OPEN A DUTCH BANK ACCOUNT
In the Netherlands you cannot pay with credit cards everywhere. Therefore it is very convenient to open a Dutch bank account. International money transfers are usually very expensive and take days to process. Also, credit cards are not widely accepted. With the debit card you receive when opening a Dutch bank account, it is easy and free of charge to pay at supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.
What if I have to self-quarantine?
You can already start your online application for a bank account. However, you cannot have an appointment in person with a bank office during your quarantine period.
SEPA
Are you a citizen from a EU country with the euro as currency? Since the introduction of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA ), it is possible for Dutch companies to collect money from a foreign bank account. In this case, it might not be necessary to open a Dutch bank account. Contact your own bank for more information.
You need a Dutch bank account for e.g.:
- automatic monthly payments of your tuition fee
- a Dutch phone subscription with automatic payment per month
- reimbursement of your immigration deposit.
Which bank should I choose?
You can open a student bank account with a bank branch of your choice. The biggest banks, with information in English, are:
You can start your online application for an ABN AMRO Student Package here . To complete the opening of your bank account, you will need to visit a service desk. After you have applied online for a Student Package, you will receive an e-mail from a local ABN AMRO employer for an appointment at the nearest local office.
To prepare, please first download and read:
- Application Form international student 2021
- International Student Manual 2021
- Instruction on how to open a student account
- Declaration of consent 2021 (for students under 18)
Documents needed:
- A valid passport or EU ID card
- Proof of enrolment of the AUAS or your AUAS student ID card
- Your Tax Identification Number (If you have to pay taxes in your home country)
- BSN within 6 weeks after opening your bank account
- Application Form international student 2021
- Declaration of consent + copy pf passport/ID parent/legal guardian (for students younger than 18)
You will receive your bank card, pin code and activation code within 5 working days.
- You can make an appointment online at ING
- To complete the opening of your bank account, you will need to visit one of their desks.
- Brochure what to bring (PDF download)
- Full online application possible, but for selected nationalities only
- What to bring:
- A valid passport
- Your residence permit ( the IND letter is not sufficient)
- As with the other banks, you will need to provide your BSN, but Bunq allows you up to 3 months to do so
- Find more information on the Bunq website