When do you need a Dutch bank account
As an international student at Erasmus University Rotterdam, opening a Dutch bank account might come in handy. Sometimes your own bank account from your home country won't suffice. You need a Dutch bank account for the following situations:
- If you want to activate automatic monthly payments of your tuition fee;
(Please note: a different payment procedure applies for NON-EEA students, who have to apply for an entry visa and/or residence permit.) - If you want to get an phone plan where you fulfill the payment per month;
- or if you want your immigration deposit to get reimbursed.
- Refund of living fee (non-EU): We understand that many of you are eager to receive your living fee refund as soon as possible. For most banks, a BSN number is required to open an account. However, if you're in need of an immediate solution, we recommend opening an online bank account with bunq. Bunq allows you to open an account without needing a BSN number. While it may have higher fees compared to other banks, it provides a convenient option to receive your living fee refund promptly. Once you obtain your BSN number, you can always switch to a more cost-effective bank if you wish.
Opening a Dutch bank account can be done at several banks.
Find more information on opening a bank account and compare different banks.
Information
- Minimum age: 18, special requirements apply to minors, see below
- BSN required: Eventually, yes. Without BSN, you can still open a bank account, but you will have to provide a BSN within 90 days after opening bank account. This is only possible via the ABN amro app.
- Residence permit required (if applicable to your siutation): Yes
- Dutch living address required: Yes
- Dutch phone number required: No
- Fees: From just €3,25 per month
- Physical debit card: Yes
Basic Payment Package: €3,25 per month
- Basic Payment Package contains: a current account, a debit card and access to online banking services. It is a flexible payment package, which means you choose what you want in addition to your basic package. For example, you may want to have a credit card or an extra debit card. You only pay for what you use.
- For US students: you can only become a client at an ABN AMRO branch. Make an appointment at one of our branches to do this by contacting them.
- Provide extract from the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP): You can request this yourself at your municipality. You can open the account even without the extract, but some features of your current account will not be available in this case, for example deposits and cash withdrawals.
Account activation
- App: You will receive information about the status of your application via SMS and email within 4 hours after completing the application
- Website: You will receive your debit card and e.dentifier within 5 working days. You can then arrange all your banking matters in a few simple steps, such as transferring money and checking your balance: whenever and wherever you are.
How to open an account if parents can be present
- Students must make an appointment through phone: +31 (0)20 343 40 02.
- Parents must be present at the appointment
How to open an account if parents cannot be present
- Students must make an appointment through phone: +31 (0)20 343 40 02.
- Students must have a living address in the Netherlands
- Students must have a BSN number
- Students must have letter (declaration of consent) letter with approval from parents, letter must be signed by parents + copy pasport of parent
Exemption for American students
- They also need to submit a FATCA form (due to special tax obligations)
Information
ING is an English-speaking Dutch bank that has a special account for students. Also it provides a free ING Savings account with variable interest rate with your student account (if it is your first ING account). And all the banking in one single app, easy to pay with a physical card, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Garmin Pay.
- Minimum age: 18
- BSN required: No BSN required. Without BSN, you can still open a bank account, but you can provide a BSN within 90 days after opening bank account.
- Residence permit required (if applicable to your situation): yes
- Dutch living address required: yes
- Dutch phone number required: no
- Proof of registration at a Dutch educational establishment: No need.
- Fees: A student account is €0,- per month and is ready for use right away.
- Physical debit card: yes
- Account activation: Immediately
1. Check whether you can open a mobile banking account
You can open the account straight away if:
- You are over the age of 18
- You have a Dutch address or a RNI registration
- You have a smartphone with minimum Android version 8 or Apple iOS 15
- You have your valid Dutch or European passport or identity card; a Dutch residence permit (temporary or permanent) or W-document at hand. Find full list of allowed IDs here .
2. Download the ING Mobile Banking app
Go to the Playstore for Android of Appstore for iOS to download the app.
3. Select the best account for you
Select a current account for yourself, a student account or a joint account.
4. Enter your details
Create a PIN for the app and enter your contact details.
5. Scan your ID and take a selfie
Tip: Hold your ID card against the back of your smartphone to scan it and keep it still.
