How to open a bank account in the Netherlands

If you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands, opening a local bank account is one of the first things you’ll want to do. Whether it’s for receiving your salary, paying rent, or simply making everyday purchases, having a Dutch bank account makes life here much easier.

Why open a Dutch bank account?

While some international cards work in the Netherlands, you’ll quickly notice that many shops, cafés, and even supermarkets prefer (or only accept) Maestro or iDEAL payments all of which are linked to Dutch bank accounts.

A local bank account also helps you with:

• Receiving your salary from a Dutch employer
• Setting up automatic payments (for rent, utilities, insurance, etc.)
• Avoiding high international transaction or currency conversion fees
• Building your Dutch financial history

In short: having a Dutch bank account is essential for everyday life.

What do you need to open an account?

To open a bank account in the Netherlands, you’ll typically need:

• A valid ID or passport
• Your BSN (Burger Service Nummer) – Dutch citizen service number
• Proof of address (registration at the municipality)
• A Dutch phone number and email address

💡 Tip: Some banks allow you to open an account before receiving your BSN, but you’ll need to provide it later. Opening an account without BSN often requires in-person presence.

How to choose a bank?

The most common Dutch banks for expats are:

• ING – modern, user-friendly mobile app and English-language support
• ABN AMRO – popular among internationals, also available in English
• Rabobank – trusted, with strong local presence and good customer service
• Bunq – a fully digital bank with fast setup and sustainability focus
• Revolut – international digital bank that also work well in the Netherlands

💡 Tip: If you’re relocating for work, ask your employer which bank they use – sometimes it speeds up salary transfers.

Need help?

If you need assistance opening a bank account in the Netherlands, we’re here to help.

Our team can guide you through every step of the process, making sure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.