Banking in the Netherlands
A Dutch bank account with IBAN is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, and daily transactions. The Netherlands is largely cashless, with contactless payments and iDEAL (online banking) dominant.
Opening a Bank Account
Standard Requirements:
- Valid passport or ID
- Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill)
- BSN (Burgerservicenummer)
- Residence permit (for non-EU nationals)
Banks That Don't Require BSN Initially:
- ING, ABN AMRO, bunq, Revolut
- You must provide BSN within 90 days of opening
Major Banks Comparison (2026)
| Bank | Monthly Fee | English Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ING | €3.55-4.00 | Good | Largest bank, extensive ATM network |
| ABN AMRO | €4.30 | Excellent | Best for expats, international division |
| Rabobank | €3.65 | Moderate | Strong in rural areas |
| bunq | €0-18 | Excellent | Best digital option, 2.01% interest |
| N26 | €0-17 | Excellent | German IBAN (can't use iDEAL) |
Important Payment Methods
iDEAL: The dominant online payment system in Netherlands. Almost all Dutch webshops use it. Requires Dutch IBAN - N26's German IBAN won't work.
Contactless: Standard everywhere. Maestro and VPay are common debit card types. Visa/Mastercard debit increasingly accepted.
Tikkie: Popular app for splitting bills and requesting payments between friends.
Getting Your BSN
The BSN (Citizen Service Number) is required for employment, banking, healthcare, and most official services.
How to get it:
- Make appointment at your local gemeente (municipality)
- Bring passport, proof of address, and residence permit
- BSN issued during appointment
- Takes 5-10 business days for confirmation letter
Tips for New Expats
Salary timing: Dutch salaries are typically paid monthly around the 24th-28th. Budget accordingly.
Direct debits: Many services (utilities, insurance, subscriptions) require IBAN for automatic collection (automatische incasso).
International transfers: Use Wise (TransferWise) or Revolut for better exchange rates when sending money abroad.
Building Credit: The Netherlands doesn't have a credit score system like the US/UK. Banks assess based on income, employment contract, and BKR registration (debt register).
Tax Considerations
30% Ruling: If eligible, coordinate with employer to structure salary correctly for tax benefits.
DigiD: Get your DigiD (digital identity) to access tax services, healthcare allowances, and government portals. Apply at digid.nl after getting BSN.
Pro Tips
- •bunq is the best option for expats - English-first, no initial BSN required
- •Get DigiD as soon as you have BSN - needed for tax returns and government services
- •iDEAL requires Dutch IBAN - avoid banks with foreign IBANs
- •Set up automatic payments (incasso) for rent and utilities
- •Tikkie app is essential for splitting bills with Dutch friends
Have questions about banking in Netherlands?