Best Bank Accounts for Expats in the Netherlands (2026)
Compare bunq, Wise, Revolut, and N26 — BSN requirements, Dutch IBAN, fees, and English support. Everything you need to choose the right bank for your Dutch life.
Do You Need a Dutch Bank Account?
Most expats need a Dutch bank account within their first few weeks. Your employer will typically require a Dutch NL IBAN to pay your salary. The government uses it for tax refunds and toeslagen (allowances). And many services — from housing to health insurance — require a Dutch account for direct debit.
Salary payments
Most Dutch employers require an NL IBAN. A foreign IBAN is often not accepted.
Government allowances
Toeslagen and tax refunds from Belastingdienst are paid to Dutch accounts only.
Rent & utilities
Landlords, energy providers, and health insurers use Dutch direct debit (automatische incasso).
Quick Comparison 2026
| Feature | bunq ★ | Wise | Revolut | N26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch NL IBAN | ✅ | ❌ (BE) | ❌ (LT) | ❌ (DE) |
| No BSN required | ✅ 90 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| English app | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Savings interest | 2.01% | — | — | — |
| Monthly fee | From €2.99 | Free | Free tier | Free tier |
| Physical debit card | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
★ Featured pick for most expats. Data correct as of March 2026.
💡 New to the Netherlands? bunq is the only digital bank that gives you a Dutch NL IBAN without a BSN for the first 90 days — perfect while you sort your gemeente registration.
Best Banks for Expats in the Netherlands
Honest recommendations — we only feature what we'd suggest to a friend moving here.
bunq
Open a Dutch bank account in 5 min — no BSN needed for 90 days
- ✓No BSN required
- ✓Dutch NL IBAN
- ✓2.01% interest
- ✓English app
Wise
Send money internationally at the real exchange rate
- ✓50+ currencies
- ✓Low fees
- ✓Multi-currency account
Revolut
Digital banking with global features and a generous free tier
- ✓Free plan available
- ✓Stock trading included
- ✓Instant currency exchange
N26
German digital bank accepted across all EU countries
- ✓EU banking license
- ✓Free ATM withdrawals
- ✓Real-time notifications
How to Open a Dutch Bank Account as an Expat
Choose your bank
For most new arrivals, bunq is the easiest starting point — open in the app, no BSN required for 90 days, Dutch NL IBAN from day one.
Download the app and apply
All digital banks can be opened via their app in 10-15 minutes. You'll need a passport or EU ID card and a selfie for identity verification.
Add your BSN when you get it
Once you've registered at your gemeente and received your BSN, update your bank account with this number. This is required after 90 days for most banks.
Set up direct debits
Give your new Dutch NL IBAN to your employer, register it with Belastingdienst for tax, and set up toeslagen payments via mijn.toeslagen.nl.
NL IBAN vs Foreign IBAN — Does It Matter?
Within the EU, all IBANs are technically equal for payment purposes. In practice, however, many Dutch systems only accept NL IBANs. This includes most Dutch employers, the Belastingdienst for toeslagen, and automated direct debit systems (iDEAL).
Wise gives you a Belgian IBAN (BE), Revolut a Lithuanian IBAN (LT), and N26 a German IBAN (DE). These work for most international transfers but may cause issues with Dutch salary payments and government allowances. For full Dutch financial life, a Dutch NL IBAN from bunq is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Dutch bank account without a BSN?▼
Do I need a Dutch NL IBAN or can I use a foreign account?▼
What is a Dutch IBAN and why is it important?▼
How long does it take to open a Dutch bank account?▼
Which bank is best for expats in the Netherlands?▼
Open a Dutch bank account today
bunq gives you a Dutch NL IBAN in 5 minutes — no BSN required for the first 90 days.