Belgians continue to fund their savings accounts despite persistently low interest rates which fail to offset high inflation, according to data for 2021 provided to Belga by several banks.
With Belfius customers, outstanding savings accounts stood at 47.9 billion euros at December 31, 2021, or 6.5% more than in 2020. For KBC, the amount in savings accounts regulated was 53.79 billion euros, up 7.5%. At Crelan, there is also a sharp increase in regulated savings accounts. At the end of 2021, deposits reached 13.820 billion euros, which represents an increase of 5.31% compared to the end of 2020. The savings account therefore remains a safe bet despite the rates offered which do not allow, by far. , to compensate for inflation. But these accounts have other advantages: they are safe and liquid. Banks note, however, that their customers are increasingly interested in investment funds and stock market investments.