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
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 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.