Money matters

Opening a Dutch bank account 

You may need a Dutch bank account while studying in the Netherlands, for example to pay the tuition fees. But it can also be practical to have a Dutch bank account for everyday matters such as paying by debit card in university cafeterias, where you cannot pay in cash, or in supermarkets where credit cards are not commonly accepted.

To speed up the procedure for opening an account, Utrecht University co-operates with the Rabobank in Utrecht. The university has an agreement with the Rabobank to open accounts for students at minimal cost, on the condition that the student will study at the university for at least one academic year. 
If this does not apply to you, but you want to open a bank account anyway, please check the banking fact sheet instead.

As of 1 July this page will include a link to the Rabobank procedure that explains how to fill out an application form. After the University confirms your enrolment, the Rabobank will create the account for you. 

Other money matters

While it is possible for international students to open a bank account in the Netherlands, this may take a few weeks to arrange after your arrival. We therefore strongly recommend that you bring:

• a credit card (Visa or Mastercard).
• a bank card that will allow you to use an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) in the Netherlands. Cirrus and Maestro are widely available here, but check with your bank to make sure.

Another solution is traveller’s checks, as these are insured. Note however that you cannot use these in stores, you will have to exchange them for cash at a bank or change bureau first.

If you are staying in the Netherlands for less than one year, you may have to pay fees to open the account. If you are only here for a short period of time, we recommend that you use your account back home if at all possible.