Best GBP accounts in Belgium

A GBP account can be useful if you’re paid in pounds, need to support family in the UK, or want to hold GBP alongside euros. Belgian banks and international providers offer different solutions, from simple foreign currency accounts to multi-currency accounts with linked debit cards. Wise, for example, provides GBP account details as well as the option to hold and exchange dozens of other currencies at the real mid-market rate. The best choice depends on how you intend to use the account, from everyday purchases to larger international transfers.

What is a GBP currency account?

A GBP currency account is a bank or online account that lets you hold money in British pounds while living in Belgium. Instead of converting every payment into euros, you can keep funds in pounds until you need them, or switch between currencies when it suits you. Some accounts support only GBP, while multi-currency accounts also let you hold euros and other major currencies in the same place.

What can you do with a GBP account in Belgium?

Having a GBP account gives you more control over how you manage money across two currencies. Instead of watching pounds turn into euros automatically, you decide when and how to use your balance, making daily life and international payments much easier to handle.

Here are some of the ways expats in Belgium often use these accounts:

• Receive payments from the UK: Get paid in pounds without automatic conversion to euros. Wise, for example, gives you UK account details so clients or family can send money as if it were a local transfer.
• Hold pounds for future use: Keep GBP in your account until the exchange rate is more favourable, rather than converting immediately at bank rates.
• Spend while travelling: Use a linked debit card, like the Wise card, to pay in pounds when you visit the UK and avoid extra foreign transaction fees.
• Pay UK expenses from abroad: Cover bills, mortgages, or subscriptions in the UK directly from your GBP balance.
• Move money between currencies with ease: With multi-currency providers, you can switch between GBP, euros and other currencies from the same account whenever you need.

Types of GBP accounts

Multi currency accounts: Multi-currency accounts let you hold GBP alongside other currencies in a single account. They usually come with extra features such as local account details, easy exchanges between currencies and linked debit cards.

• Wise: Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with local account details in GBP, EUR and more.
• Revolut: Manage 30+ currencies in one app with fast exchange options and a linked card for spending.

Foreign currency accounts: Foreign currency accounts usually focus on one or a few currencies and let you hold GBP separately from your euro balance, choosing when to convert.

• HSBC Expat Account: Multi-currency account designed for people living or working abroad who want to hold GBP, as well as EUR or USD, in one place. Customers receive access to HSBC’s global network, savings, investments and specialist expat support.
• Barclays International Account: Open an account in GBP with full digital banking, a linked debit card for global spending and international payments in 60 currencies to over 90 countries.
• ING Belgium Foreign Currency Account (Business): Business account linked to your main euro account, with sub-accounts in currencies such as GBP.

Many of these accounts also come with debit cards to make spending easier.

Best GBP currency accounts in Belgium

Opening a GBP account in Belgium can be done through a local bank or with a specialist online provider. Banks like ING and Barclays International offer foreign currency accounts that let you hold pounds separately from your euro balance, giving you more control over when you exchange. Online providers such as Wise and Revolut focus on multi-currency accounts with extra flexibility, transparent pricing and features like debit cards or business integrations.

The “best” account depends on your priorities. Some expats want to save on conversion fees when being paid in pounds, others prefer accounts that let them move easily between multiple currencies, and business users often need global account details to collect payments abroad. To help compare, we’ve included providers that support GBP, are accessible to customers in Belgium, and stand out for convenience, pricing and ease of use.

	💡 At a glance
Wise	Multi-currency account with GBP account details, mid-market exchange rates and a debit card for global spending.
Revolut	Choose from 4 account tiers, hold and exchange 30+ currencies, including GBP and EUR, and spend worldwide with the Revolut debit card.
HSBC Expat Multi-Currency Account	Accounts for high-wealth individuals that let you hold GBP and provide global access for international transfers and wealth management services.
ING Belgium Foreign Currency Account (Business)	Link a free GBP sub-account to your main euro business account to pay and receive in British pounds without conversion costs.
Barclays International Account	Open an account in GBP and manage funds digitally, with global transfers, debit cards and personal banking services if you qualify.

Wise account

Wise gives expats in Belgium the chance to hold GBP alongside more than 40 other currencies in one account, convert at the mid-market exchange rate and receive pounds with local account details as if you had a UK bank account.

The account also links to a debit card, so you can spend in 150+ countries or withdraw directly from your balances, without expensive foreign transaction fees. You get 200 per month EUR (up to two withdrawals) free of charge at ATMs, after which a small fee applies.

