TL;DR
You need a Dutch bank account for salary payments, direct debits, and iDEAL payments. Get your BSN first, then choose a bank. bunq is fastest for expats (online setup, English-language). ING and ABN AMRO are the most widely used traditional banks. Budget 1–2 weeks for the full process.
Why you need a Dutch bank account
While you can survive the first few days with a foreign bank card, you will quickly need a Dutch IBAN for:
- Salary payments — most Dutch employers require a Dutch IBAN
- Direct debits (incasso) — utilities, health insurance, phone plans, and gym memberships all use automatic direct debit
- iDEAL payments — the standard online payment method used by Dutch webshops and government services
- Tikkie — the Dutch app for splitting bills and requesting payments, used daily by everyone
- Government benefits — zorgtoeslag and other allowances are paid to a Dutch account
Comparing Dutch banks for expats
Here is how the main banks compare for expat needs:
bunq
Best for expatsOnline-only bank with full English support. No branch visit needed. Set up in minutes with your passport and BSN.
- ✓ Full English app and support
- ✓ No branch visit required
- ✓ Instant IBAN, fast setup
- ✓ Free basic account available
- ✗ No physical branches for in-person help
ING
Most ATMsThe largest bank in the Netherlands by customer base. Good English-language app. Online application available for some nationalities.
- ✓ Most ATMs in the Netherlands
- ✓ English-language app and website
- ✓ Free basic account (Betaalrekening)
- ✓ Online application possible
- ✗ Branch visit may be needed for ID verification
ABN AMRO
Good English supportSecond-largest bank with strong expat focus. Offers an international clients desk with dedicated English-speaking staff.
- ✓ Dedicated international clients desk
- ✓ English-language app and support
- ✓ Good mortgage products for expats
- ✗ Branch visit required for account opening
- ✗ Monthly fee for most accounts (€1.90+)
Rabobank
Strong outside RandstadCooperative bank with strong presence outside major cities. Good for expats living in smaller towns and rural areas.
- ✓ Best branch coverage outside major cities
- ✓ Cooperative model (member benefits)
- ✓ English available at most branches
- ✗ Branch visit required
- ✗ App and website primarily in Dutch
What you need to open an account
- BSN number — required by all banks (get this first via gemeente registration)
- Valid passport or EU identity card
- Proof of address — rental contract or utility bill at your Dutch address
- Proof of income (some banks) — employment contract or salary slip
- Dutch phone number (recommended) — some banks require a Dutch mobile number for SMS verification
Step-by-step: opening your account
- Get your BSN: Register at the gemeente first. This is the prerequisite for everything.
- Choose your bank: bunq for speed, ING for network, ABN AMRO for expat support.
- Apply online or visit a branch: Fill in the application form with your personal details and BSN.
- Verify your identity: Online banks use video verification. Traditional banks may require a branch visit.
- Receive your debit card: Sent by post to your registered address. Usually takes 3–7 business days.
- Activate your card and app: Follow the instructions to activate online banking and the mobile app.
- Set up iDEAL: Automatically linked to your new account. You can now pay online everywhere in the Netherlands.
While you wait: temporary alternatives
If you need to make payments before your Dutch account is active:
- Wise (TransferWise): Multi-currency account with a Dutch IBAN option. Excellent for international transfers and can work as a temporary primary account.
- Revolut: Free account with a European IBAN. Supports iDEAL-like payments but not Dutch direct debits.
- Your home country card: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Be aware of foreign transaction fees.
Tips for expats
- Set up Tikkie early: Once you have a Dutch account, download the Tikkie app. Dutch friends and colleagues use it constantly for splitting restaurant bills, group gifts, and shared expenses.
- Consider two accounts: Many Dutch people have a checking account for daily expenses and a savings account at a different bank for better interest rates.
- Keep your foreign account: Do not close your home country bank account immediately. It is useful for receiving money from abroad and as a backup.
- Set up automatic payments: The Dutch system relies heavily on automatische incasso (direct debit). Set up standing orders for rent, health insurance, and utilities as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a BSN to open a bank account?
Most Dutch banks require a BSN (Burgerservicenummer) to open a full account. Some banks like bunq and N26 allow you to start the application without one, but you will need to provide it within a few weeks. Traditional banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) require a BSN from the start.
How long does it take to open a Dutch bank account?
Online-only banks like bunq can be set up in 1-2 business days. Traditional banks typically take 5-10 business days from your branch appointment to receiving your debit card. ING allows online applications for some nationalities, which can speed things up.
Can I use my foreign bank account in the Netherlands?
Yes, temporarily. EU bank accounts work for most transactions, and services like Wise and Revolut are excellent for the transition period. However, many Dutch employers require a Dutch IBAN for salary payments, and utility companies typically require Dutch direct debit authorization (incasso) from a Dutch account.
Which Dutch bank is best for expats?
bunq is the most popular choice for expats due to English support, fast setup, and no branch visit needed. ING has the most ATMs and a good English-language app. ABN AMRO offers comprehensive English support. Rabobank is strong in rural areas. Your choice may depend on your location and needs.
Are there free bank accounts in the Netherlands?
Yes. ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank all offer basic accounts with no monthly fees or very low fees (€1-2/month). bunq offers a free basic account as well. Premium accounts with extra features typically cost €3-10/month.
What is iDEAL and do I need it?
iDEAL is the Dutch online payment system — essentially the standard way to pay online in the Netherlands. It is linked to your Dutch bank account and used by virtually all Dutch webshops, government services, and utility providers. Yes, you need it for daily life in the Netherlands.