Opening a Dutch bank account

Opening a Dutch bank account is an important step when settling after your arrival. If often happens that international debit cards don’t work and paying with a credit card is not common in the Netherlands. When travelling from overseas, we recommend you to bring enough cash money until you have opened a Dutch bank account. 

There are several banks you can choose from. We listed several (online) banks, feel free to check them out and open your account with the bank that you feel most comfortable with. Kindly note that THUAS does not have any form of collaboration with any of the mentioned banks; therefore, we cannot open an account on your behalf, speed up the process or answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

Why open a Dutch bank account?

It may happen that the debit card from your country doesn’t work, or that you are charged for using your home bank card for payments or cash withdrawals. In the Netherlands, a credit card is not often used and most stores such as supermarkets, don’t accept them. You need a Dutch bank account to:

  • Receive the reimbursement if you transferred the package fee. Receive a salary, should you have a student job.
  • Pay at the grocery store, or other stores if you go shopping.
  • Pay online via iDEAL. This is an online payment method that that you can use to pay online through your own Dutch bank.
  • Set up a direct debit for your tuition fees. (Not applicable for first year non-EEA students who transferred the package fee)

Under 18?

Are you under the age of 18 and would like to open a Dutch bank account? Make sure that you read the terms and conditions of your preferred bank upfront. Often, it is not possible to open the account yourself, and it is likely that a legal representative accompanies you (in person) to open a Dutch bank account. Which banks can I choose from? In the Netherlands there are three major banks: ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank. Alongside those banks, there are also smaller (online) banks where you can open a current or student account. Not every bank offers a student account, please consult with a representative from the bank which account type is most suitable for you.
 

Opening a Dutch bank account at ABN AMRO without a BSN 

One of the major banks in the Netherlands is offering the option to open a Dutch bank account without the need of a BSN. You do have to provide them with a BSN later on, but this option will make it easy and quick to open a bank account. More information about how to open a bank account via their app can be found in the following documents: 

  • Visual overview onboarding without BSN via app

Opening a Dutch bank account for Ukrainian students 

For students with a Ukrainian nationality and are <18, you can now easily open a Dutch bank account. 

More information can be found on the Betaalverenigingen website (page available in multiple languages).  

Download a proof of enrollment 

Often, banks will ask you to provide them with a proof of enrollment of your educational institution.  

You need to bring a physical document. If you are not (yet) able to print the proof of enrollment yourself, feel free to come by the Student Services Desk in OV 1.10. We can print the document for you. 

Bachelor and Master students: Go to Osiris Student and open ‘personal details’ --> degree programme --> enrollment status for degree programme. On the right side of the page, you can see a link to ‘declaration(s) of enrollment’. From here, download the secured pdf-file. The document is in Dutch and English, with a digital stamp and signature. 

Exchange students: Please contact the International Office per email to request this document or visit the Student Services Desk in OV 1.12 during its opening hours.