A list of banks in Greece

Looking for information on banks in Greece? Perhaps you’re planning a long-term move or you’re going to be spending time living there. You’ll need a low-cost and convenient way to manage your finances.

To help you plan your move, we’ve put together a list of top banks in Greece. This includes the types of current account on offer, and some helpful info on the Greek banking market. We’ll also get you clued up on how to go about opening an account.

We’ll even show you an alternative to a bank which could save you money - the Wise account.

So, read on to find out more.

Banking in Greece (an overview)

While the 2008 economic crisis had a huge impact on Greece’s financial stability, not helped by the Covid-19 pandemic, the country’s financial market has been slowly recovering. Expats will now find it easier to find a reliable bank and open accounts.

In Greece, the national banking authority and regulator is the Central Bank of Greece. It sits at the head of a market that is a mix of commercial, cooperative and international banks.

As of 2022, there are 36 individual banks in Greece.¹ Online banking, along with mobile banking, is widely available.

If you’re moving to Greece, opening a Greek bank account is a necessity in order to become a tax resident and if working in the country, to get paid.

To open an account, you may be able to apply online. But in some cases, you’ll need to visit the branch in person to complete the application. You can expect to present the following documents:²

• Greek tax number AFM (Arithmo Forologiko Mitro)
• Proof of identity (e.g. passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill)
• Salary evidence (payslips or employer’s letter)

Be aware though that other documents may be needed depending on the bank.

Some banks will charge a maintenance fee for current accounts, and may have a minimum opening deposit requirement.

Greece is now fast becoming a cashless society, like many countries today. However, ATMs with foreign language options can regularly be found in the major cities and towns. ATMs frequently charge a small transaction fee and if using foreign cards, be aware of currency exchange charges.

As in other countries, Greek banks tend to charge high fees for international money transfers outside of Europe. To avoid added expense, consider an alternative such as the Wise account. It’s ideal for international transactions, and could help you save money.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Top 5 popular banks in Greece

Now, let’s take a closer look at your options when choosing a bank in Greece.

Here are some of the biggest and most popular Greek banks serving retail customers:

Piraeus Bank

Currently the largest bank in Greece in terms of total assets,³ Piraeus Bank has a good selection of financial products. Its offering covers personal accounts, credit and debit cards, investments, mortgages and insurance.

The bank offers a regular Current Account and a Foreign Currency Current Account, which could be handy if you need to make regular transactions in your home currency. Both can be easily and conveniently opened online.

Piraeus also has a good range of credit cards, free for the first year and with perks aimed at travellers, students and regular customers too.

Alpha Bank

Alpha Bank is the third largest bank in Greece.³ It offers a full range of retail banking products. This includes current and savings accounts, credit, debit and prepaid cards, investment solutions, insurance and mortgages.

For an easy way to manage your money while on the go, Alpha Bank has its myAlpha mobile app.

You can open your first Alpha Bank current account online and get a debit card for purchases and cash withdrawals. You also get quick access to your debit account through e-Banking.

Eurobank Ergasias

Eurobank Ergasias has dedicated retail banking for international customers, including expats.

The bank has set up a one-stop hub designed for new arrivals, where you can easily find options to set up a current account with them. You’ll also be able to access mortgages and insurance products tailored to international customers.

This hub also aims to make banking easier and more convenient for foreign customers by offering v-Banking and translation services.

You can open a Eurobank current account digitally, without needing to visit a branch.

National Bank of Greece (NBG)

The oldest and second largest bank in Greece today,³ NBG is popular with both locals and expats. You can take advantage of its low cost current and savings accounts. Plus, personalised credit cards, investment options and a range of insurance products.

The basic NBG current account is fee-free and you can open it online or in branch, with no initial deposit required.⁴

The bank also offers a Student account, through which you can get benefits to help fund you while you study. These include favourable loans and interest rates, along with low fees to send money abroad.

And, if you’re looking to save, NBG has a fee-free Foreign currency savings account with interest every 6 months.⁵

Attica Bank

Attica Bank is a slightly smaller bank than the others on this list. But it still offers a full range of current, savings, payroll and pension accounts. Other services include credit cards for your everyday money management, along with mortgage, insurance and investment products.

Both its Current Account and Premier Current Account let you access your money for payments and bills while also earning interest. The Premier Current Account earns you more interest, but has a minimum deposit requirement of €5,000.⁶

Top online bank accounts in Greece

Along with traditional banks, there are also digital banks operating in Greece. These are often fee-free and allow banking in multiple languages.

Digital banks popular in Greece are:

• N26. A fully digital bank offering customers a zero fee bank account, which is app based and comes with a free N26 debit card. An account with N26 can be opened from your phone with no paperwork.
• Revolut. The innovative Revolut offers a choice of monthly plans, starting with a basic free Standard plan. Pay more to get added benefits. All accounts include a debit card and app-based banking services.

Manage your money internationally? Check out the Wise account

If you’re going to be making international money transfers, as in many countries, you could find it expensive with a Greek bank.

The good news is that there’s a money-saving alternative available. Open a Wise account, and you can send money worldwide, to 150+ countries for small fees and fair exchange rates.

You can even get Wise’s international debit card for spending in 150+ countries, including Greece. Whenever you spend it automatically converts your money to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate and a low conversion fee.

This makes a Wise account ideal for anyone relocating or spending lots of time overseas travelling or studying.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 10-Aug-2023