Banking in the Netherlands (EN only)

Do I need a Dutch bank account?

The Dutch very rarely pay with cash鈥攖hey prefer paying by card. It is helpful to open a Dutch bank account for several reasons:

  • International transfers are costly and slow.
  • Credit cards are not widely accepted; the debit card you receive with a Dutch account allows easy payments at supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Paying by debit card is the norm, especially in major cities; many stores and restaurants don鈥檛 even accept cash anymore.
  • A Dutch bank account lets you pay through iDEAL, used in Dutch webshops and for energy bills or other payment requests.

You may need a Dutch bank account for:

  • Automatic monthly payments for tuition or rent
  • A Dutch phone subscription with automatic monthly payments
  • Refunds of the guarantee fee or proof of financial means, which for students from outside Europe can only be transferred to a Dutch bank account

Do you already have an sepa account?

If you already have a bank account in a  (Single Euro Payments Area), you can usually continue using it.

Check that:

  • Your debit card works internationally
  • Your card is accepted in the Netherlands (Maestro or V-Pay)

Important tips if you do not open a Dutch account:

  • Some organisations may require a Dutch bank account (e.g., to buy a personal OV-chipkaart for public transport)
  • Bring some cash or a credit card as backup, in case your card does not work

No SEPA account or non-EU account?

You will need a Dutch bank account to:

  • Pay for rent, insurance, and daily expenses
  • Use iDEAL for online payments
  • Receive salary, scholarship payments, or refunds

Staying less or more than 4 months?

  • Staying less than 4 months

    Opening a Dutch bank account may not always be possible. There are two options:

    1. Use an online (mobile) bank or use your SEPA account (if available)

    2. Bring a backup credit card or some cash

  • Staying more than 4 months (with BSN)

    After registering at the municipality, you will receive a BSN (citizen service number). With this number, you can open a Dutch bank account.

Speel video

Choose your bank type

You can choose between traditional banks and online banks:

  • Traditional banks

    These well-established banks have physical branches where you can get personal support. They also offer a banking app to manage your finances online. Most student packages are free of charge, and the process of opening an account may take up to 1鈥�2 weeks.

  • Online banks

    Also called mobile or neo banks. Support is mostly digital, and accounts are generally quick to open with fewer documents required. Most banks charge low or no fees, though some may charge for upgraded bank cards or certain withdrawals. They are usually cheaper for foreign currency transactions and travel.

Tip: Consider how long you will stay, whether you need in-person support, and if you want lower fees before choosing.

Traditional banks

Examples of traditional Dutch banks are given here. Note that this is not an exhaustive list and that some banks do not have an English website:

  • (English website; possible to submit BSN within 120 days after opening account)
  •  (English website; possible to submit BSN within 120 days after opening account)
  •  (information mainly in Dutch)
  • (information mainly in Dutch)

Online banks

Examples of online banks are given here. Note that this is not an exhaustive list:

  •  for students (doesn鈥檛 require a BSN)

Practical matters