Opening a bank account is one of the first things you need to do when you arrive in the Netherlands. Without one, you cannot receive a salary, pay rent, or set up a direct debit for health insurance. The Dutch banking system is reliable and modern, but it can be confusing for newcomers — not least because the major banks have different policies on what documents they require from foreign nationals.

What you need to open an account

In most cases, the big Dutch banks — ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank — require a valid passport or EU identity card, a BSN (Burger Service Nummer, the Dutch citizen service number), and a Dutch residential address. If you have all three, the process is usually straightforward. The complication arises when you have just moved and do not yet have a BSN, or when you are staying in temporary housing. We cover the no-BSN situation separately in our guide on opening an account without a BSN.

ABN AMRO

ABN AMRO is widely regarded as the most expat-friendly of the traditional Dutch banks. Their English-language support is strong, their app is available in English, and their customer service staff typically speak excellent English. The basic Betaalrekening (current account) costs around €2.95 per month. You can open an account online if you have a BSN and a Dutch address, though for non-EU nationals, an in-branch appointment is sometimes required to verify your identity documents.

ABN AMRO also offers a dedicated expat package for highly skilled migrants, which can be opened before you arrive in the Netherlands if your employer facilitates it. This is particularly useful for people coming on a highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) visa.

ING

ING is the largest retail bank in the Netherlands by customer count. Their app is clean and functional, and the basic current account (Betaalrekening) costs around €2.70 per month. ING's English-language support has improved in recent years, though it is slightly below ABN AMRO's standard. The online account-opening process is available in English, and for EU nationals with a Dutch address and BSN, it is typically straightforward. Non-EU nationals may face additional document checks.

One practical advantage of ING is the sheer number of ATMs across the country. If you regularly need cash — less common in the Netherlands than in many other countries, since iDEAL and contactless payments are nearly universal — ING's network is an asset.

Rabobank

Rabobank is a cooperative bank with strong roots in rural and agricultural communities, though it operates nationwide. Its English support is more limited than ABN AMRO or ING, and the account-opening process can be less smooth for non-Dutch speakers. Monthly fees for a standard account run around €3.10. Rabobank is a perfectly solid bank once you are set up, but for most expats it is not the first choice, simply because the onboarding experience is less adapted for internationals.

Bunq, N26, and Revolut

Digital banks have become a legitimate primary banking option for many expats. Bunq is a Dutch bank — which matters for IBAN purposes — and offers accounts with Dutch IBANs that are accepted everywhere. Their plans start at €3.99 per month for a basic account. N26 and Revolut offer European IBANs (German and Lithuanian respectively), which are technically valid across the EU, but in practice some Dutch landlords, employers, and government agencies prefer or require a Dutch IBAN. If you plan to use one of these as your only account, be prepared for occasional friction.

Our recommendation

For most expats arriving in the Netherlands with a BSN in hand, ABN AMRO is the most straightforward choice for a primary account. ING is a close second. If you want to keep fees low and are comfortable with a digital-first experience, bunq with its Dutch IBAN is a strong option. Whichever bank you choose, the most important thing is to get something set up quickly — the rest of your Dutch life depends on it.

Monthly fees at a glance

ABN AMRO Betaalrekening: approximately €2.95/month. ING Betaalrekening: approximately €2.70/month. Rabobank Betaalrekening: approximately €3.10/month. Bunq Easy Bank: from €3.99/month. N26 Standard: free (with limitations). Revolut Standard: free (with limitations).

Always check the current fees directly with the bank before opening an account, as pricing changes periodically.