Open a Dutch bank account

Having a Dutch bank account is a convenient way to access money and make payments while you are here. You can save money on international payments and international credit cards do not work in smaller shops and cafés. With the debit card which you receive when opening a Dutch bank account, it is easy and free of charge to pay at supermarkets, cafes and restaurants. 

You can open a student bank account at several different banks in the Netherlands.

Are you a citizen from a EU country with the euro as currency? Since the introduction of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA(opens in new window)) 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 (proof of financial means) for non-EU students

Which bank should I choose?

You can open a student bank account with a bank branch of your choice. Banks have different terms & conditions and several packages/accounts. At some banks, only specific nationalities can apply.

The biggest banks, with information in English, are:

ABN AMRO

The easiest and quickest way to open a bank account with  ABN AMRO(opens in new window) is via their app. This takes about one working day. For the necessary verification, you will need:

• a valid passport or EU ID card*
• a copy of your registration at a Dutch educational institution (full time study): a so called proof of enrolment or your student ID card
• your Dutch address and burgerservicenummer (BSN)

*If you use a European ID card, you will have to complete your identification by appointment. This option will take about a week.

Please note:

• you can only open a bank account with ABN AMRO if you are going to live in the Netherlands for at least 6 months.
• you have to be 18 years or older

ING

• EU students can open an ING bank account easily with an app. 
• Non-EU? You cannot open a bank account online. You have to got to an ING Service Point(opens in new window). 
• You have to be 18 or over. Younger than 18 years? Bring your legal representative to an ING Service Point.

Remember to bring:

• a valid ID (passport, ID card, official residence document)
• a copy of your registration at a Dutch educational institution (full time study): so called proof of enrolment
• your Dutch address and burgerservicenummer (BSN) or, if you don't have one yet, your Tax Identification Number (TIN) 
• an original extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP), not older than 3 months

Bunq

• Green bank option: Bunq is on a path trying to make banking more sustainable
• Full online application possible, but for selected nationalities only.
• Video verification is used to open your bank account.
• To complete the verification, you need:
  • a valid ID. The accepted document depends on your nationality, check the details here (opens in new window)
  • Proof of residence: an official document, check the details here (opens in new window)
• As with the other banks, you will need to provide your BSN, but Bunq allows you up to 3 months to do so.
• You have to be 18 or over or you have approval from your legal representative if you are a minor.