Banking in the Netherlands

Having a Dutch Bank Account will save you a lot of headaches down the line. You need one to get DUO, to apply for government benefits, you get paid quicker and making payments via ideal

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What To Look Out For

  • Student Account: There are many different types of accounts, make sure to look out for a student account, these are usually free and have good interest rates.
  • Price: Make sure to keep an eye out for prices, some bank accounts are free whilst other require other a monthly or yearly fee.
  • Language: Pay Attention to which language the bank communicates in, some banks do not have any of their services in English whilst others do.

ABN AMRO

ABN AMRO's Student Package is a free banking solution for students aged 16 to 30 enrolled in full-time MBO, HBO, or university programs. It includes a current account, debit card, and access to online banking via the ABN AMRO app. Students can open an account within minutes using the app, even without a BSN number, by verifying their identity with a Dutch ID or international passport.  The package also offers optional services like a free savings account and discounted insurance policies tailored for students. Upon graduation, it's recommended to convert the Student Package to a Basic Payment Package to continue seamless banking services.  

Bunq

Bunq offers students free access to its Easy Bank Pro subscription (normally €9.99/month) if they receive DUO student finance on their bunq account. Students can manage shared accounts, make payments in 22 currencies with no hidden fees, and earn 3.36% interest on savings. The account includes free credit/debit cards with no credit checks and supports local IBANs for German, Spanish, French, or Irish bank accounts. Plus, you can open an account in just 5 minutes, even without a BSN.