ACE Money Transfer
ACE Money Transfer
01 Sep 2026
Romania's banking sector has matured into one of the most stable in eastern Europe, offering a mix of domestic powerhouses and subsidiaries of major international banks. Whether you're opening your first bank account, expanding a business, or managing money as an expat, choosing the best bank in Romania comes down to matching your financial needs with the right institution.
The Romanian banking system is well-capitalized and digitized, with the National Bank of Romania overseeing approximately 29 active commercial banks as of 2026. Romania's banking sector has stabilized significantly since 2017 through stronger regulation, improved capitalization, and reduced non-performing loans. Customer satisfaction in Romania's banking sector has improved significantly due to digital advancements across nearly every major institution.
The Romanian banking sector is concentrated among several major institutions, with Banca Transilvania, BCR, CEC Bank, BRD, and Raiffeisen Bank among the largest banks by assets in 2024.
Below, we break down each institution to help you find the right fit.
We evaluated Romanian banks across seven criteria that matter most to customers:
Digital banking capabilities - mobile app depth, online account opening, virtual cards, and investment products
Branch network - coverage in major cities and rural areas, including self-service zones
Account fees - maintenance costs, conditions for fee waivers, and transparency
Customer service - multilingual support, response times, and 24/7 availability
ATM and international services - cross-border transfers, multicurrency accounts, and exchange rates
Lending and deposit rates - competitiveness of mortgages, consumer loans, and savings accounts
Financial stability - capital adequacy, profitability, and regulatory compliance
Banks in Romania are integrated into EU regulations concerning deposit guarantees up to €100,000, which provides a baseline safety net regardless of which institution you choose. Digital banking services in Romania include online account management, payments, transfers, and other everyday banking functions.
Banca Transilvania is Romania's largest bank by assets, holding a 21.85% market share in 2024 and growing roughly 10% year-on-year at end-2025. Banca Transilvania ranked number one in customer satisfaction among large Romanian banks, and the bank has an extensive physical branch and ATM network.
Banca Transilvania is known for its digital banking solutions, including BT Pay-one of the country's top mobile banking apps. The BT Financial Group also commands roughly 52% of the micro-financing market, with assets under management growing nearly 48.5% in 2025.
International customers and digital-first banking users who prefer online account management.
Zero-fee online accounts with video call account opening for international customers
Apple Pay and Google Pay support across digital and physical card options
Banca Transilvania offers personal and corporate banking services, with strong focus on agriculture, healthcare, and European investment sectors
May have fewer physical branches in some rural areas after recent mergers
Premium services may require higher minimum balances
Banca Comerciala Romana ranks as the second largest bank in Romania, part of Austria's Erste Group, with approximately 13.81% market share by assets at end-2025. BCR held a 14.29% market share in 2024.
BCR operates one of the largest branch networks nationwide. Its digital app George consistently ranks among the top mobile banking platforms in Romania, offering accounts, savings, credit, investments, pensions, insurance, and spending analysis.
Customers who prefer in-person banking alongside a powerful digital ecosystem.
George online account available in euros or Romanian lei with conditional low fees (free with monthly income ? RON 1,000 plus at least one transaction)
Premium accounts include travel insurance and airport lounge access
24/7 customer support and comprehensive insurance products
Account maintenance fees may be higher than newer digital banks if conditions aren't met
Some services may still require physical branch visits
BRD – Groupe Société Générale has over 800 branches in Romania, serving millions of customers. BRD held a 10.22% market share in 2024 with total assets of RON 95.4 billion at end-2025. BRD invests heavily in digital banking solutions, and the YouBRD mobile app reached 1.87 million users by end-2025, up 13% year-on-year.
BRD offers retail, corporate, and investment banking services with tailored accounts for different life stages-students, employees, retirees, and small businesses.
Customers seeking specialized account features, corporate financing options, and comprehensive mobile banking.
YouBRD app with quick bill payments, money transfers, and government bond access
Multiple debit and credit card options for different customer segments
Strong corporate banking services including sustainability-linked loans for SMEs
Housing loan production hit RON 5.7 billion in 2025, up 29.1% year-on-year
Branch count decreased from roughly 388 to 347 operational locations in 2025
International transfers may carry higher fees than specialized services
Raiffeisen Bank is the fifth largest bank in Romania by assets, with assets that grew to €14.9 billion in 2024. Raiffeisen Bank is recognized for its innovative digital solutions and rapid transformation across its Romanian subsidiary operations.
Raiffeisen achieved a fivefold increase in digital customer onboarding, dramatically reducing the time needed to open accounts. Its Smart Mobile app ranks among the top banking products in Romania's market.
Tech-savvy customers and companies needing modern digital banking infrastructure.
Raiffeisen Bank provides retail and corporate banking products backed by a strong European network
Advanced digital onboarding with virtual cards, online credit, and push security
Focus on sustainable banking and environmental responsibility
Smaller market share compared to the top three Romanian banks
May have limited branch coverage in some rural areas
UniCredit Bank focuses on innovation and digital solutions, operating 157 branches across the country and serving around 600,000 customers. With approximately 10.76% market share by assets, UniCredit Bank holds a significant position among international banks operating in Romania.
UniCredit specializes in multinational corporate banking and cross-border business support, making it a preferred choice for international companies expanding into central and eastern Europe.
International businesses and Romanian companies with European expansion plans.
