Curated comparison
A short, decision-oriented overview—not a directory. We focus on how people actually use accounts after moving: salary, rent, iDEAL, and English-friendly setup.
Methodology
We prioritise practical fit for internationals: clarity of English flows, how onboarding usually works, and whether the product is a full Dutch payment account versus a companion tool.
Transparency
How we rank servicesAffiliate disclosureEditorial policy
Affiliate relationships are not active for all providers listed; outbound links may be direct until partner programmes are connected.
Ranked for scanning; details and trade-offs are in the table and cards below.
bunqDigital-first expats who want a full Dutch account quickly
INGMainstream retail banking and salary account
ABN AMROBranch access and full-service banking
WiseMoving money across currencies before/after arrival
RevolutSpending and travel money while settling in
Transparency
Editorial selections are not paid placement unless explicitly stated. We may earn a commission on some partner links at no extra cost to you.
Comparison
Indicative only—rules, fees, and eligibility change. Always confirm on the provider’s site.
| Provider | Best for | English support | Onboarding | Price hint | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bunq | Digital-first expats who want a full Dutch account quickly | Strong (app-first) | Fast digital flow | From ~€2.99/mo plans | Dutch-licensed; paid plans; strong multi-currency positioning | Visit bunq |
| ING | Mainstream retail banking and salary account | Strong expat pages | Digital + branch network | Often free basic tier | Widely used; check staged BSN rules on site | Visit ING |
| ABN AMRO | Branch access and full-service banking | Strong | Branch or digital | Basic offers vary | Useful if you want in-person support | Visit ABN AMRO |
| Wise | Moving money across currencies before/after arrival | Strong | Fast online signup | Pay per transfer | Companion tool—not a full Dutch bank substitute | Visit Wise |
| Revolut | Spending and travel money while settling in | Strong | App-first | Free tier + paid plans | Confirm NL salary/iDEAL needs vs Dutch bank | Visit Revolut |
Some links may be partner links. We only include options we believe are relevant to this topic. This page is informational—not financial, tax, or legal advice.
Same options as the table—more context per provider.
bunq is a common pick when people want English-first digital onboarding and a Dutch payment account without visiting a branch. Confirm whether current plans match your expected balance and card needs.
ING is a common default for people who want a large Dutch bank with broad acceptance and English-language newcomer resources. Compare package fees if you add premium features.
ABN AMRO fits expats who prefer a traditional bank with physical locations and a wide product range beyond day-to-day banking.
Wise is included because many expats use it to fund the move and hold multiple currencies. Keep a Dutch account plan separate if you need local salary and iDEAL workflows.
Revolut is popular for flexible spending. Treat it as a companion until you confirm whether your employer, landlord, and billers require a Dutch-licensed account for direct debits and iDEAL.
FAQ
For most people who live and work in the Netherlands, a local account is practical for salary, rent, and iDEAL. Some people keep a non-Dutch app for travel or transfers, but that rarely replaces local direct debits and Dutch payment rails.
Some banks allow you to start onboarding and supply a BSN later; others require it immediately. Policies change—check the bank’s current expat or newcomer pages.
No. They can be excellent for multi-currency and transfers, but salary, many landlords, and standard Dutch direct debits usually expect a Dutch-licensed payment account. Treat them as companions unless your situation clearly says otherwise.
ExpatCopilot is editorial-first. Some links may become partner links in the future; where that applies, it will be disclosed. Rankings reflect typical expat use-cases, not paid placement.
