KBC, KBC Brussels and CBC will adapt interest rates on Start2Save and Start2Save4 accounts as of 1 January 2025.

KBC, KBC Brussels and CBC are changing the interest rate on Start2Save and Start2Save4 accounts in respons to market trends.

For Start2Save and Start2Save4, where the savings amount is a maximum of 500 euros per month, the interest rate changes as follows:

• the base rate of interest remains unchanged at 0.75%
• the fidelity bonus decreases from 1.80% to 1.50%

The interest rate for the other regulated savings accounts remains unchanged.

For deposits made before 1 January 2025, the current fidelity bonus will continue to apply. The new fidelity bonus as from 1 January 2025 will apply to new deposits and to existing savings as soon the new fidelity period starts. ​ The fidelity bonus is acquired only for amounts that remain on the regulated savings account for 12 consecutive full months after deposit.

The interest rates are gross rates (expressed on an annual basis) and may change at any time. Current rates are available on the website and in the branches of KBC, KBC Brussels and CBC. ​ If the interest rate change, we will inform customers by post or via digital channels.

Savings start earning interests at the base rate on the first calendar day following the transaction date an cease to earn interest from the calendar day of the withdrawal. Interest at base rate is paid into the account once a year with value date 1 January or when the account is stopped.

Fidelity bonus is granted for all amounts that remain on the savings account for 12 consecutive full months from the calendar day following the deposit or from the acquisition date of the previous fidelity bonus. After acquiring a fidelity bonus, a new 12-month calculation period starts each time. The fidelity bonus is payable at the interest rate valid on the day the calculation period starts. This interest rate is fixed and remains unchanged for the entire 12-month calculation period. Each year on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October, the fidelity bonus acquired in the previous quarter is paid into the account. Even when the account is discontinued, the acquired fidelity bonus is deposited.

Start2Save and Start2Save4 of KBC, KBC Brussels and CBC are regulated savings accounts of category B. These are savings accounts with a maximum monthly savings amount or a maximum balance. They are also open-ended savings accounts. The third-party beneficiary contract linked to the Start2Save4 is for a fixed term; the customer has full say as to when the money can be released to the beneficiary. All these savings accounts are governed by Belgian law.

Withholding tax and costs

For individuals residing in Belgium, the first 1020 euro of interest earned each year (income 2024) is exempt from withholding tax, which is currently 15%. For married couples and legal cohabitants, there is an exemption up to 2040 euro per year (income year 2024) on a joint account.

There are no charges for opening and managing a savings account. Receiving printed account statements by post costs 2.50 euro a month, 25.00 euro a month if sent daily.

Risks

Insolvency risk:

A maximum of 100 000 euro of aggregate deposits held with KBC Bank (including KBC Brussels) are guaranteed per person, subject to certain conditions. In the event of KBC’s insolvency (e.g., if it goes into bankruptcy), customers run the risk of losing any deposits they have over 100 000 euro, or that amount could be reduced or converted into shares.

A maximum of 100 000 euro of aggregate deposits held with CBC Banque are guaranteed per person, subject to certain conditions. In the event of CBC’s insolvency (e.g., if it goes into bankruptcy), customers run the risk of losing any deposits they have over 100 000 euro, or that amount could be reduced or converted into shares.

Inflation risk:

These savings accounts also have inflation risk, as sustained price increases can result in the amount deposited losing value.

Complaints

Customers can submit any complaints they may have by e-mail to complaints@kbc.be or gestiondesplaintes@cbc.be . If the complaint is not resolved through these means, the customer can appeal to the Ombudsman in Financial Disputes (www.ombfin.be).

Customers should read our key information for savers before opening a savings account.

Key information for savers :