Banking
Open a Dutch
bank account.
You need one for your salary, rent, and iDEAL payments. Here is what works best for expats.
What you need to arrange
- 1
Open a bank account as soon as possible
You need a Dutch bank account for almost everything in the Netherlands: receiving your salary, paying rent, utility bills, and online payments via iDEAL. Don't wait.
- 2
Understand iDEAL
iDEAL is the standard Dutch online payment method, used by webshops, landlords, and utilities. It only works with Dutch (NL) IBAN accounts. This is why Revolut and N26 (which give non-Dutch IBANs) are not suitable as a primary Dutch account.
- 3
Get your BSN to unlock traditional banks
ING and Rabobank require a BSN upfront. ABN AMRO and bunq allow you to open an account without a BSN, with a grace period to provide it later. If you just arrived, start with bunq or ABN AMRO while you wait for your BSN.
- 4
Register at your gemeente
You need a Dutch address and gemeente registration to open most accounts. Register at your local municipality within 5 days of arriving. You'll receive your BSN at registration or by post within a few days.
- 5
Watch out for non-Dutch IBANs
Revolut (Lithuanian IBAN) and N26 (German IBAN) will NOT work with all Dutch services. Your employer, landlord, or the Belastingdienst (tax authority) may require a Dutch NL IBAN. Always have a Dutch NL IBAN as your primary account.
- 6
Tikkie: how Dutch people pay each other
Tikkie is the standard app for splitting bills in the Netherlands. It works via iDEAL from your Dutch account. Everyone uses it: restaurants, friends, shared households. You need a Dutch NL IBAN to receive and send Tikkies.
Compare banks
Fees and features accurate as of May 2026.
Fees updated manually. Bank account fees are generally stable but can change. I update this page when providers announce changes. Last verified: May 14, 2026.
ING
- ✓Largest retail bank in the Netherlands
- ✓Fully English app and website
- ✓Largest ATM network in the country
- ✓Free account for students and under-27
- ✓Most widely accepted by Dutch employers and landlords
- ✓BSN required — open an account after gemeente registration
Last verified: May 14, 2026
ABN AMRO
- ✓120-day BSN grace period — open before you have your BSN
- ✓Dedicated expat banking service
- ✓English app, website, and customer service
- ✓Free for students
- ✓Can be opened entirely via the app
- ✓Expat desk in Amsterdam experienced with international customers
Last verified: May 14, 2026
bunq
- ✓Dutch NL IBAN from day one
- ✓Open in 5 minutes with just your passport
- ✓No BSN needed to start — 90-day grace period
- ✓Free tier available
- ✓2.01% interest on savings balance
- ✓100% English — app, website, and support
Last verified: May 14, 2026
Revolut
⚠️ Not a Dutch IBAN. Revolut gives you a Lithuanian IBAN (LT). Some Dutch employers, landlords, and iDEAL payments may not accept it. Use as a secondary account alongside a Dutch bank, not as your primary account.
- ✓Easy to open from anywhere
- ✓Great for international transfers
- ✓Multi-currency accounts
- ✓Free plan available
Last verified: May 14, 2026
Fees and features were verified in May 2026. They can change, so always double-check on the bank's website before signing up.