Opening a bank account | Financial matters

STUDENTS WHO WILL LIVE IN THE NETHERLANDS FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME ARE ADVISED TO OPEN A DUTCH BANK ACCOUNT.

You are advised to open a Dutch bank account for the following reasons:

With a Dutch debit card you will be able to pay small amounts (“PIN payments”) such as copy services at the university library.
You can purchase train tickets at the NS vending machines located at the railway station rather than using the office there – which is more expensive and not always open.
Scholarships administered by UT will only be transferred to a Dutch bank account or IBAN bank account.

For visa students

If you wish to pay your tuition fee in installments (after your first year) then these amounts can only be withdrawn from bank accounts with an IBAN number.

BSN number

There are regulations in place which do not allow students to open up a regular Dutch bank account without a BSN number. After you have registered at the municipality a BSN number will be provided to you in approximately two weeks. If you wish to make an appointment to open up a bank account, please bring the BSN number with you, along with your passport and a proof of enrolment from the university.

If you do not have a BSN number yet, you can still open an account at several banks, but there are conditions and requirements in place (such as providing a declaration of enrolment). Check with your preferred bank what applies to your situation.

Dutch banks

There are several Dutch banks at which you can open a bank account as an international student. Below, you can find a selection of the biggest Dutch banks. Each bank can have additional requirements.

ABN AMRO: You can open a bank account provisionally without a BSN number with the official ABN AMRO app.
ASN Bank: Sustainable bank, website information only in Dutch
ING: ING has an office in the Enschede city centre. You can make an appointment there.
Triodos: Sustainable bank, website information only in Dutch

Online banks

Other dan physical banks, you can also consider an online bank. These banks do not always require a BSN to open an account. A selection:

It may take several weeks after your arrival before you can use your Dutch bank account. Make sure you bring enough money to be able to afford your living expenses during your first month in the Netherlands.

Under the age of 18?

Most banks let you open a bank account if you are under 18 years old. You will usually need a parent or guardian to be there. You will also need to bring some form of ID. Make sure to check with your chosen bank for their specific rules.