• Hold and exchange GBP with 40+ other currencies, with conversion fees starting from 0.47%
• Receive GBP and other major currencies with local account details
• Spend or withdraw worldwide with the Wise debit card, linked directly to your balances

Account opening fee: None for personal accounts. Business accounts pay a one-time 50 EUR to unlock full features

Eligibility criteria: Available to residents in Belgium and most countries worldwide

Supported currencies: 40+ including GBP, EUR and USD

Monthly fees: None

Exchange rates: The mid-market rate

Revolut account

Revolut is used by 760,000 people in Belgium and has become a go-to option for those who want flexibility with their money. You can hold GBP alongside over 30 other currencies and send transfers to more than 160 countries.

The account also includes a debit card that lets you spend like a local in 150+ currencies, whether you’re shopping online, travelling, or paying bills abroad. Different plan tiers are available, starting with a free Standard account and scaling up to Plus, Premium, Metal and Ultra, which add higher allowances and extras such as insurance or lounge access.

• Hold and exchange GBP, EUR and 30+ other currencies in one app
• Spend like a local in 150+ currencies with the Revolut debit card
• Send transfers to over 160 countries with transparent fees

Account opening fee: None for standard personal accounts

Eligibility criteria: Available to residents in Belgium aged 18+ with valid ID

Supported currencies: 30+ including GBP, EUR and USD

Monthly fees: Free for Standard. Paid plans start at 3.99 EUR and go up to 60 EUR depending on features

Exchange rates: Revolut’s own rates on weekdays up to your plan’s allowance; 0.5%–1% fee applies on extra amounts or weekend exchanges

ING Belgium Foreign Currency Account (Business)

ING’s Foreign Currency Account allows Belgian companies to manage payments in pounds and other major currencies without automatic conversion to euros. Businesses open one professional current account in euros, then add free sub-accounts in currencies such as GBP. Each sub-account is automatically linked to the main account under the same IBAN, making it simple to manage balances and transactions in multiple currencies from one place.

The account is designed for businesses that send or receive regular payments in foreign currencies. You can create local account details for GBP, hold balances in several currencies simultaneously, and decide when to exchange using ING’s built-in currency conversion tool.

• One euro business account with free foreign-currency sub-accounts
• Same IBAN for all linked currencies
• Send and receive in GBP to avoid unnecessary exchange fees

Account opening fee: None for the sub-account, but requires an ING professional current account

Eligibility criteria: Available to ING Belgium business clients with an active professional current account

Supported currencies: 28 currencies, including GBP, USD and EUR

Monthly fees: No additional charge for the sub-account, but standard business account fees apply

Exchange rates: ING applies its own rates with a margin. International payments may include an ING commission, correspondent bank fees and conversion charges

HSBC Expat Account

HSBC Expat is built for people living or working abroad who want a secure, global banking base in GBP, EUR or USD. The account stays with you wherever you move, giving access to HSBC’s extensive international network, savings and investment options, together with dedicated expat banking support.

Eligible customers can also open a Global Money Account to hold and exchange up to 19 currencies, transfer between HSBC accounts instantly with no HSBC fees, and make international payments in more than 50 currencies from the mobile app.

• Open and manage accounts in GBP, EUR or USD
• Instant global transfers between HSBC accounts with no fees
• Access savings, investment tools and specialist expat support

Account opening fee: None

Eligibility criteria: £75,000+ in savings, £120,000+ annual income, or an existing HSBC Premier status

Supported currencies: GBP, EUR and USD

Monthly fees: None if eligibility criteria are met

Exchange rates: HSBC exchange rates, which include a markup

Barclays International GBP Account

You can open a Barclays GBP Account through Barclays’ International and Expat banking arm, based on the Isle of Man. The account is designed for people managing money across countries who want the flexibility to hold sterling and other currencies in one place. Backed by Barclays’ global network, it’s ideal for expats, professionals working internationally and higher-wealth clients seeking a secure and well-known banking base.

The account provides easy online and mobile access for everyday banking, with a sterling debit card for worldwide spending and ATM withdrawals. You can make international payments 24/7 to over 90 countries in up to 60 currencies, and benefit from dedicated relationship management for eligible clients who hold higher balances.

• Open an account in GBP, EUR or USD with online and mobile banking access
• Send and receive payments internationally in 60 currencies
• Spend worldwide with your sterling debit card and access dedicated client support

Account opening fee: None

Eligibility criteria: Residence in one of 35 eligible countries and a minimum of £100,000 (or currency equivalent) in savings and/or investments with Barclays or £250,000 for Relationship Management services

Supported currencies: GBP, EUR and USD

Monthly fees: No monthly fee, but a £40 (about 46 EUR) monthly charge applies if the minimum balance is not maintained for four consecutive months

Exchange rates: Barclays exchange rate, which include a markup

Fees for GBP accounts in Belgium

The cost of holding a GBP account in Belgium depends on whether you go with a traditional bank or a digital provider. Some fees are fixed, while others vary based on how much you transact, the plan you choose, or the type of transfer.

