Open a Dutch bank account: Compare banks for expats

As an expat in the Netherlands, you can open a bank account by providing proof of identity (passport or residence permit), proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill), and your BSN (citizen service number). Some banks may allow you to open an account without a BSN, but you’ll need to provide it later.

Popular banks for expats in the Netherlands include bunq, ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank. bunq, ING and ABN AMRO are known for offering English-language services and easy-to-use mobile banking apps. Triodos Bank and ASN Bank are good options if you’re looking for sustainable banking.

Some Dutch banks, such as bunq, ING, and Revolut, may allow you to open a bank account without a BSN (citizen service number), but you’ll typically need to provide it later for full account access and to comply with Dutch regulations.

To open a Dutch bank account, you’ll usually need the following documents: a valid passport or residence permit, proof of address in the Netherlands (such as a utility bill or rental contract), and your BSN (citizen service number).

ING and bunq are often considered the easiest banks to open an account with in the Netherlands. ING offers convenient online registration and English-language support, while bunq allows you to open an account completely online, sometimes without needing a BSN initially.

Most Dutch banks charge a small monthly fee for maintaining a bank account, typically between €1.50 and €7 per month. Banks like bunq and Revolut offer low-fee or no-fee options, especially for basic account services.

Yes, most Dutch banks offer joint accounts, which are ideal for couples or families. ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank provide options for joint accounts, allowing both account holders to manage finances and receive payments into the same account.

Yes, many Dutch banks, including ING, ABN AMRO, and bunq, allow you to open a bank account online. You’ll need to upload identification documents, and in some cases, complete a video identification process to verify your identity.

ING, ABN AMRO, and bunq are known for their excellent mobile banking apps. ING’s app is widely praised for its user-friendly design, English support, and robust features, while bunq is popular for its innovative, digital-first approach.

Yes, most Dutch banks allow international money transfers, though fees and exchange rates may vary. Banks like ING and ABN AMRO offer international transfer services, but you may save on fees by using platforms like Wise or Revolut for better rates.

Nearly all Dutch banks, including ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank, support iDEAL, the most popular method for making secure online payments in the Netherlands. If you shop online or need to pay bills, having iDEAL support is essential.

Some Dutch banks, such as bunq, may allow non-residents to open a bank account, but most require residency or proof of a Dutch address. You’ll still need to provide identification documents, and in many cases, a BSN is necessary for long-term account use.

ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank offer student-friendly bank accounts with low or no monthly fees. These accounts often come with useful features such as budgeting tools, easy access to online banking, and discounts on financial services.

Opening a bank account in the Netherlands can be completed in as little as 10-15 minutes if you apply online. In-person applications may take longer, but once approved, you’ll typically receive your debit card and online banking access within a week.

Yes, most Dutch banks allow you to open a savings account alongside your main transaction account. Many banks, such as ING and ABN AMRO, offer attractive savings options that are easy to manage through their mobile banking apps.