Compare Dutch Bank Accounts
You need a local bank account with iDEAL / Wero support to pay rent, utilities, and buy groceries. Choose a provider that fits your needs.
The BSN Catch-22: Most traditional banks require a BSN to open an account, but you can't get a BSN until you have an address. Some neo-banks allow you to open an account before you have your BSN. Read the full guide.
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ABN AMRO
From € 4.30 /mo
Achieved the highest overall score (5) thanks to a 120-day BSN grace period, full English support, and dedicated expat desks.
The most comprehensive and expat-friendly bank in the Netherlands. Offers a streamlined onboarding process via the app, even before your municipal registration is finalized.
ING Bank
From € 3.45 /mo (Free for students)
Scored 4: The best choice in the traditional banking segment, offering a 90-day BSN grace period and an excellent app.
The largest retail bank in the Netherlands offers a highly accessible platform for expats. It features an excellent English app and lower monthly fees than other traditional banks.
bunq
From € 3.99 /mo
With a score of 4, this is the best option for a fast, fully digital start with a Dutch IBAN.
The highest-performing neo-bank. It has the fastest onboarding process in the market: open a fully functional Dutch account in minutes without needing a BSN immediately.
Revolut
Free tier available
A solid score of 4 due to low costs and excellent app features, though local regulations now often require a BSN or proof of residence sooner.
A popular international fintech app. Excellent for currency exchange at low costs, and now also offers a Dutch IBAN to local users.
About our Expat Score & Recommendations
The Expat Score (1-5 stars) is our editorial rating based specifically on how well a provider caters to internationals. We evaluate factors such as the availability of full English documentation, the quality of English customer support, and the flexibility of their onboarding process (e.g., whether they require a BSN immediately). Price is intentionally not a factor in this score.
Disclaimer: These ratings are based on our generic evaluation and are designed to help expats get started. This is not financial or personal advice tailored to your specific situation, usage, or household needs. Always verify the terms, conditions, and exact pricing on the provider's official website before signing a contract.
Why do you need a Dutch bank account?
While your foreign credit card or home bank account (like a UK Barclays or US Chase account) will work for withdrawing cash and paying in tourist areas, living in the Netherlands requires a local account for three main reasons:
- iDEAL / Wero: This is the Dutch online payment system. You need it to pay your rent, health insurance, and utilities online. You can only use it if you have a Dutch (or participating European) bank.
- Supermarkets: Major supermarkets like Albert Heijn often do not accept Visa or Mastercard credit cards. They only accept debit cards (Maestro/V-Pay/Mastercard Debit).
- Salary: Dutch employers prefer to pay your salary into a local IBAN to avoid international transfer fees and delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just use my foreign bank account?
Technically yes, if it's a SEPA account. However, the Netherlands runs almost entirely on a local payment system called iDEAL / Wero. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are not universally accepted in supermarkets like Albert Heijn. You absolutely need a bank that supports iDEAL / Wero.
What is iDEAL / Wero?
iDEAL / Wero is the Dutch national payment system (currently undergoing a rebrand to Wero). It connects directly to your banking app. Whether you are paying rent, buying train tickets online, or paying your health insurance, iDEAL / Wero is the standard. All banks listed above support iDEAL / Wero.
Are neo-banks safe?
Yes. Banks like Bunq hold an official European banking license. This means your money is protected up to €100,000 by the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS), exactly the same as traditional banks like ABN AMRO or ING.
Want to understand the details?
Read our full guide on why you need a Dutch bank account, the BSN catch-22, and how traditional banks differ from neo-banks.
Read the Banking Guide