Best Checking Accounts for International Students in the Netherlands
Best Checking Accounts for International Students in the Netherlands
Finding one of the best checking accounts for international students in the Netherlands can make it easier to receive money, pay rent, use direct debits and shop online.
Dutch banks normally call a checking account a payment account or betaalrekening. Most accounts include a Dutch IBAN, debit card, mobile banking and support for local payment services.
The best option depends on your age, enrolment status, identity documents and whether you have already received your Dutch BSN, or citizen service number.
Best Checking Accounts for International Students
The leading options for 2026 are:
- ABN AMRO Student Package: Best traditional student account
- ING Student Account: Best for students up to age 29
- Rabobank Rabo Free: Best for students aged 18 to 27
- bunq Student Account: Best digital account without an immediate BSN
- Revolut Standard: Best for international spending
1. ABN AMRO Student Package – Best Overall
The ABN AMRO Student Package is a free payment account for eligible students who are actively studying and aged 18 through 24.
It includes:
- Dutch current account
- Debit card
- ABN AMRO mobile app
- Internet banking
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Online transfers and direct debits
- Access to Dutch online payment services
- Optional linked savings account
ABN AMRO changed its eligibility conditions on January 1, 2026. New customers must be actively studying and between 18 and 24 years old to receive the free Student Package.
International students can apply through the ABN AMRO app using an accepted international passport. The bank allows eligible newcomers to begin opening an account before submitting a BSN, although the number must be supplied within the deadline communicated during the application.
Best for: International students aged 18 to 24 who want a free account from a major Dutch bank.
2. ING Student Account – Best for Students Up to Age 29
The ING Student Account is free for eligible students aged 18 through 29 who are enrolled in an MBO, HBO or university programme.
The account provides:
- No monthly account fee
- Current account
- Debit card
- ING mobile banking
- Internet banking
- Contactless payments
- SEPA transfers
- Direct debits
ING’s published 2026 fee information confirms that its Student Account has no monthly package fee. Optional services, including frequent paper statements and credit cards, may carry separate charges.
Eligible newcomers may start an ING application without a BSN and generally have 90 days to provide it. Applicants need a supported passport or European identity card, a compatible smartphone and Dutch residence documents when applicable.
Best for: Students who want free everyday banking and do not qualify for ABN AMRO’s lower age limit.
3. Rabobank Rabo Free – Best for Ages 18 to 27
Rabo Free is a free checking account for everyone aged 18 to 27. The customer does not necessarily need to be enrolled as a student.
It includes:
- No monthly payment-package fee
- Debit card
- Rabo App
- Online banking
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Budgeting tools
- Free euro withdrawals at Geldmaat machines
- Online account opening
Rabobank states that the account remains free until the customer turns 28. Its 2026 pricing lists the Rabo Free account and debit card at €0 per month.
The application is completed through the Rabo App. This option is generally most practical after receiving a BSN and establishing a Dutch residential address.
An optional Rabo credit card costs extra and is subject to separate eligibility and credit-assessment requirements. Students do not need to add it to use the payment account.
Best for: Students aged 18 to 27 who already have their Dutch registration details.
4. bunq Student Account – Best Digital Option
bunq is a Dutch app-based bank that allows eligible university students in the Netherlands to receive bunq Pro, normally priced at €9.99 per month, without the monthly subscription charge.
Student benefits include:
- Dutch IBAN
- App-based registration
- Multiple budgeting accounts
- Physical and digital card options
- Mobile payments
- Spending analysis
- Savings tools
- English-language support
bunq states that eligible students can begin without a BSN and provide it within 90 days. The account can be opened through the app without visiting a branch.
Students must submit valid proof of university enrolment and continue meeting the programme’s eligibility conditions to keep the discount.
Best for: Students who want a fully digital account and are still waiting for their BSN.
5. Revolut Standard – Best for International Spending
Revolut Standard has no monthly subscription fee and can be useful for students who travel frequently or receive money in different currencies.
The account offers:
- Dutch IBAN for eligible Netherlands residents
- Virtual debit card
- SEPA transfers
- Direct debits
- Multi-currency balances
- Currency exchange
- Spending and budgeting tools
Customers opening an account through Revolut’s Netherlands branch automatically receive an NL IBAN after satisfying its residency and document requirements. This can be used for salary payments, direct debits and ordinary euro transfers.
Fees can apply to physical-card delivery, international payments, cash withdrawals and currency exchange above the Standard plan’s monthly limits.
Best for: Students who need a secondary account for travel, currency exchange and international transfers.
Can Students Open an Account Without a BSN?
Some providers allow international students to start before receiving their BSN:
- bunq: Usually allows 90 days to provide it.
- ING: Eligible newcomers generally receive 90 days.
- ABN AMRO: Allows eligible applicants to provide it after opening, subject to the deadline shown during registration.
Rabobank is usually easier after the student has completed municipal registration and received a BSN. The account may be restricted or closed if a required BSN is not submitted by the bank’s deadline.
Documents International Students Need
Prepare:
- Valid passport or EU identity card
- Dutch residence permit for non-EU students
- Proof of a Dutch residential address
- BSN, if already issued
- University enrolment certificate
- Dutch or European mobile number
- Foreign tax identification number
- Details of all countries of tax residence
Banks may request additional documents when they cannot verify the applicant digitally or need information about the source of incoming money.
Do Students Need Dutch Credit History?
A Dutch credit history is not normally required for a basic payment account with a debit card because the student spends money already held in the account.
Separate affordability and credit checks may apply when requesting:
- Credit card
- Arranged overdraft
- Personal loan
- Instalment credit
Students without a local financial history should initially open the account without borrowing facilities.
Are Dutch Current Accounts Protected?
Eligible deposits with participating banks are protected by the Dutch Deposit Guarantee from €0.01 up to €100,000 per person, per bank if the bank fails. The limit applies to the combined eligible balance held under the same banking licence.
Which Checking Account Is Best?
ABN AMRO offers one of the strongest traditional student packages for eligible students aged 18 to 24. ING is more suitable for students up to age 29, while Rabo Free is a valuable option for anyone aged 18 to 27.
bunq is the best mobile-first choice for students who do not yet have a BSN. Revolut is useful for international payments but should be compared carefully with full Dutch student accounts before becoming your only banking provider.
