Most Trusted Banks in the Baltic States

Most Trusted Banks in the Baltic States

The banking market in the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – is stable, modern, and highly digitized. Local banks like LHV, Citadele, and Šiaulių Bankas compete alongside major Scandinavian groups, offering competitive savings rates and low fees. Digital banking adoption is among the highest in Europe, with strong emphasis on fintech and mobile-first services. Despite their small size, Baltic countries maintain robust regulatory standards and transparent financial systems.

Retail and Commercial Banks in Estonia

Estonia’s banking market is a digital pioneer, mirroring the country’s reputation as one of the most tech-savvy nations in the world. Here, opening a bank account can feel more like launching an app than stepping into a branch – because branches are rare, and digital ID does everything. Local stars like LHV Pank and Coop Pank thrive by offering sleek, mobile-first experiences that rival the best global fintechs, while still keeping an Estonian soul. The market is small but agile, blending northern efficiency with startup spirit, and it’s no surprise Estonia is often called Europe’s Silicon Valley of banking.

Retail and Commercial Banks in Estonia
Bank Rating APY Bonus Monthly Fee Link
LHV Pank
Best for Digital Experience
4.8/5 Up to 1.0% €20 welcome bonus €0–€1 Visit LHV
Coop Pank
Best for Everyday Banking
4.6/5 0.75% N/A €0–€2 Visit Coop
Inbank
Best for Term Deposits
4.7/5 Up to 3.2% N/A €0 Visit Inbank
Bigbank
Best for Long-Term Savings
4.5/5 Up to 3.5% €10 loyalty bonus €0 Visit Bigbank

LHV Pank

LHV Pank
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • High-yield savings accounts
  • Local stock exchange access
  • Low-fee euro transfers
  • Mobile and web banking in Estonian & English
  • Strong support for startups and investors
  • No free global ATM withdrawals
  • Estonia-focused, limited outside Baltics
  • App UI not as modern as neobanks
  • Credit card options are limited

Coop Pank

Coop Pank
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Interest on checking accounts
  • Cashback at Coop stores
  • Physical branches across Estonia
  • Good mortgage rates
  • Mobile-first onboarding
  • Only supports EUR
  • No support for U.S. citizens
  • Limited business services
  • Fewer advanced investing tools

Inbank

Inbank
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • High fixed deposit rates
  • Operates in multiple EU countries
  • 100% digital interface
  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • Fast online verification
  • No current account options
  • Limited financial products
  • No cards or daily banking
  • Interest only on term deposits

Bigbank

Bigbank
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • High deposit rates across Europe
  • Multilingual interface (EE, EN, DE, ES)
  • Regulated under Estonian law
  • 100% online process
  • Low entry minimums
  • No current or card accounts
  • Strict KYC requirements
  • No instant withdrawals
  • Limited customer support channels

Retail and Commercial Banks in Latvia

Retail and Commercial Banks in Latvia

Latvia’s banking sector blends tradition with quiet innovation, shaped by a strong private banking history and a growing appetite for digital finance. Riga, once a hub for cross-border banking, has recalibrated its focus toward transparency and local resilience. Banks like Citadele and Rietumu are redefining what it means to bank in the Baltics – combining sleek digital services with deep financial expertise. The Latvian market is compact but diverse, offering a mix of personal service, fintech flair, and cross-European connectivity.

Bank Rating APY Bonus Monthly Fee Link
Citadele Banka
Best for Mobile App Features
4.7/5 Up to 0.7% €10 cashback offer €0–€1.5 Visit Citadele
Rietumu Banka
Best for High-Net-Worth Clients
4.4/5 0.25% N/A €5+ Visit Rietumu
BlueOrange Bank
Best for SME Banking
4.2/5 Up to 0.9% €5 welcome bonus €2 Visit BlueOrange
Signet Bank
Best for Investment Accounts
4.0/5 0.6% N/A €0–€1 Visit Signet

Citadele Banka

Citadele Banka
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Multi-currency support (EUR, USD, GBP)
  • Mobile app with card tokenization
  • Available to non-residents (EU/EEA)
  • Apple Pay & Google Pay support
  • Wide range of card options
  • High fees for non-residents
  • No U.S. citizen onboarding
  • Limited international coverage
  • Online onboarding not always available

Rietumu Banka

Rietumu Banka
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Supports international business clients
  • Private banking features
  • Multi-currency accounts
  • Investments and wealth management
  • Remote onboarding for some clients
  • High entry requirements
  • Not suitable for individuals
  • High maintenance fees
  • No U.S. citizen accounts

