Opening a Dutch bank account

Some students working on a laptop in a cafe

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.

Opening a Dutch bank account can be done at several banks. Please consult the table below for more information on opening a bank account and compare different banks. 

 ABN Amro 
Student Package
BunqN26
Student account
RabobankING
Student account
Age18 - 3018+18+18 - 2518 - 30
BSN required No (but US passport holders have to make an appointment in person).
Download this useful document for more information.
NoNoYes, if you stay > 4 monthsYes, or your Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Dutch living
address
required?
YesNoNoYesYes
How it worksOnlineAppOnline or appOnline or appOnline or app
Account
activation
ImmediatelyImmediately3 working days3-5 working daysImmediately
FeesVisit the website here for informationFreeFreeFreeFree
      

Note: when you are a student < 18 years, most of the time you’ll need a parent or guardian’s consent or approval to open a bank account. Check the website of each bank to see what rules apply.

Orientation and arrival

Get started in Rotterdam!

a hand holding the world and international flags in the background

Contact International Office EUR

We're here to help you out!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Overall there are no huge differences between the 5 mentioned banks. Nevertheless, the banks do differ in some ways. Some examples:
 

  • ABN AMRO provides all communication in English, in contrary to the other banks; 
  • On the other hand, ING Bank is able to provide you with a temporary card way faster;
  • Triodos bank is focusing more on sustainability and less on profit; 
  • With Bunq’s Premium membership you get a choice of 3 cards (Maestro and/or Mastercard). The app is available in Dutch, German, Italian, French, Spanish and English. And real-time support is available in English. Since the last update Bunq added products especially for internationals: TransferWise in the app: 8 times cheaper international payments. Or ZeroFX: save up to 3% when using your card for other currencies. 

As you can see: each bank has its own pros and cons. So what to choose then? Pick a bank either close to your accommodation (so it's easier to visit the bank during office hours) or choose a bank where registration is made quite easy.

Compare @count study programme

  • @title

    • Duration: @duration
Compare study programmes