The first branch of the National Commercial Bank was established in Durrës on November 29, 1925, in the historic building where the BKT Branch in Durrës is located today. The building in which this BKT branch is located currently represents the oldest Albanian financial institution in the country. On November 1, 1926 and November 15, 1926, Shkodra and Vlora branches were opened, respectively.

The National Commercial Bank with its current name was founded in January 1993, from the merger of the Albanian Commercial Bank (BTSH) and the National Bank of Albania (BKSH). Meanwhile, today BKT is the largest and oldest commercial bank in Albania. Assets and liabilities from the activities of these entities were transferred to the accounts of BKT since its formation.

The National Commercial Bank was established as a Joint Stock Company in July 1997 with a capital of 2.7 billion Lek.