) procedures.
The bank acknowledged the deficiencies and stated that it had already taken steps to improve its AML procedures and was committed to ensuring full compliance with regulations. Despite the fine, BIL remains one of the largest and most reputable banks in Luxembourg with a variety of banking services for personal and business clients.
ING Luxembourg
Logo from site ING
About ING
A subsidiary of ING Group, with over $1.1 trillion in assets ING Group it's one of the world's largest banks and a top European company in terms of revenue.
ING Luxembourg offers a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions, including current and savings accounts, mortgages, investments, and insurance products.
Banque de Luxembourg
Logo from site Banque de Luxembourg
About BDL
It specializes in private banking and wealth management services, catering to high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutional investors.
The bank offers a range of investment solutions, including discretionary portfolio management, investment advice, and financial planning.
While Banque de Luxembourg may not be the best fit for those seeking more basic banking services, its expertise in wealth management and focus on personalized service may make it an attractive choice for individuals with substantial assets to manage.
What documents you need to open a bank account
Source: Unsplash
As an expat, you will typically need to prepare a set of documents to open a bank account in Luxembourg.
These documents may include
Check your documents
It is always best to check with the specific bank you plan to use to confirm requirements.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Valid passport
Or identity card
Proof of address in Luxembourg
Or your home country if you are opening a non-resident account, this can be a certificate of residence or a utility bill
Residency permit
If applicable, you should bring it
Proof of employment
As well as your payslips might be asked if you want to open a credit card or other specific product or service
Other documents
Relevant information related to the type of account you are opening, for example, a proof of study, if you want to open a student account
Check your documents
It is always best to check with the specific bank you plan to use to confirm requirements.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Sometimes you will need to visit the bank in person in order to establish the account. However, if you are a non-resident opening an account from overseas, you may have the option to open an account online, providing copies of the required documents by post, email, or through their platform.
Electronic key
A lot of banks in Luxembourg will also require a specific Luxtrust certificate, an electronic token, that allows you to use online banking. For example, this is the system used by BIL to secure payments and the usage of online accounts. You can order your token (in the format of a device or mobile application) on the official website of a company.
Source: Luxtrust website
How to order and use LuxTrust
Banks in Luxembourg for non-residents
It can be overwhelming to choose the right bank to suit your individual needs as an expat, especially as a non-resident. Here you have some options to take a look at when planning to open an account in Luxembourg bank.
Operating in Luxembourg
It may be helpful to inquire with your current bank if they have a branch in Luxembourg. Having a connection between the two establishments can simplify financial transactions between your country of origin and Luxembourg. For example, National Bank of China or International Bank of Azerbaijan.
Online banks for non-residents
Source: Unsplash, profile Sophie Dupau
Revolut, N26 or Wise. These are mobile-based banks that offer a range of financial services and have gained popularity among expats due to their ease of use, low fees, and flexibility. You can open account there with providing your available documents and start receiving and spending money right away.
In case you will need a physical card — fees for its production up to 15 euros may apply. But overall online banks work free of charge for its customers.
They offer services such as everyday shopping transactions, foreign currency exchange, international money transfers, and fee-free ATM withdrawals.
However, it's important to note that these banks may not have the same level of regulatory protection as traditional banks in Luxembourg. Their services may not be as comprehensive as those offered by larger banks. If you are planning to use them, it's important to do your research and carefully consider your individual banking needs before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best banks in Luxembourg for expats?
It depends on your situation and your needs but you can check five of the largest banks that offer a wide range of services: Spuerkeess (BCEE), Banque Internationale A Luxembourg (BIL), BGL BNP Paribas S.A., ING Luxembourg, and Banque de Luxembourg. Online banks are usually a good option and very popular among expats due to their ease of use, low fees, and flexibility, you can check Revolut, N26 or Wise.
What documents do I need to open a bank account in Luxembourg as an expat?
In most cases, you will need a valid passport or identity card, proof of address in Luxembourg or your home country if you are opening a non-resident account and a residency permit (if applicable). Depending on your situation and needs you may also need to provide proof of employment or income and other relevant information related to the type of account you are opening.
Are there any fees associated with opening a bank account in Luxembourg?
Yes, opening an account in Luxembourg typically involves some costs, such as account setup fees and maintenance fees. This varies from bank to bank and depends on the type of account, card and other services you want.
Can I open a bank account in Luxembourg without visiting a branch in person?
Can I use my existing bank account from my home country in Luxembourg?
It depends on your situation and needs; money transfers can be expensive depending on your home country. You may also have problems if you are going to work as your employer can require you to have a Luxembourg bank account to be able to pay you.
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Source: www.fitchratings.com, www.abbl.lu, www.cssf.lu, www.fgdl.lu, www.revolut.com, wise.com, n26.com, www.bgl.lu, www.spuerkeess.lu, www.bil.com, www.ing.lu
We took photos from these sources: Agung Gumilang Adha for Unsplash, profile CardMapr.nl, Logo from site BGL BNP Paribas, Logo from site Spuerkeess, Logo from site BIL, Logo from site ING, Logo from site Banque de Luxembourg, Unsplash, Luxtrust website, profile Sophie Dupau
Authors: Daria
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