• Account opening fee: Most personal accounts with providers like Wise and Revolut have no setup cost, while some business-focused services may add a one-time charge.
• Monthly maintenance fee: Some banks may apply a small monthly fee. Digital providers like Wise don’t charge ongoing account fees for personal use.
• Currency conversion fee: Wise applies transparent fees from 0.47% using the mid-market rate, while banks like ING typically add a markup when converting GBP into euros.
• ATM withdrawal fee: Revolut and Wise both allow free withdrawals up to a set monthly allowance of 200 EUR, after which small fees apply.
• Foreign transaction fee: Spending abroad with a bank-issued card often comes with extra costs. With digital providers, these are typically waived or replaced with a clear exchange fee.
• Wire or transfer fee: SWIFT transfers can involve higher charges and intermediary costs.

How to open a GBP account in Belgium

Opening a GBP account in Belgium is usually a simple process, but the steps vary depending on whether you go with a Belgian bank or an international online provider.

In most cases, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and proof of address. Belgian banks are legally required to verify your identity and residential status before opening an account. Once approved, your account will be linked to online or mobile banking, allowing you to start using it right away.

With banks: Belgian banks like ING Belgium usually require you to already have a euro-denominated business or personal current account before adding a foreign currency account. Depending on your chosen bank, you might need to book an appointment in your local branch or apply online before submitting valid ID and other required documents.

Accounts are opened in your name and usually activated within a few working days. Fees apply on a monthly basis, and conversion charges are added whenever you switch between pounds and euros.

With online providers: Specialist platforms such as Wise and Revolut let you set up a GBP account digitally, often within minutes. You’ll be asked to verify your identity by uploading documents and, if needed, confirming your address.

Once verified, you’ll receive local account details for GBP and can start receiving payments just like you would with a UK bank account. For personal customers, there are usually no opening or maintenance fees, unless you’re on a tiered plan, while business users may face a small one-off charge depending on the provider.

How to use your GBP account in Belgium

A GBP account in Belgium can make daily life easier for expats and international professionals. From managing income to spending abroad, these accounts give you more flexibility in how you handle your money.

• Receive payments from the UK: Share your GBP account details with employers or clients and get paid as if you had a local UK bank account. Wise, for example, provides local account numbers that make receiving pounds fee-free (except for SWIFT transfers).
• Send money internationally: Transfer GBP directly to friends, family, or suppliers in the UK without automatic conversion to euros. Wise also provides transfers to over 160 countries at the mid-market exchange rate.
• Hold and exchange currencies: Keep your balance in GBP until you choose to convert. With Wise and Revolut, you can switch to euros or other currencies when the timing works best for you.
• Spend abroad with a card: Wise and Revolut link their accounts to debit cards, so you can pay in GBP, euros, or more than 150 other currencies without hidden foreign transaction charges.
• Withdraw cash when needed: Use your card to take money out at ATMs in Belgium or abroad. With Wise, the first 200 EUR per month is free, making access to your balance more affordable.
• Manage business income and expenses: Services such as Wise and Revolut provide business GBP accounts with additional features, like the ability to invoice in pounds and pay international suppliers without unnecessary conversions.

Conclusion

Managing pounds from Belgium can look very different depending on the account you choose. Some people prefer the security of a global bank like HSBC or Barclays, while others value the flexibility of digital providers such as Wise or Revolut for keeping costs low and currencies easy to handle. What matters most is finding the account that matches how you actually use your money, like receiving payments or spending abroad and holding savings in GBP.

For those who want clarity and convenience, Wise is a convenient everyday financial companion. You know every fee before you send, can hold GBP alongside 40+ currencies and the linked debit card works in more than 150 countries.

Thinking about opening a GBP account? Start using Wise and keep more of your GBP when living in Belgium.

Useful resources

• Wise – Multi-currency accounts with GBP, EUR and 40+ other currencies, low conversion fees, and a linked debit card (checked November 2025)
• Revolut – App-based account supporting GBP and 30+ other currencies, with multiple plan tiers for personal and business users (checked November 2025)
• HSBC Expat – Official HSBC Expat account information outlining multi-currency features, eligibility and expat banking support (checked November 2025)
• Barclays International – Details on Barclays International Bank Accounts in GBP, EUR and USD, including eligibility and relationship management services (checked November 2025)
• ING Belgium – Foreign Currency Account information for business customers, supporting 28 currencies including GBP, EUR and USD (checked November 2025)