Best banks in the Netherlands for expats (2026)

At a glance

The Netherlands has a strong selection of banks catering to expats, from traditional Dutch institutions to digital-first neobanks. If you have just arrived or are planning a move, you will need a Dutch or European bank account for salary payments, rent, and daily expenses. This guide compares the top options available to international residents in 2026, covering fees, features, and ease of sign-up. Last verified: 2026-03-24.

Quick comparison

Bank	Monthly fee	IBAN country	Savings rate	Deposit guarantee	Best for
Bunq	From EUR 2.99	NL	1.56% p.a.	EUR 100,000 (Dutch DGS)	Expats wanting a Dutch IBAN quickly
N26	Free (Standard)	DE	2.26% p.a.	EUR 100,000 (German DGS)	Free banking with no strings
Revolut	Free (Standard)	LT	2.00% p.a.	EUR 100,000 (Lithuanian DIS)	Multi-currency and travel
Wise	Free	BE	N/A	Safeguarded funds	International transfers and FX
Monzo	Free	GB	3.60% p.a.	GBP 85,000 (FSCS)	UK-linked expats

Why expats in the Netherlands need the right bank

When you move to the Netherlands, most employers pay salaries via a SEPA bank transfer, and landlords often require a European IBAN for direct debits. While some traditional Dutch banks like ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank accept expat applications, the process can be slow and may require a BSN (citizen service number) before you can open an account.

Digital banks have changed this. Several neobanks let you open an account with just a passport and a selfie, often within minutes. The trade-off is that some provide a non-Dutch IBAN, which a small number of Dutch employers and utilities may not accept for direct debits.

Bunq - the Dutch digital bank

Bunq is the only neobank on this list headquartered in the Netherlands with a full DNB banking licence. Founded in 2012, it provides a Dutch IBAN, which means no issues with Dutch employers, landlords, or utility companies requiring a local account number.

Plans start at EUR 2.99 per month for the Easy Bank plan. The savings interest rate sits at 1.56% p.a. on deposits. Bunq supports sub-accounts (up to 25), joint accounts, and integrates international transfers via Wise. The app has an app store rating of 4.4.

Bunq is available in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Belgium. Its deposit guarantee covers up to EUR 100,000 under the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme.

Strengths

• Dutch IBAN - accepted everywhere in the Netherlands
• Full DNB banking licence with EUR 100,000 deposit protection
• Multiple sub-accounts for budgeting
• Green banking ethos - trees planted per purchase

Limitations

• No free plan available - minimum EUR 2.99 per month
• Savings interest rate (1.56%) is lower than some competitors
• Wise integration for international transfers adds extra steps

N26 - free banking with a German licence

N26 is a German neobank regulated by BaFin, offering a free Standard account with no monthly fee. Premium tiers (Smart at EUR 4.90, You at EUR 9.90, Metal at EUR 16.90) add travel insurance, higher ATM limits, and cashback.

The account comes with a German IBAN. While most Dutch employers and utilities accept German IBANs under the EU IBAN discrimination regulation (Regulation 260/2012), a small number of automated systems may still reject non-NL IBANs in practice.

N26 offers a savings interest rate of 2.26% p.a. and covers deposits up to EUR 100,000 under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme. The app has a 4.6 rating. International transfers are handled via a Wise integration.

Strengths

• Genuinely free Standard account with no hidden fees
• Higher savings rate (2.26%) than Bunq
• Strong app experience (4.6 rating)
• EU deposit protection up to EUR 100,000

Limitations

• German IBAN may cause occasional friction in the Netherlands
• Customer support sometimes criticised for slow response times
• No joint accounts on the free plan

Revolut - the multi-currency powerhouse

Revolut has grown into one of Europe's largest fintech apps, with over 40 million customers. The Standard plan is free and includes currency exchange up to EUR 1,000 per month at the interbank rate, a virtual and physical card, and savings vaults at 2.00% p.a. on the first EUR 2,500.

Premium tiers range from EUR 3.99 (Plus) to EUR 50 (Ultra), adding higher FX limits, travel insurance, lounge access, and cashback. The IBAN is Lithuanian, which is covered by the Lithuanian Deposit Insurance Scheme up to EUR 100,000.

Revolut is particularly strong for expats who travel frequently or receive income in multiple currencies. The app (rated 4.7) supports over 30 currencies and offers free ATM withdrawals up to EUR 200 per month on the Standard plan.