6. Select your package
The various packages are explained in the ING app. You do not need to choose a package for a student account. And that’s it! You can now use your account and start mobile banking. You will receive your debit card and PIN within a week.
Do you have a passport that is not European?
Find an ING servicepoint nearby, or please call them to make an appointment at a branch via 020 22 888 88 (Mo - Fri: 8.30 - 17.00). They will then help you open an ING current account at an ING Servicepoint or an ING Branch. Afterwards you can convert it into a Student Account yourself at home.
What to take with you to an ING Branch or ING Servicepoint?
- Your valid Passport or ID card
- Official hardcopy of your registration at a Dutch educational institution (full time study), so called proof of enrollment or an original extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP), not older than 3 months
- Your burgerservicenummer (BSN) or, if you don't have one, your Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Can't bring a proof of enrollment ánd an extract from the BRP? If you bring only one of the documents, we can open a Current Account for you. But you won't be able to change it into a Student Account afterwards.
If you are younger than 18 years, you need to come to a branch (not an ING service point) and bring your legal representative (usually your parents or guardian) to open a Youth Current Account. There are no options for opening a bank account at ING if your legal representative is not present!
Information
- Age: 18
- BSN required: Eventually, yes. Without BSN, you can still open a bank account, but you will have to provide a BSN within 90 days after opening bank account.
- Residence permit required (if applicable to your situation): yes
- Dutch living address required: yes
- Dutch phone number required: no (needs to be an EEA)
- Fees: free for bunq Pro
- Physical debit card: Your choice
- Account activation: It usually takes up to 5 minutes to verify your paperwork. Make sure to check out our pro tips. As soon as your full bank account is ready, we’ll send you a notification and you’ll be able to use your bunq account right away
To be eligible for a Bunq account, you must be:
- a resident in the European Economic Area, in one of the countries in which we operate (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden).
- over 18 years old or have approval from your legal representative if you're a minor;
- have completed the registration process truthfully and have provided us with all the information (incl. documents) we have requested;
- and not be on any sanction lists or have been accused, arrested or convicted of a serious crime such as financial crime, terrorism, corruption, tax violation, trafficking, organized crime or any other similar activity;
If you're not a European citizen but you live in one of the countries that we work in, please check which physical documents (photocopies or scans are not accepted) can be used to sign up;
For countries within EU
- An EU plastic Driver's license (our partner Incode does not accept paper driver's licenses)
- ID cards. For our Italian users: only the plastic ID card is allowed*.
- Residence permits: Only identity cards are valid and the document provided should be issued less than 6 months ago. The endorsement sticker is not accepted. You can see an example here.
- Passports
For non-EU countries
Only passports from the following countries are accepted: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela and Vietnam
- Important note: We also accept Ukrainian ID card or passport during your verification as a user from Ukraine 🇺🇦 as per this article.
- Important note: As of June 30, 2022, all new and existing Russian 🇷🇺 users will be asked to provide a residence permit in order to get verified. You'll receive an in-app announcement with further instructions on how to provide the required document. Keep in mind to provide both sides of the residence permit so that we can verify your account faster.
If you're under 18 and want to open an account with Bunq, you can complete the registration process and let them know who your parent(s) or other legal representative(s) are. You will need their approval for you to use the account. Bunq will send an approval request to your legal representative(s), who can approve it through their own Bunq account. So your legal representative must also have a bunq account.
Opening an account for your child
Information
- Age: >18
- BSN required: yes
- Residence permit required: yes
- Dutch living address required: yes
- Dutch phone number required: no
- Fees: Free
- Physical debit card: yes
- Account activation: depending on nationality can take up to 5 weeks
To open a bank account, students can visit a Rabobank office without an appointment. They need to provide their BSN, residence permit, Dutch living address. Rabobank will forward the request to open a bank account to the wright department. Students will be contacted by phone to answer a few more questions. It can take approximately 5 weeks (depending on nationality) before bank account is active.
If you are younger than 18 years, you need to come to a branch with your legal representative (usually your parents or guardian) to open a Rabo Youth Account. There are no options for opening a bank account at Rabobank if your legal representative is not present!
Orientation and arrival
Get started in Rotterdam!
Contact International Office
We're here to help you out!
