How to Open a Dutch Bank Account as an Expat
Getting a Dutch bank account sorted early makes everything else easier. You will need one to receive your salary, pay rent, set up direct debits for health insurance, and use iDEAL, the payment system that powers most Dutch online purchases and transfers. Without a local account, day-to-day life in the Netherlands quickly becomes frustrating.
This guide covers your options in 2026, what documents you need, and the fastest way to get set up depending on where you are in the registration process.
Do You Need a BSN to Open a Dutch Bank Account?
For traditional Dutch banks, yes. ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank all require a BSN and a registered Dutch address before they will open an account. If you have not done the gemeente registration at your municipality yet, read our BSN number guide first.
That said, there are good options for getting a working account before your BSN is ready, which we cover below.
Your Options as an Expat
Traditional Dutch Banks
The three main retail banks in the Netherlands are ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank. All three provide Dutch IBANs starting with NL, English-language apps, and customer support in English. A Dutch NL IBAN matters because some employers, insurers, and government services still require one, even though EU regulations technically prohibit IBAN discrimination.
ING is the largest retail bank in the Netherlands and a popular first choice for expats. The basic account costs around €2.45 per month and is free if you deposit at least €1,250 monthly. Applications can be done online or in branch.
ABN AMRO has a reputation for smooth onboarding, particularly for expats on international packages or with non-Dutch employment situations. The basic account costs around €4.30 per month and includes a debit card.
Rabobank is a cooperative bank with solid coverage across the Netherlands. The basic package costs €5.45 per month. English support is more limited than ING or ABN AMRO, which makes it a less practical choice if you do not speak Dutch.
Digital Banks
Bunq is the standout option for expats who need a Dutch bank account quickly. You can open an account fully online in around five minutes, without needing to be in the Netherlands. It gives you a Dutch NL IBAN immediately, works with iDEAL, and allows you to add your BSN within 90 days of opening. The basic account is free.
N26 is another fast online option but gives you a German IBAN rather than a Dutch one, which can cause issues with some Dutch employers and insurers. It is fine as a temporary account but not ideal as your main one.
International Options
Wise is widely used by expats managing money across multiple countries. It does not require a BSN or Dutch address, gives you a European IBAN, works for salary payments at most Dutch employers, and handles currency conversion at competitive rates. It is not a replacement for a Dutch bank account long-term, but it is a practical solution while you are getting settled.
What You Need to Open an Account
For traditional Dutch banks you will need:
- Your BSN
- A valid passport or EU identity card
- Proof of your Dutch address (such as your municipality registration confirmation)
For Bunq and other digital banks you typically only need a valid passport and a selfie for identity verification. Your BSN can be added later.
How to Open an Account: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose your bank
If you have your BSN and are already registered, ING or ABN AMRO are the most practical choices for a main account. If you need something immediately, start with Bunq and add a traditional bank account once you are registered.
Step 2: Apply online or in branch
ING and ABN AMRO both allow online applications. ING typically processes these within one to three working days. ABN AMRO takes one to five working days. Both also have physical branches if you prefer to go in person. Bunq is fully online and takes around five minutes.
Step 3: Verify your identity
Online applications require a passport photo and a selfie for identity verification. In-branch applications require your passport or identity card in person.
Step 4: Receive your debit card
Your physical debit card arrives by post within three to seven working days of account approval. You can usually set up digital payments through the app before the card arrives.
iDEAL, Tikkie, and the Transition to Wero
Two payment tools you will use constantly in the Netherlands are iDEAL and Tikkie. iDEAL is the standard online payment system used at virtually every Dutch webshop and for most bill payments. Tikkie is the go-to app for splitting costs and requesting payments between individuals, built on top of your Dutch bank account.
Both require a Dutch bank account, and ING, ABN AMRO, and Bunq all support both.
One change worth knowing about: iDEAL is currently transitioning to Wero, a new pan-European payment system backed by ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and 13 other major European banks. The transition began in early 2026 with a combined iDEAL/Wero logo appearing in banking apps and webshops. The full migration is expected to complete by late 2027, after which iDEAL will be phased out entirely. For users the experience will remain largely the same, with the added benefit of Wero working across multiple European countries, not just the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Dutch bank account before I arrive? Bunq is the only option that allows fully online account opening from abroad with a Dutch NL IBAN. Wise is also available before arrival but gives a European rather than Dutch IBAN. Traditional banks require you to be in the Netherlands with a BSN.
Which bank is best for expats in the Netherlands? For most expats, ING or ABN AMRO work well as a main account once you have your BSN. If you need something immediately, Bunq is the fastest way to get a Dutch IBAN up and running.
Do I need a Dutch bank account to receive my salary? Most Dutch employers accept any EU IBAN for salary payments, but some, particularly in the public sector, require a Dutch NL IBAN. Check with your HR department before your first pay date.
Can I use Revolut as my main account in the Netherlands? Revolut gives you a Lithuanian IBAN, not a Dutch one, which can cause problems with certain employers and services. It works well as a secondary account for travel and currency exchange, but is not recommended as your only account in the Netherlands.
What is the cheapest Dutch bank account? Bunq’s basic account is free. Among traditional banks, ING and ABN AMRO both offer accounts at around €2.45 per month, with ING waiving the fee if you deposit at least €1,250 monthly.
Summary
Most expats end up with a traditional Dutch bank account at ING or ABN AMRO for day-to-day use, sometimes alongside Bunq or Wise during the initial settling-in period. Get your BSN sorted first, then open your main account. If you need something immediately, Bunq gets you a Dutch IBAN in minutes. And if you are seeing the new iDEAL/Wero logo appear in your banking app, there is nothing to do, the transition happens automatically.
