Banking in the Netherlands
By Abi CarterUpdated on Feb 10, 2025
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Expats setting up their new life in the Netherlands will need to open a Dutch bank account to receive their salaries, rent an apartment, or to just take a trip down to the supermarket where they can "pin" for groceries.
Here's what you need to know about banks and banking in the Netherlands.
Banks in the Netherlands
Before you go to open your bank account, you need to choose which bank suits your needs or principles.
You should also take into account the fact that most banks charge a monthly or yearly fee for having an account with them. It's therefore worth shopping around for the deal that suits you best.
Biggest banks in the Netherlands
The biggest banks in the Netherlands are:
- ABN AMRO (customer service in English)
- ING (customer service in English)
- Rabobank
- SNS Bank
- ASN Bank
- Triodos
Digital/mobile banks
Some digital/mobile banks (banks that operate only online and do not have physical branches) that operate in the Netherlands are:
Banks offering student accounts
These banks offer special student accounts suitable for international students in the Netherlands:
Credit cards
Looking for a credit card in the Netherlands? Try one of the following companies:
- ABN AMRO
- American Express
- Creditcard.nl (compare different credit cards)
How to open a Dutch bank account
To open a private bank account in the Netherlands, you will need to either make an appointment online, or simply walk into your nearest branch with all of your details. In some cases, it is possible to have a bank employee come and meet you at home or at work to set up the account.
Documents needed for a Dutch bank account
To open a bank account in the Netherlands you will need the following documents:
- Your BSN number (Burgerservicenummer)
- A valid form of ID (passport or identity card - often a driving licence is not acceptable)
- Proof of address (i.e. a rental contract)
- Residence permit if you come from outside of the EU
Getting your bank card (pinpas or betaalpas)
Once all the details have been processed, you will have to simply wait until your account is approved and your new bank card and PIN number are sent out to you in the post. You will usually receive them in two separate envelopes. Some banks will require you to activate your new debit card online or via their mobile banking app before you can use it. You can also add your card to your mobile phone's digital wallet.
Most banks will issue you with a debit card (known as a pinpas or betaalpas in Dutch) as standard. A debit card will immediately debit funds from your account every time you pay for something. If you don't have enough money for the transaction, it will not go through. If you want a credit card, you will have to specially apply for one (see below).
Card payments are widely accepted in the Netherlands - in fact, you will find many places where paying by card is the only possibility. Most debit cards in the Netherlands use the Maestro or V Pay systems and allow contactless payments of up to 50 euros without you entering your PIN. Some businesses in the Netherlands only accept payments via Maestro or V Pay. However, as of 2024 many banks are now rolling out Mastercard and Visa debit cards to their customers, and these types of debit cards are becoming more widely accepted.
Banking for businesses in the Netherlands
If you have started a business in the Netherlands and want to open a Dutch bank account, the process is essentially the same as it is for opening a private account. As well as the above personal details, you should also have all of the necessary details concerning your business, for example, your KvK number and a record of your turnover. Most banks have different types of business accounts depending on the turnover of your company.
Banks offering business accounts
These banks all offer business accounts for expats in the Netherlands:
Student bank accounts in the Netherlands
If you are coming to the Netherlands to study, it is a good idea to open a student bank account. This will make a your life in the Netherlands a lot easier. Several banks in the Netherlands, including ABN AMRO, offer student bank accounts specifically designed for international students.
Internet banking in the Netherlands
Most Dutch people and expats in the Netherlands organise their financial affairs online via internet and app-based banking. Internet banking in the Netherlands is convenient and secure, and allows you to do almost all of the transactions that you would be able to do in person.
Be aware that some banks in the Netherlands offer internet services only in Dutch. However, you can always receive a tutorial from the bank clerk when you open your account (or you can learn Dutch!).
When you open your bank account, you should ask the bank staff about their options for internet banking or banking apps. Most of the time, setting it up is simply a case of registering online with your IBAN; however, you may have to have a temporary username and password sent to you in the post when setting up internet banking for the frist time.
What is iDeal?
iDeal is a method of paying online using your debit card rather than your credit card. You use your e.dentifier and your PIN to pay for goods. If you have a banking app, you can simply scan the QR code on the website and identify yourself with a PIN code or Face ID to complete the transaction. It's simple and a lot quicker than inputting your card details.
Getting a credit card in the Netherlands
Credit cards are not widely used in the Netherlands, mainly thanks to the popularity of the online debit card payment system iDeal, the Dutch dislike of debt, and the higher processing fees they incur for businesses. In the past, they were not accepted by many retailers and restaurants, but acceptance is gradually increasing and you will find you are able to pay by credit card in most places.
How does a credit card work?
Whereas debit card payments are immediately debited from your account balance, credit card payments are totalled up and debited at a later date - usually the end of the month, or the end of the following month.
Repayment of credit card debt in the Netherlands is commonly done on a monthly basis, via a direct debit from your current account. If you want to delay a payment longer than this, you will generally pay a high interest rate on the debt.
How to get a credit card in the Netherlands
Most of the major Dutch banks will be able to offer you a credit card. It is also possible to get a credit card directly from an international supplier such as American Express. You can also use a comparison site to compare different offers.
To get a credit card, you will almost always have to pass a credit check with the Bureau Kredit Registratie (Credit Registration Office - BKR). If you have a negative BKR, you may be refused a credit card.
You may also have to meet a minimum income requirement. You can prove this with your payslips or employment contract. The net amounts required differ from bank to bank. Some banks may still let you get a credit card even if you don't meet their income requirements, but your spending limit will be much lower.
Loans in the Netherlands
Loans provided by banks, such as ABN AMRO, are the most common method of lending money in the Netherlands. There are, however, a number of different credit agencies and, if the amount you need to borrow is not so large, you can always use a credit card. How much you receive (or even if you are granted the loan at all) will depend on several factors such as your age, financial assets, income and residency status.
There are a number of comparison websites which you can use to assess your options when it comes to taking out a loan in the Netherlands. Alternatively, you can simply walk into your bank and speak with an advisor.
E.dentifier card readers
Prior to the widespread use of app-based internet banking, many banks used e.identifiers to enable customers to securely log in to their internet banking and confirm transactions. An e.dentifier is a card reader that provides a unique code.
Since most people nowadays prefer to use their banking app, e.identifiers are not so commonly used, and most banks no longer issue them. If you need one, speak to your bank to ask for their advice. In some cases your bank may also use your mobile phone number to communicate further codes with you, to ensure absolute security.
What is the SEPA?
SEPA stands for Single Euro Payments Area and is an agreement made by the European Union which came into effect on February 1, 2014. It means that there will no longer be any difference between domestic and cross-border euro payments within Europe. Ultimately, you or your business will start using your IBAN rather than your normal account number.
What is my IBAN?
IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. It is a unique number which allows your bank account number to be identified and understood by all financial institutions worldwide. You can find your IBAN on the front of your bank card, in your banking app, or on some correspondence from your bank.
Can I open an offshore account with a Dutch bank?
Yes, several major Dutch banks, as well as smaller ones, offer this service.
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