Best Bank Accounts for Newcomers in the Netherlands
Best Bank Accounts for Newcomers in the Netherlands
Opening a Dutch bank account is an important step after moving to the Netherlands. A local account makes it easier to receive salary payments, pay rent, set up direct debits and use iDEAL for online purchases.
The best bank accounts for newcomers in the Netherlands offer digital applications, English-language support and some flexibility for customers who have not yet received their BSN, or citizen service number.
Best Bank Accounts for Newcomers in the Netherlands
The leading options for 2026 include:
- ABN AMRO Basic Payment Package: Best overall for expats
- ING Go: Best for newcomers without a BSN
- Rabobank Rabo Free: Best for newcomers aged 18 to 27
- bunq Core: Best mobile-first Dutch bank
- Revolut Standard: Best for travel and foreign currencies
1. ABN AMRO Basic Payment Package – Best Overall
ABN AMRO provides a dedicated English-language service for people moving to the Netherlands. Eligible newcomers can apply through the ABN AMRO app and begin without a BSN.
The bank states that applicants may receive an account number within approximately four hours after completing digital identification. The standard package currently costs €4.30 per month and includes:
- Dutch current account
- Debit card
- ABN AMRO mobile app
- Internet banking
- SEPA payments and direct debits
- Access to Dutch payment services
- English-language information for expats
Customers who open the account without a BSN must provide it within the period communicated by the bank. A valid identity document and a Dutch residential address are also normally required.
Best for: Newcomers who want a traditional Dutch bank with strong English-language support.
2. ING Go – Best for Starting Without a BSN
ING allows eligible newcomers to open a Dutch payment account through its app. Applicants using a non-EEA passport can begin without a BSN but must provide their BSN and Dutch address within 90 days.
ING introduced a revised package range in June 2026. The basic ING Go package costs €4 per month and includes:
- Current account
- Debit card
- Standard euro payments
- Cash withdrawals within the euro area
- ING mobile app
- Internet banking
- Contactless and mobile payments
More expensive ING packages include services such as credit cards, travel benefits or additional savings interest, but most newcomers only need the basic plan.
Digital approval depends on the passport used and whether ING can verify the applicant remotely. Some customers may be asked to arrange an identification appointment.
Best for: New arrivals who need a Dutch account before their municipal registration is fully completed.
3. Rabobank Rabo Free – Best for Newcomers Aged 18 to 27
Rabo Free is one of the most attractive options for younger newcomers because it has no monthly package fee.
It is available to customers from age 18 until their 28th birthday and includes:
- Current account
- Debit card
- Rabo mobile app
- Internet banking
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Budgeting and spending tools
- Free withdrawals from Geldmaat ATMs
The account is available to students and non-students within the eligible age range. Once the customer reaches 28, Rabobank automatically transfers the account to another package that may charge a monthly fee.
Customers above the age limit can consider Rabo Standaard, which costs €3.60 per month in 2026. Foreign-currency card payments currently carry a 1.4% exchange-rate markup under the published fee schedule.
Applications are completed through the Rabo App using an accepted passport or identity card.
Best for: Newcomers aged 18 to 27 who want a free account from a major Dutch bank.
4. bunq Core – Best Mobile-First Dutch Bank
bunq is a Dutch digital bank designed for customers who prefer to manage everything through an app.
Its current personal plans include:
- bunq Free: €0 per month
- bunq Core: €3.99 per month
- bunq Pro: €9.99 per month
- bunq Elite: €18.99 per month
bunq Core is generally the most practical paid option for everyday banking. It offers account and card features intended for regular payments, saving and expense management. Applications can be started using a smartphone and accepted identity document.
Benefits for newcomers can include:
- Fast app-based registration
- Dutch IBAN
- Mobile account management
- Debit-card availability
- Savings features
- Support for international lifestyles
- Multiple paid plans with budgeting tools
Account eligibility depends on the applicant’s country of residence, identity documents and verification results. Newcomers should check whether bunq Free provides all the payment and card features they need before selecting it over Core.
Best for: Digitally confident newcomers who do not need regular branch assistance.
5. Revolut Standard – Best for International Spending
Revolut Standard has no monthly subscription fee and can be useful for newcomers who regularly travel, convert currencies or receive money from abroad.
The plan includes:
- Free local payments
- Free transfers to other Revolut users
- Virtual-card access
- Multi-currency balances
- Currency exchange through the app
- Spending analytics
- Physical card subject to delivery charges
Standard customers can exchange up to a combined €1,000 per month before an additional 1% fair-usage fee applies. Other fees or weekend markups may also apply.
Revolut can work well as a secondary account. However, newcomers should confirm that the account provides the Dutch payment features they require before relying on it for salary, rent and local direct debits.
Best for: Newcomers who travel often or receive income in different currencies.
Can You Open a Dutch Bank Account Without a BSN?
Yes, some banks allow eligible customers to begin without one.
ABN AMRO advertises account opening without a BSN through its expat service. ING also allows certain applicants to start without a BSN, provided they submit the number and their Dutch address within 90 days.
After moving, newcomers should register with their municipality. The municipality records the resident in the Personal Records Database and issues a BSN.
Failing to provide the BSN within the bank’s deadline can result in account restrictions or closure.
Documents Newcomers Usually Need
Prepare:
- Valid passport or EEA identity card
- Dutch residential address
- BSN, or an agreement to provide it later
- Residence permit when applicable
- Dutch or European mobile number
- Email address
- Foreign tax identification number
- Information about countries of tax residence
- Evidence showing the source of significant deposits
The bank may also request an employment contract, university enrolment letter or rental agreement when it needs additional information.
Costs to Compare
Do not compare accounts based only on their monthly price. Check:
- Debit-card fees
- Cash-withdrawal charges
- Foreign-currency markups
- International transfer fees
- Replacement-card fees
- Paper statements
- Additional account holders
- Credit-card costs
- Overdraft interest
Credit cards and overdrafts may require income checks and a review of the applicant’s Dutch credit information. A normal current account using the customer’s own money generally does not require an established local credit history.
Are Dutch Bank Deposits Protected?
Money held in eligible Dutch current and savings accounts is automatically protected by the Dutch Deposit Guarantee up to €100,000 per person, per bank.
The limit applies to the combined balance held with the same banking licence, not separately to every account.
Banks based elsewhere in the European Economic Area may be covered by the deposit-guarantee scheme of their home country rather than the Dutch scheme.
Which Dutch Bank Account Is Best for Newcomers?
ABN AMRO is the strongest overall option for many expats because it provides English-language support and allows eligible applicants to begin without a BSN.
ING is another convenient choice for newcomers completing municipal registration. Rabobank offers excellent value to customers under 28, while bunq is suitable for mobile-first banking. Revolut is most valuable as an additional account for travel and currency exchange.
Confirm the accepted identity documents and latest fees directly with the provider before applying.
