Best Bank for Expat Moving to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the best countries for expats — but local banks like ING and ABN AMRO typically require a BSN (citizen service number). Digital banks let you get started immediately.
Top picks
Bunq
Dutch bank headquartered in Amsterdam. Full banking licence, Dutch IBAN (NL...), no BSN required, deposit protection up to €100,000.
Revolut
Open from anywhere with no BSN needed. Free Standard plan works immediately across the Netherlands.
Wise
Best for non-EUR salary or sending money internationally. Belgian IBAN accepted by Dutch employers.
N26
The BSN requirement
The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is the Dutch citizen service number — the equivalent of a national insurance or social security number. Dutch banks like ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank require a BSN before they will open an account. Getting a BSN requires registering at your local municipality (gemeente), which in turn usually requires a permanent address.
This creates a familiar chicken-and-egg problem: you need a bank account to pay a rental deposit, but you need a BSN to get a bank account. Digital banks, particularly bunq, break this cycle.
bunq — the Dutch digital bank
bunq is headquartered in Amsterdam and is a fully licensed Dutch bank — regulated by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and covered by the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to €100,000. Crucially, bunq does not require a BSN or Dutch address to open an account. You can open it from outside the Netherlands before you arrive.
For expats moving to the Netherlands, bunq is the standout choice: a genuine Dutch bank with a real Dutch IBAN (NL...) that you can use for everything from paying rent to receiving salary, without needing to wait for your BSN.
The multiple Budget accounts (each with their own IBAN) are also useful in Amsterdam's competitive rental market, where landlords often require proof of a Dutch bank account and a sizeable deposit.
Top picks for the Netherlands
1. bunq — Dutch-headquartered, Dutch banking licence, Dutch IBAN. Open without a BSN. Deposit protection from day one. From €3.99/month but worth every cent for peace of mind in a competitive Dutch rental market.
2. Revolut — Open from anywhere, free Standard plan, works immediately in the Netherlands. No BSN required. Best for day-to-day spending while you wait for your BSN and consider more permanent banking options.
3. Wise — Belgian IBAN (EU) with the best exchange rates. Ideal if you are receiving a salary in non-EUR currency or sending money home from the Netherlands.
4. N26 — Once you have your BSN and a registered Dutch address, N26 is a strong free alternative. The German-licensed bank operates well across the Netherlands with full SEPA support.
Practical tips for the Netherlands
- Register at the gemeente (municipality) as soon as possible to get your BSN. In Amsterdam, book online in advance — queues can be long.
- The "30% ruling" (tax benefit for highly-paid expats) requires a Dutch bank account for salary payment. bunq works for this from day one.
- DigiD (the Dutch digital identity system) requires a BSN and a Dutch mobile number. You will need this for government services, health insurance and more.
- Dutch landlords are increasingly comfortable with SEPA transfers from any EU IBAN — you don't necessarily need a Dutch IBAN, but it helps in competitive situations.