Dutch bank account

Four basic payment methods are recognised in the Netherlands:

• Cash
• PIN
• Credit card
• Bank transfer

PIN and cash payment are the most common methods. A PIN card (in Dutch: pinpas) is connected to your Dutch bank account. You can pay by simply entering a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), just as you would at an ATM machine. Payment by credit card is less common in smaller shops and supermarkets. However, restaurants, hotels and department stores generally accept all major cards. The bank transfer can be used when you buy from online stores.

The currency of the Netherlands is the euro (€). One euro is divided into one hundred cents. Coin denominations used in the Netherlands are: 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, 1 euro and 2 euros. Banknotes come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 denominations.

Please be aware that, in general, shops do not accept banknotes of €100, €200 and €500.

The exchange rate is fixed every day and will be displayed at every foreign exchange office. All banks offer the same rates, but their charges for foreign exchange may vary.

The largest foreign exchange specialist in the Netherlands is GWK Travelex with offices located at railway stations, airports, and popular tourist locations.

When you live in the Netherlands for longer than 6 months, it's strongly recommended that you have a current Dutch bank account to manage your day-to-day finances.

The Immigration Service Desk (ISD) will inform Non-EU/EEA guests about opening a Dutch bank account. If you have any other questions that are related to your bank account, or if you're not sure if you're going to need a Dutch bank account, you can also direct your question at the ISD.

If you are not a member of an EU/EEA country that uses the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) system, it is advised that you open a Dutch bank account. If you are an EU/EEA student and you are going to be in the Netherlands for longer than six months, it is still advised to get a Dutch bank account, however SEPA ensures that accounts throughout Europe are accessible in a uniform, simple manner. This is necessary, so there will no longer be any differences between domestic and cross-border euro payments in Europe.

Therefore, international bank account numbers (IBAN) must be used for euro accounts throughout Europe.

IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. Since February 2014, the IBAN has replaced the 9-digit account number. In the Netherlands, the IBAN is structured as follows:

• The country code NL
• 2-digit control number
• 4 letters that identify the bank
• 10 digits, which consist of the current account number supplemented with zeros

An example of a Dutch IBAN is NL73 INGB 123 456 78 00.

If you are not a member of an EU/EEA country that uses the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) system, the advice is to open a (Dutch) bank account (IBAN) to manage your day-to-day finances during your stay in the Netherlands. On this webpage you can find more information about opening a bank account. At most Dutch banks you need to have a BSN in order to open a bank account. You can choose a bank of your preference.

The ABN AMRO provides a student package especially for international students that could meet all your needs.

What do I need to open a bank account?

• Passport or ID-card
• An official BSN letter

Do I need to make an appointment?

There is no need to visit the local branch. You can open a bank account via the ABN Amro app if you have a passport. If you only have an ID-card or the app application does not work for you, it is also possible to make an appointment via the website. A bank employee will then do a home visit in order to assist you in setting up the account.

Is it possible to open a bank account for a minor (person under 18 years old)?

Yes, it is possible if at least one of the parents/guardians is present at the appointment. For this you do need to visit the local branch. Please contact the bank on +31 (0)88 226 2635 to book an appointment.

How long does it take to receive my bank account?

You will receive an account number, bank card, pin and activation code within 5 working days after your appointment.

Additional information

A student can only open an account if you stay longer than 6 months in the Netherlands for their study.

You can open a Dutch student bank account at ASN Bank.

What do I need to submit?

• Passport
• An official BSN letter

Do I need an appointment?

No, you do not need an appointment. You can apply for a Dutch bank account online. Please note that the website of ASN bank is only available in the Dutch language.

Is it possible to open a bank account for a minor (person under 18 years old)?

Yes, it is only possible if the parents have a Dutch bank account for an identification transfer.

Additional information

The website is only in the Dutch language. When opening an account, one can choose for identification by AMP. Within approximately 2 working days after opening the account, AMP will send an e-mail containing a link. Through this link the account holder can make an appointment with AMP for identification.

Bunq is an online bank where you can open a bank account.

What do I need to submit?

• Passport

Do I need an appointment?

No, you can apply online for opening a bank account.

Is it possible to open a bank account for a minor (person under 18 years old)?

Yes, it is possible if the parents have an active Bunq-account (free of charge or paid). When the minor submits their application, Bunq will send a confirmation link to minor's parent(s) or legal guardian.

How long does it take to receive my bank account?

It takes approximately 1 working day before you receive your bank account.

Additional information

There are no bank branches available in the Netherlands. You will have to do everything with online banking.

The ING has a student account for international students. You can either visit an ING service point or open an account online.

What do I need to bring with me?

• A valid form of ID (passport, European ID card, official Dutch residence document)
• Official proof of registration in the Personal Records Database (uittreksel BRP) including BSN with the current address (charges: approximately 17.00 euro)

Do I need an appointment?

No, please go to one of the following service points to open an account:

ING servicepunt Pleiadenlaan (Bruna)
Dierenriemstraat 220
9741 AM Groningen
Mon/Fri: 10.00-12.00 14.00-17.00

ING servicepunt Lewenborg (Cigo)
Kajuit 269
9733 CT Groningen
Mon/Fri: 13.00-17.00

Is it possible to open a bank account for a minor (person under 18 years old)?

No, this is not possible.

How long does it take to receive my bank account?

It takes approximately 5 to 6 working days before you receive your bank account and pin card. When opening the account online, you have immediate access to your account and will also be able to make payments instantly.

Additional information

This student account is only available for students between the ages of 18 and 29 years.

N26 is an online bank.

What do I need to submit?

• Passport

Do I need an appointment?

No, you do not require an appointmet. You can apply online for a bank account.

Is it possible to open a bank account for a minor (person under 18 years old)?

No, this is not possible.

How long does it take to receive my bank account?

It takes approximately 1 working day to receive your bank account.

Additional information

There are no bank branches available in the Netherlands. You will have to do everything with online banking

Rabobank provides a student package for international students.

What do I need to submit or bring with me?

• Passport
• Dutch residence permit
• Official proof of registration in the Personal Records Database (uittreksel BRP) including BSN with the current address (charges: approximately 17.00 euro)
• An official BSN letter
• Personal TIN (Tax Identification Number) (the citizens tax number from your home country)
• Proof of registration at a Dutch educational establishment (Statement of enrolment)

Do I need an appointment?

No, it is not required but we do advise you to make an appointment.

Is it possible to open a bank account for a minor (person under 18 years old)?

Yes, it is possible to open a bank account as a minor if your parents are present in person during the application. The parents have to submit their passport.

How long does it take to receive my bank account?

It takes approximately 2 working days. Students from countries where financial sanctions take place, it could take about 2 to 3 weeks.

Additional information

When the student leave the Netherlands, the bank account should be terminated.

SNS provides several SNS bank accounts.

What do I need to submit?

• Passport
• An official BSN letter
• Proof of registration at a Dutch educational establishment (Statement of enrolment)

Do I need an appointment?

No, it is not necessary to make an appointment.

Is it possible to open a bank account for a minor (person under 18 years old)?

No, this is not possible.

How long does it take to receive my bank account?

It takes approximately 2 weeks to receive your bank account.

Additional information

The SNS student account is for students between the ages of 18 and 27 years. The website is only in the Dutch language.

When you have finished your studies and you wish to leave the Netherlands then you are required to close your Dutch bank account.

We advise you to contact your Dutch bank on how to do this. Please note that some banks require you to make an appointment for this before you leave the Netherlands.