Bank Account Switch • 2026
Change Banks Without Stress: Seamless Banking Mobility in Belgium
Thinking about changing banks but afraid of paperwork, delays and rejected payments? Thanks to the banking mobility service in Belgium, switching banks has never been easier, faster, or more secure.
In just a few working days, your new bank can coordinate the transfer of your payments, standing orders and direct debits, while you keep full control over which products you close or keep in your old bank. Get your free simulation for Changement de Banque
A Clear Path to Your New Bank
From opening your new account to transferring standing orders and direct debits, discover how to move your banking relationship step-by-step, without disruption to your daily payments.
How to Change Banks Easily in 2026
The banking mobility service, launched by the
Belgian financial sector federation (Febelfin),
is designed to streamline your bank switch. Your old and new banks coordinate the details of your account transfer,
so you avoid repetitive paperwork and missed payments.
Standing Orders and Direct Debits: What Changes?
One of the biggest concerns when changing banks is the continuity of payments: rent, utilities, subscriptions and other recurring operations. With banking mobility, most of these transfers are automated, but the steps differ depending on whether you are dealing with standing orders or direct debits.
If you opt for a full transfer of all standing orders, your new bank handles the process from start to finish.
However, it is essential to ensure that all planned payments have been correctly executed before using only your new account.
If some standing orders still need to be processed from the old account, make sure the necessary funds remain available.
Once they are no longer needed, you can cancel the standing orders at your old bank and recreate them on your new account.
This approach helps avoid rejected payments and any related fees or penalties.
A brief review of your list of standing orders (rent, insurance premiums, loan repayments, etc.) with your new bank
will help you confirm that each one has been successfully transferred and is scheduled on the right date.
When all of your direct debits are transferred to your new bank, it takes care of the main formalities.
The procedure becomes more complex if you only want to move part of your direct debits or if you have a mix of
Belgian and European mandates.
For Belgian direct debits, the old mandate must be closed with your previous bank, and a new Belgian direct debit
request must be created on your new account. Your new bank then manages the subsequent steps and informs the parties involved.
For European direct debits, you must personally inform each creditor (for example, by letter or according to their
preferred communication channel) that your debit account has changed. Each creditor then sends you a new mandate,
which you must sign and return. After that, the creditor finalises the procedure with the bank.
During this transition phase, keep an eye on your statements to check that all direct debits are charged from the
correct account and that no payment has been refused due to lack of funds or an outdated mandate.
What Fees Should You Expect When Changing Banks?
The banking mobility service itself is completely free. Opening a current account and using the official mobility procedure do not generate specific extra costs. This is one of the reasons why, in 2026, more and more customers are taking the opportunity to switch to a bank that better matches their expectations. However, some operations linked to your old bank relationship may generate fees. For example, closing a term account before maturity, transferring a securities account, or restructuring certain investment products can lead to penalties or transaction costs. Your loyalty bonus on a savings account is also lost as soon as you transfer the funds and close the account. Before initiating your bank switch, request a clear overview of all potential costs from your old and new banks. Compare these costs with the long-term benefits you expect from your new banking relationship: lower fees, better interest rates, more modern digital tools, or more personalised advice. This way, your decision will be both financially and practically sound.Tip: keep copies of all letters, mandates and confirmations linked to your bank switch.
This documentation will be useful in case of disputes or questions about a specific payment.
Key Benefits of Banking Mobility
Fast & Structured Process
Your new bank coordinates the transfer within about 8 working days, according to a clear and regulated procedure, so you know exactly what to expect and when your payments will switch to the new account.
Security & Continuity
By systematically managing standing orders and direct debits, the banking mobility service reduces the risk of missed payments, rejected transactions and related penalties during your transition to the new bank.
Free Service
The banking mobility service itself is free of charge. You only need to pay attention to any costs linked to closing or transferring specific products such as term accounts, savings accounts or securities portfolios.
Ready to Change Banks Without Stress?
Get personalised guidance on your banking situation and understand the financial impact of your switch. Make your move in 2026 with complete peace of mind.