Strong expertise in cross-border transactions, foreign investment, and corporate clients
100% mobile banking for credit cards and personal loans
Integration with UniCredit's pan-European network serving multinational corporations
Fewer branches than larger banks may limit accessibility
Services lean more toward business than retail customers
CEC Bank is Romania's oldest bank, established in 1881, making it one of the country's most historically significant financial institutions. CEC Bank has a 10.95% market share in 2024, with total assets reaching approximately RON 107.6 billion at end-2025, up 8.4% year-on-year.
As a state-owned institution, CEC Bank focuses on retail banking and financing agricultural SMEs, with deep roots in rural areas and public development projects.
Agricultural businesses, cooperative banks, and customers involved in Romanian government-related sectors.
Capital adequacy ratio of approximately 31% and liquidity coverage of 269%
Extensive branch network across rural areas with long-standing community trust
Digital banking capabilities may lag behind newer market entrants, though internet banking customers grew 50.6% in 2025
Limited international banking services compared to foreign banks
OTP Bank Romania operated as part of Hungary's OTP Group, one of central and eastern Europe's leading banking groups spanning 11 countries including north Macedonia and other markets. In 2025, OTP Bank Romania merged into Banca Transilvania, significantly reshaping Romania's banking sector.
The OTP Group earned recognition as one of the best bank groups in central and eastern Europe for consecutive years, with a proven track record including 24.9% ROE and consistent economic growth across its regional operations.
Customers seeking central European banking integration and regional business connections, now served through BT's expanded network.
Strong regional network across 11 countries in the sector
Focus on digitalization and sustainability initiatives
Legacy customers now benefit from BT's expanded financing solutions and digital platform
Romanian operations now integrated into Banca Transilvania
Some former OTP-specific products may have been restructured
| Bank | Best For | Market Share | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banca Transilvania | Digital banking, international customers | ~22% | Largest bank, top customer experience |
| BCR | Branch network, premium services | ~14% | George app, Erste Group backing |
| BRD | Specialized accounts, mobile banking | ~10% | Comprehensive investment banking |
| Raiffeisen Bank | Digital innovation, environmental banking | ~9% | Innovative approach to onboarding |
| UniCredit Bank | International business, corporate banking | ~11% | Pan-European corporate network |
| CEC Bank | Agricultural finance, government projects | ~11% | One of the oldest central banks of savings in Romania |
| OTP Bank | Central European integration | Merged into BT | Regional coverage across 11 countries |
If you value digital innovation and want to manage everything from your phone-from opening accounts to applying for mortgages-prioritize Banca Transilvania, BCR (George), or Raiffeisen Bank. If you need frequent in-person service, BCR and CEC Bank maintain the broadest branch presence, especially outside major cities.
Personal banking customers with straightforward income and spending needs will find competitive options at most banks. For business banking, particularly small businesses needing corporate banking services, BT and BRD offer the deepest product suites. CEC Bank remains the go-to for agricultural and public-sector financing solutions.
For cross-border transactions, foreign currency accounts, and international transfers, UniCredit Bank and Raiffeisen Bank offer the strongest European network integration. Foreign banks operating as Romanian subsidiaries-like BRD (Group Societe Generale) and BCR (Erste Group)-also provide reliable international connectivity.
To open a bank account in Romania, you'll need proof of identity and proof of address. A tax identification number may be required when opening a bank account in Romania. For non-residents without one, the bank may request its assignment from the Romanian tax authority as part of the account-opening process. Laws and regulations may change. Please verify with a local professional. An initial deposit may be required depending on the bank.
Sending money to Romania provides a way to transfer funds to recipients and eligible bank accounts across the country. ACE Money Transfer offers a digital route for initiating international transfers, while the receiving bank or financial institution processes the funds after they arrive.
Exchange rates fluctuate, and the rate applicable to your transfer can differ from rates shown at another time. Check the current rate atacemoneytransfer.combefore sending.
ACE Money Transfer supports international transfers to Romania through its digital platform and applicable payment infrastructure. The exchange rate and relevant fees are displayed before confirmation, with applicable rates and charges subject to market conditions, service terms, and relevant regulatory requirements.
The time taken for funds to reach the recipient varies depending on the payment method, receiving institution, and local processing arrangements. Any charges applied by the recipient’s bank are determined by that institution and remain outside ACE Money Transfer’s control. Current rates and fees can be checked at acemoneytransfer.com.
Choose Banca Transilvania if you prioritize digital banking and zero-fee online accounts
Choose BCR if you need extensive branch access and premium banking services with travel insurance
Choose BRD if you want specialized accounts for your life stage, profession, or pay preferences
Choose Raiffeisen Bank if you value environmental banking and digital innovation
Choose UniCredit Bank if you need international business banking and European connections
Choose CEC Bank if you work in agriculture, government-related sectors, or operate in rural areas
Choose OTP Bank (now via BT) if you operate across multiple central European markets
Romania's banking sector offers diverse options for every type of customer-from digital nomads to agricultural enterprises. The best bank in Romania ultimately depends on your individual priorities: digital services, branch access, international capabilities, or specialized lending like mortgages and corporate financing.
Banca Transilvania leads for overall market presence and digital innovation, but two banks like BCR and BRD offer compelling alternatives depending on your needs. Before committing, compare account fees, app functionality, and whether the bank's branch network covers your country of operations. Romania's commercial banks have never been more competitive-take advantage of that competition to find your ideal fit.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, tax, business, or financial advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all facts, figures, and data are accurate and valid as of the date of publication, no warranty or guarantee is given as to the ongoing completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information.
The content is based on information available at the time of publication. Regulations, government policies, market conditions, and service offerings may change over time and vary across jurisdictions and providers. As a result, some information may no longer be current or applicable. Readers should independently verify all information and consult qualified professional advisors before making any financial, legal, or business decisions.
