Dutch bank account

In the Netherlands, like in most European countries, the countries is the Euro. Payments by debit card or your smartphone are used most commonly. Cash is used rarely but can be easily withdrawn at an ATM or "Geldautomaat", recognisable by their yellow colour.

Having contactless payment via your debit card or smart phone is handy for everyday purchases like groceries, cafes, restaurants and on campus for the printers and vending machines. Whilst credit cards can be used for (bigger) online purchases, they are not widely accepted at everyday stores.

Reasons to consider getting a Dutch bank account

If you already have an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) account in your home country, you might not need to open a new account. In case you don't have one, or you find yourself in one of the below situations, opening a Dutch bank account can come in handy:

  • Activate monthly scholarships of your tuition fee (any IBAN account)
  • Receive your scholarship
  • Get a Dutch phone plan
  • Work in the Netherlands (you will need to pay for local health insurance)
  • Make online payments via the iDeal payment method
  • Make payments via Tikkie

Requirements for opening a Dutch bank account

There are 4 main requirements for opening a (student) Dutch bank account at a traditional bank:

  • Valid identification document (non-EU students : passport only
  • Proof of address (i.e. a rental contract)
  • Proof of enrolment (at the university)

This final requirement is not always asked for at the time of opening the account but will then be needed to be provided later on.

  • BSN number (unique identification number that you will receive after registering at the municipality)

Opening a Dutch bank account

There are several traditional banks in the Netherlands where you could open an account, each with their own benefits. You can choose one based on your preferences, the ethical aspects of all the banks are summarised on this site (right click the page and translate to English).

Alternatively, you can also choose to open an account at an online bank instead. Read more about this below.

Money matters during your first few weeks

Even if you intend to open a Dutch bank account, you still need to have other means of payment at your disposal after your arrival as opening a Dutch bank account can take time. If you already have an IBAN account with a debit card then the following are not necessary. Otherwise, the following could be handy:

  • A bank card that allows you to use an ATM in the Netherlands (check with your bank to make sure it will work in the Netherlands!)
  • A credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
  • Account at an online bank listed above since these can sometimes be opened earlier

During the welcome week and/or in the first week of classes, you might make expenses with a group of students. Often these costs are paid by one person who is then reimbursed by group members via Tikkie. Since you will likely not have access to this app yet, let the group know that you will repay them in cash or via bank transfer if you have an IBAN account.