Belgian banking: more digital, still physical

Digital banking continues to grow. One in five Belgians banks digitally more often than a year ago. Almost 95% used an online or mobile banking service in the last three months of 2025, and 63% did so in the 48 hours prior to the survey.

The banking app is the most popular channel. 89% of Belgians use a banking app, compared with 85% who use PC banking. For the first time, the app has taken a slight lead. Two in three Belgians use their banking app at least once a week.

The most frequently used digital banking services remain making payments (76%), checking balances and transactions (69%), and transferring money between one's own accounts (50%). In addition, viewing past transactions online has gained significant importance (27%, compared with 12% in 2020).

Digital banking services are rated very positively. 93% of mobile users find the banking app easy to use, and 88% consider the explanations and instructions to be clear.

Visits to bank branches continue to decline, but proximity remains important. 65% of Belgians never visit a bank branch or do so less than once a year. Nevertheless, around 8 in 10 Belgians believe it is important to have a bank branch nearby.

Those who do visit a branch mainly do so for advice. 37% go for investment follow-up, 36% for advice on their personal financial situation, and 22% to apply for or manage loans.

Belgians are paying digitally more often and using less cash. 47% withdraw cash less than once a month or never. In 2025, the number of cash withdrawals fell to fewer than 120 million, a decrease of 8.4% compared with 2024. Over the past three years, the number of cash withdrawals has declined by an average of 8% per year. In 2013, there were still 300 million cash withdrawals.