BlueOrange Bank

BlueOrange Bank
Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Specializes in cross-border business accounts
  • Multi-currency & SEPA/SWIFT access
  • IBAN issuance with remote KYC
  • Supports non-resident EU clients
  • Corporate onboarding available
  • High documentation burden
  • Fees above EU average
  • Occasional onboarding delays
  • Limited private user support

Signet Bank

Signet Bank
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Fast business account setup
  • Online invoice & payment tools
  • Low FX fees on EUR/USD
  • Friendly for startups
  • Remote onboarding
  • Limited to business accounts
  • No retail services
  • Monthly fees apply
  • No non-profit discounts

Retail and Commercial Banks in Lithuania

Lithuania’s banking sector punches above its weight, emerging as a dynamic hub for both traditional banks and cutting-edge fintechs. With Vilnius at the heart of the EU’s fintech licensing boom, local players like Šiaulių Bankas and newcomers like Revolut Bank coexist in a uniquely competitive space. The market is small but bold – Lithuania became one of the first EU countries to fully embrace remote account opening and digital-first regulation. This blend of ambition and agility has made it a Baltic launchpad for financial innovation.

Retail and Commercial Banks in Lithuania
Bank Rating APY Bonus Monthly Fee Link
Šiaulių Bankas
Best for Fixed-Term Deposits
4.4/5 Up to 3.4% N/A €0–€1 Visit Šiaulių
Medicinos Bankas
Best for Seniors & Pensioners
4.3/5 3.2% N/A €0.50 Visit Medicinos
Mano Bankas
Best for Fintech Integrations
4.5/5 Up to 3.1% €15 referral bonus €0–€1 Visit Mano
PayRay Bank
Best for Business Deposits
4.2/5 Up to 3.6% N/A €0 Visit PayRay

Šiaulių Bankas

Šiaulių Bankas
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Local branch coverage
  • Good retail savings rates
  • Mortgage and loan options
  • Multilingual service
  • Mobile app with budgeting tools
  • Fees for non-residents
  • Basic web interface
  • Limited international transfers
  • Average interest rates

Medicinos Bankas

Medicinos Bankas
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Focus on healthcare professionals
  • Competitive small business packages
  • Online accounting integrations
  • Branch presence in Kaunas & Vilnius
  • Mobile banking features
  • Niche audience only
  • Higher fees for individuals
  • Limited consumer savings
  • Only EUR accounts

Mano Bankas

Mano Bankas
Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Modern digital interface
  • Fee‑free euro transfers
  • Good savings programs
  • Virtual debit cards
  • Multi-account support
  • Still expanding
  • No physical branches yet
  • No USD accounts
  • Average interest rates

PayRay Bank

PayRay Bank
Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Immediate payment services
  • SEPA and FAST transfers
  • Designed for fintechs/SaaS
  • API-first onboarding
  • Unique virtual IBANs
  • No consumer accounts
  • Technical focus only
  • Fees for advanced API calls
  • No mobile app (API only)

Trusted Baltic Banks: Common Questions Answered

Can foreigners open a bank account in the Baltic countries?

Yes, most banks in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania allow non – residents and foreigners to open accounts, often requiring a passport and proof of address. Some offer online onboarding.

Which Baltic country is best for digital banking?

Estonia leads in digital banking innovation, with banks like LHV and Inbank offering seamless online services and e-residency options.

Are deposits safe in Baltic banks?

Yes, all EU-regulated Baltic banks are covered by deposit insurance schemes protecting up to €100,000 per account holder.

What are typical interest rates (APY) on savings in the Baltics?

Rates vary, but local banks like Inbank and Bigbank often offer competitive APYs—ranging from 0.5% to 3.5%, especially on term deposits.

Can U.S. citizens or non-EU residents open accounts in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania?

Some banks allow this, but due to stricter AML/KYC laws, requirements vary. Lithuania is often more flexible thanks to its fintech ecosystem.

Do Baltic banks support multi-currency accounts?

Yes, many banks, especially those with international clientele, offer accounts in EUR, USD, and GBP, among others.

What are the best banks in the Baltics for expats or digital nomads?

LHV (Estonia), Citadele (Latvia), and Šiaulių Bankas (Lithuania) are often recommended for their English-speaking support and modern services.

Are Baltic banks accessible via mobile apps?

Yes, nearly all major banks have robust mobile apps, and Estonia’s banks are especially praised for their user-friendly digital tools.

What documents do I need to open a bank account in the Baltics?

Typically, you’ll need a valid passport/ID, proof of address, and sometimes a local tax number or employment contract.

Can I open a Baltic bank account remotely?

Some banks, especially in Lithuania and Estonia, allow remote opening for EU citizens and digital e-residents, though processes differ.