Banking in Romania
Open a bank account as a foreigner, compare your options, and learn why Revolut is every expat's best friend in Romania.
Banking as a Foreigner in Romania
Romania has a well-developed banking sector with several modern, EU-regulated banks. As an expat, you will want a Romanian bank account to receive salary, pay rent, and handle day-to-day transactions in RON.
Opening an account is straightforward once you have your CNP (national ID number). Most banks can do it in 1-2 hours at a branch. Some, like ING Romania, allow fully online account opening.
What You Need to Open an Account
For EU Citizens
- βValid EU passport or national ID
- βProof of Romanian address (rental contract or utility bill)
- βCNP (from residence registration) or tax ID
- βSome banks may ask for proof of income (employment contract or payslip)
For Non-EU Citizens
- βValid passport
- βRomanian residence permit (or long-stay visa)
- βRomanian address proof
- βCNP or fiscal code (obtained from ANAF)
- βProof of employment or business activity (some banks require this)
Get Revolut β Every Expat in Romania Uses It
Revolut is not a Romanian bank, but it is the most widely used financial tool among expats in Romania. It allows you to exchange currencies at interbank rates (vital when moving money from abroad), withdraw RON from ATMs fee-free, and spend in any currency without conversion fees.
Free RON ATM withdrawals
Up to β¬200/month on the free plan
Real exchange rates
No markup on EUR/RON conversion
Instant transfers
Send money to Romanian bank accounts instantly
Romanian Bank Comparison
The five main banks expats use in Romania, compared:
Banca Transilvania
Private BankMonthly Fee
Free
Romania's largest privately-owned bank with branches in virtually every town. Known for its friendly BT Pay app, quick account opening process, and expat-friendly staff in larger cities.
Pros
- +No monthly fee on basic account
- +Excellent BT Pay mobile app
- +Widespread ATM and branch network
Cons
- βSome branches have long wait times
- βForeign transfer fees can be high
- βDocumentation requirements vary by branch
BRD β Groupe SociΓ©tΓ© GΓ©nΓ©rale
Foreign BankMonthly Fee
5 RON
Part of the French SociΓ©tΓ© GΓ©nΓ©rale group, BRD is one of Romania's oldest and most established banks. Solid infrastructure, widely used by employers for salary payments.
Pros
- +Strong reputation and stability
- +Good online and mobile banking
- +French parent company gives confidence
Cons
- βMonthly account fee
- βAccount opening can be bureaucratic
- βEnglish support inconsistent at branches
ING Romania
Foreign BankMonthly Fee
Free
ING Romania is a fully digital-first bank with a superb mobile app. Its Home'Bank platform is widely regarded as one of the best in Romania. Account opening can be done fully online.
Pros
- +Fully digital account opening
- +Top-rated mobile app in Romania
- +No monthly fee
Cons
- βFewer physical branches
- βNot ideal if you need frequent cash handling
- βSome document requirements for non-EU citizens
Raiffeisen Bank Romania
Foreign BankMonthly Fee
8 RON
Austrian-owned Raiffeisen is a premium retail bank in Romania with strong private banking and wealth management services. Great for higher-income expats or those running a business.
Pros
- +Excellent private banking services
- +Strong business account options
- +Good English-language support
Cons
- βHigher monthly fees than competitors
- βPremium positioning means less basic-friendly
- βFewer ATMs than BT or BRD
BCR β Banca ComercialΔ RomΓ’nΔ
Foreign BankMonthly Fee
6 RON
Once state-owned, now part of Erste Group, BCR is one of the largest banks in Romania by assets. Reliable for mortgage lending and long-term financial planning, though customer service is old-school.
Pros
- +One of Romania's largest banks
- +Good mortgage and loan products
- +Erste Group backing
Cons
- βOnline banking interface is outdated
- βLimited English support at branches
- βAccount opening process is slow
Common Banking Fees in Romania
| Fee Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly account fee | 0 β 8 RON | BT and ING are free |
| Debit card issue | 0 β 20 RON | Usually free with new account |
| ATM withdrawal (own bank) | Free | At bank's own ATMs |
| ATM withdrawal (other bank) | 3 β 8 RON | Plus possible third-party fee |
| SEPA transfer (EU) | 0 β 15 RON | ING has free SEPA |
| SWIFT international transfer | 25 β 80 RON | Use Revolut/Wise instead |
| Currency exchange | 1.5 β 3% spread | Revolut has better rates |
| Card replacement | 15 β 35 RON | Varies by bank |
Digital Banking in Romania
Romania has strong digital banking infrastructure. All major banks have mobile apps, and ING Romania is fully digital-first. Beyond Revolut, several other fintech options are available:
ING Home'Bank
Digital bank
Best-rated app in Romania. Full current account, free SEPA, apply online.
Revolut
Fintech / Neobank
For currency exchange and international transfers. Most expats use this daily.
Wise
Money transfer
Best for large international transfers. Better rates than Romanian banks' SWIFT fees.
BT Pay (Banca Transilvania)
Mobile payment
Pay by phone in Romania. Accepted at most card terminals. Widely adopted.
Google Pay / Apple Pay
Mobile payment
Widely accepted in major cities. Works with most Romanian bank cards.
eMAG Pay
E-commerce wallet
For online shopping on Romania's largest e-commerce platform.
Want Help Choosing a Bank?
If you want help choosing a Romanian bank, preparing documents, or getting introduced to a banking or money-transfer partner, send a short note.
Some referrals may be commercial partnerships. Recommendations should still be checked against your own needs.