Bank branches will only remain open by appointment during the phasing out of quarantine measures
28 April 2020 - 2 min Reading time
Remote banking remains the norm
Last Friday, the government communicated its exit plan to phase out the current quarantine measures during the corona crisis. On Monday 4 May, companies could restart progressively, the shops will follow from 11 May. Nothing will change for the banks: customers can visit their bank branch by appointment for necessary transactions. Digital banking remains the norm.
In the fight against the spread of the coronavirus, the Belgian banks decided in mid-March to only receive customers by appointment for necessary transactions (e.g. a transfer that exceeds the limit of digital banking) and this - for most banks - on working days between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. However, they are available both during the week and at the weekend to speak to their customers by telephone or chat.
Digital banking (mobile banking and internet banking) and digital payments also remain perfectly possible, at all times of the day. However, the ATMs will remain operational, with respect for social distancing. The number of people allowed in the self-banking area and the bank branch is therefore limited. Given the higher level of hygiene and therefore limited risk of contamination, digital payment remains strongly recommended.
After May 4, this working method will be maintained in order to guarantee the safety and health of both customers and bank employees. This is continuously evaluated in function of the situation. The hours at which customers can come by appointment may be extended. This will be viewed per bank. These hours can be consulted on the bank's website or can be requested by telephone.