Strengths

• Free FX exchange up to EUR 1,000 per month at the real rate
• 30+ currencies supported with instant conversion
• Budgeting tools, analytics, and savings vaults built in
• Widely accepted across Europe

Limitations

• Lithuanian IBAN - some Dutch services may not accept it
• Savings rate (2.00%) only applies to the first EUR 2,500 on free plan
• FX fees apply above the monthly free limit on Standard
• Not a traditional bank - operates under an e-money licence in some markets

Wise - built for international money

Wise (formerly TransferWise) specialises in international transfers and multi-currency accounts. The account is free and comes with a Belgian IBAN. Wise is not a bank - it operates as an Electronic Money Institution, meaning deposits are safeguarded rather than covered by a deposit guarantee scheme.

Where Wise excels is in cross-border transfers. Fees start from 0.33% for currency conversions, significantly below traditional bank rates. The app (rated 4.6) supports holding and converting over 40 currencies. You can receive money in GBP, EUR, USD, and several other currencies with local account details.

For expats who regularly send money home or receive income in non-EUR currencies, Wise is hard to beat on transfer costs. However, it lacks savings accounts, budgeting features, and the broader banking services that Bunq or N26 offer.

Strengths

• Lowest FX fees on the market (from 0.33%)
• Multi-currency account with local details in 10+ countries
• Transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden markups

Limitations

• Not a bank - no deposit guarantee coverage
• No savings account or interest on balances
• Belgian IBAN may not be accepted by all Dutch services
• Limited day-to-day banking features compared to neobanks

Monzo - for UK-connected expats

Monzo is a UK-based neobank with a full banking licence from the FCA. It offers a free current account with a competitive 3.60% savings rate and strong budgeting tools. The app has the highest rating on this list at 4.7.

The main limitation for Netherlands-based expats is that Monzo provides a UK (GB) IBAN, which is no longer in the SEPA zone after Brexit. This means it is not suitable as a primary bank for Dutch salary payments or direct debits. However, for expats with UK ties - receiving a UK pension, managing UK savings, or splitting finances between the UK and the Netherlands - Monzo can complement a European bank account.

Strengths

• Highest savings rate on this list (3.60%)
• Excellent app with smart budgeting features
• Full UK banking licence with GBP 85,000 FSCS protection

Limitations

• UK IBAN - not usable as a primary account in the Netherlands
• No SEPA direct debit support
• Only suitable as a secondary account for most NL-based expats

Which bank should you consider?

The right choice depends on your situation. Here is a scenario-based breakdown:

Your situation	Consider	Why
Just arrived, need a Dutch IBAN fast	Bunq	Only neobank with a Dutch IBAN and full DNB licence
Want free banking, fine with German IBAN	N26	No monthly fees, solid savings rate, EU deposit protection
Travel often, deal in multiple currencies	Revolut	Free FX up to EUR 1,000 per month, 30+ currencies
Regularly send money internationally	Wise	Lowest FX transfer fees from 0.33%
Have UK financial ties	Monzo	High savings rate and strong UK banking features

Many expats use two accounts: a Dutch IBAN account (like Bunq) for salary and local payments, plus a multi-currency account (like Revolut or Wise) for international transfers and travel spending.

What to look for when choosing

IBAN country matters

Under EU Regulation 260/2012, businesses must accept any EU IBAN. In practice, some Dutch landlords, utility companies, and automated systems still reject non-NL IBANs. If you want to avoid any friction, a Dutch IBAN from Bunq is the safest option.

Deposit protection

Banks with a full banking licence in the EU cover deposits up to EUR 100,000 per person under the relevant national deposit guarantee scheme. Wise is the exception here - as an EMI, your funds are safeguarded but not covered by a deposit guarantee.

Savings rates change

The rates listed above reflect current offerings as of March 2026. Neobank savings rates move with ECB policy, so compare current rates before committing.

How to open a bank account as an expat in the Netherlands

For digital banks like Bunq, N26, and Revolut, you typically need a valid passport or EU ID card, a smartphone, and a few minutes for a video verification. You do not always need a BSN (citizen service number) to open the account, though some features may be restricted until you provide one.

Traditional Dutch banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) generally require a BSN, proof of address in the Netherlands, and sometimes an in-person appointment. Processing can take one to three weeks.

Compare all banking platforms

This guide covers the most popular options for expats, but the Netherlands and wider Europe have many more banking platforms available. Browse the full list on the Capmap banking directory to compare features, fees, and availability.

This article is educational content, not financial advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions. Fees and features may change - verify current details on the platform's official website. Last verified: 2026-03-24.

Related guides

• Bunq vs N26: European neobank comparison
• Revolut vs Wise: the best multi-currency account
• Revolut vs N26: neobank comparison for expats

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Capmap.eu is an independent comparison platform — we do not provide personal recommendations. Always verify current fees, rates, and regulations with the provider or a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. Information was accurate at the time of writing but may have changed.