BKT
bkt.com.al →Digital onboardingALL/EUR/USD
Banks in Albania - 2025
General guide: who regulates banks, how deposits are protected, how payments work, account types for people and companies, cards & ATMs, international transfers, and where to verify official information.
Licensed banks 11
Deposit insurance ALL 2,500,000 · ≈ €—
Payments AIPS • AECH • AIPS EURO
SEPA scope Included
Overview
EssentialsWho regulates banks?
The Bank of Albania licenses and supervises banks and payment systems. It also hosts public pages for interest rates and commissions so you can cross-check what a bank charges.
Central bankbankofalbania.org →
Fee comparatorCommissions to individuals →
Deposit protection
Deposits at licensed banks are protected by the national scheme, per depositor, per bank, in ALL and foreign currency up to the legal limit.
Coverage limitALL 2,500,000 ≈ €—
SchemeADIA →
Coverage is automatic for eligible deposits. Business deposits generally qualify within legal rules.
How payments work
SystemsAIPS (ALL RTGS)
Real-time gross settlement in Albanian lek (ALL) for high-value or urgent transfers between banks.
When it’s used
Large transfers, time-critical payments, certain corporate operations.
AECH (ALL ACH)
Automated clearing house for everyday ALL payments. Transfers clear in cycles during the day at low cost.
Typical use
Payroll, bills, person-to-person and small business payments.
AIPS EURO (EUR RTGS)
Domestic Euro transfers within Albania settle in real time, avoiding legacy correspondent routes.
Why it matters
Faster domestic EUR with modern pricing; many banks show incoming AIPS EURO as free.
Tip: for card-to-bank or fintech-to-bank flows, check how your provider routes EUR - via AIPS EURO for domestic, or via SWIFT/SEPA for cross-border.
Account types
Individuals & businessesIndividuals
Most banks offer current and savings accounts in ALL EUR USD. Expect ID/passport and standard KYC; proof of address or source of funds may be requested.
Digital onboardingBKT supports online onboarding for eligible clients; additional accounts can be opened via e-banking after verification.
Cards & ATMs
Visa and Mastercard are common. ATMs are widespread in major cities. Foreign card withdrawals may have operator fees.
Businesses
Companies provide registration documents, tax numbers, and representatives’ IDs. Banks may apply enhanced checks for cross-border ownership or higher-risk activities.
Multi-currency
Larger banks provide multi-currency accounts and online portals for payments and payroll.
International transfers
Cross-borderEUR (SEPA/SWIFT)
Cross-border EUR usually go via SEPA (to EU/EEA/SEPA banks) or via SWIFT elsewhere. Delivery times depend on cut-offs and intermediaries.
Good to know
SEPA credit transfers typically settle next business day; urgent options and fee sharing rules vary by bank.
USD & other currencies
Handled via SWIFT with correspondent banks. Expect variable fees and FX margins. Ask for full cost breakdown before sending.
Incoming funds
Your bank may charge for incoming international transfers; provide correct IBAN/BIC and purpose codes to avoid delays.
Licensed banks (quick directory)
11 banksRaiffeisen Bank
raiffeisen.al →UniversalMobile
OTP Bank
otpbank.al →Retail/SME
Credins Bank
bankacredins.com →Local leader
Intesa Sanpaolo Bank
intesasanpaolobank.al →Group network
Tirana Bank
tiranabank.al →Retail
Union Bank
unionbank.al →Retail/SME
ProCredit Bank
procreditbank.com.al →SME/digital
American Bank of Investment (ABI)
abi.al →Retail/SME
Fibank Albania
fibank.al →Retail
United Bank of Albania (UBA)
uba.com.al →Retail/SME
Notes. This page focuses on general information only. For exact fees and product terms, use the official bank tariff PDFs or the central bank’s online comparator. Deposit insurance is shown in ALL with a live EUR approximation for clarity.