Illustrative image of a piggy bank on page about the KBC Start2Save savings account

KBC Start2Save Account (Cat. B*)

  • Receive a base rate of interest of 0.75% on an annual basis
  • Receive a fidelity bonus of 1.80% 
    (on funds remaining on your account without interruption for a period of 12 months)
  • Withdraw your savings at any time

* KBC Start2Save is a ‘category B’ savings account: a savings account with a maximum monthly savings amount or a balance limit.

What is a KBC Start2Save Account?

Offered by KBC Bank NV Belgium, the KBC Start2Save Account is a regulated savings account that may be held in the name of one or more individuals. It is governed by the laws of Belgium.

You can only put money into a KBC Start2Save Account by means of a monthly savings standing order (up to 500 euros a month). You can only open one KBC Start2Save Account.

Earnings

Current rates

Base rate of interest 0.75%
Fidelity bonus 1.80%

The rates shown are gross and annualised and can change at any time. Current rates are always shown above or can be obtained from your KBC branch. If the rates change, we will inform you by post or through one of our digital channels.

Savings start earning interest at the base rate on the first calendar day after the transaction date and cease to earn interest from the calendar day on which they are withdrawn. This interest is paid into your account once a year (with a value date of 1 January) or when you close your account

.You receive the fidelity bonus for amounts that remain on the savings account for 12 consecutive full months called the ‘calculation period’. When funds are withdrawn, the accruing fidelity bonuses whose acquisition date is furthest in the future will be the first to be used. 

For the first three transfers of funds per year to another regulated savings account at KBC, however, the fidelity bonus will be transferred proportionally if the following conditions are met:

  • Both savings accounts have at least one common account holder
  • The amount transferred is at least 500 euros
  • The funds are not transferred by standing order or automatic savings order

This means that the current 12-month calculation period is not ended, but continues instead on the savings account receiving the funds. In this case, too, the fidelity bonus is only awarded for amounts that remain on the relevant savings accounts for 12 consecutive months.

Every time a fidelity bonus is acquired, a new 12-month calculation period will start. The fidelity bonus rate is the interest rate prevailing on the first day of a new calculation period. That rate is fixed and remains unchanged for the entire 12-month calculation period, except when the fidelity bonus is transferred proportionally. In that case, the fidelity bonus for the remaining period is the interest rate prevailing on the day the funds go into the receiving savings account.

The fidelity bonus will be paid into your account on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October after being acquired in the preceding quarter. Any fidelity bonus acquired will also be paid when you close your account.

Features of this savings account

  • Funds available at all times: the KBC Start2Save Account is an open-ended product and funds can be withdrawn from it at any time and without charge.
  • Free of charge: there are no charges for opening and managing the account. Receiving printed account statements by post, however, costs you 2.50 euros a month if they are sent monthly or 25 euros a month if sent daily.
  • Tax-efficient: individuals who are resident in Belgium are exempt from 15% withholding tax, on the first 1,020 euros of interest earned each year (2024 income). Married couples and legal cohabitees are entitled to an exemption of up to 2,040 euros a year (income year 2024) on a joint account.
  • Automatic savings order: you can only put money into a KBC Start2Save  Account by means of a monthly standing order to transfer funds (up to 500 euros) from a current account at KBC or another financial institution. Only one such order is allowed per KBC Start2Save account.

Risks

  • Insolvency risk: a maximum of 100,000 euros of your aggregate deposits with KBC Bank are guaranteed per person, subject to certain conditions. In the event of KBC’s insolvency (e.g., if it goes into bankruptcy), you run the risk of losing any deposits you have over 100,000 euros, or their amount could be reduced or converted into shares. You can obtain a copy of our ‘Protection of deposits and financial instruments in Belgium’ brochure from your KBC branch or from www.kbc.be/depositprotection.
  • Inflation risk: this savings account also has an inflation risk, as sustained price increases can result in the amount deposited losing value.

Learn more

Before opening a savings account with us, be sure to read our key information for savers.

Complaints

  • If you have a complaint, please contact KBC Complaints Management:
  • If the matter fails to be resolved through this channel, you can turn to the Ombudsman in financial conflicts (www.ombudsfin.be).

Open a KBC Start2Save Account

Before opening a savings account with us, be sure to read our key information for savers.

You can submit any complaints you may have by e-mail to complaints@kbc.be, tel. 016 43 25 94 and/or by e-mail to ombudsman@ombudsfin.be.

Open a KBC Start2Save Account