When people ask which Dutch bank is best for internationals, the honest answer is: it depends on what you value. All three major banks — ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank — are safe, regulated institutions covered by the Dutch deposit guarantee scheme (depositogarantiestelsel) up to €100,000. The differences come down to language support, digital experience, fees, and how welcoming they are to non-Dutch applicants.
English-language support
ABN AMRO wins this category clearly. Their website, mobile app, and telephone support are all available in English. When you call their customer service line, you can typically reach an English-speaking agent without navigating a Dutch menu. ING offers English support in their app and online banking, and their website has an English version, but their telephone support is more variable. Rabobank's English support is the weakest of the three — most of their customer-facing materials default to Dutch, and getting help in English over the phone can require persistence.
Online account opening for expats
ABN AMRO allows EU nationals to open an account online with a BSN and Dutch address. Non-EU nationals often need to visit a branch, but ABN AMRO has a specific process for highly skilled migrants that is more streamlined than it used to be. ING similarly allows online opening for EU nationals with a BSN, and the process is slightly simpler and faster in our experience. Rabobank's online process is less clearly adapted for foreign applicants and more frequently requires a branch visit.
Mobile app quality
All three banks have functional mobile apps, but ING's app consistently receives the highest ratings in the Dutch App Store and Google Play. It is clean, fast, and covers the most common tasks — checking balances, making transfers, setting up standing orders — without unnecessary complexity. ABN AMRO's app is also solid and has the advantage of a full English interface. Rabobank's app has improved in recent years but still feels slightly less polished than its competitors.
Fees
Monthly account fees are broadly similar across all three banks, typically falling in the €2.70–€3.10 range for a standard current account. ABN AMRO and ING often run promotions for new customers, so it is worth checking their current offers. All three banks charge for international transfers outside the SEPA zone, and these fees can add up if you regularly send money outside Europe. If you frequently transfer money internationally, consider keeping a Wise or Revolut account alongside your Dutch bank account.
Branch network and ATMs
ING has the most extensive ATM network in the Netherlands, followed by ABN AMRO. Rabobank's ATM network is more limited in urban areas. That said, the Netherlands is one of the most cashless societies in the world — you can go weeks without needing physical cash — so this factor matters less here than in most countries.
Customer satisfaction
According to the Dutch Consumer Association (Consumentenbond), ING and ABN AMRO consistently score higher in customer satisfaction surveys than Rabobank for retail banking customers. Expat communities online — particularly the r/Netherlands and r/Amsterdam subreddits and the Expats in the Netherlands Facebook groups — tend to recommend ABN AMRO most frequently, though positive ING experiences are also common.
Verdict
For the typical expat, ABN AMRO is the safest choice. Their commitment to English-language service is the most consistent, and their expat-specific onboarding makes the first weeks in the Netherlands smoother. ING is a close second and slightly cheaper. Rabobank is fine once you are set up but not worth the friction during the application process compared to the alternatives.