Best banks in the Netherlands for expats (2026)
Updated 19 May 2026
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.
| 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 |
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The rates listed above reflect current offerings as of March 2026. Neobank savings rates move with ECB policy, so compare current rates before committing.
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.
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.
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.
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Compare Bunq and Monzo and N26 and Revolut and WiseWritten by Capmap Editorial · Independent financial guides for expats in Europe.