Choosing the right bank account is one of the first financial decisions you will make as an expat in the Netherlands. The right choice depends on where you are in your expat journey—just arrived, settling in, or fully established. Here is our ranking of the best options for 2026.
Best Overall: bunq
bunq remains the top pick for expats for good reason. It combines a Dutch IBAN with a fully English experience, fast account opening (no BSN needed initially), and one of the best banking apps available anywhere.
Plans and pricing:
- Easy Bank (EUR 3.99/month): Basic account with Dutch IBAN, debit card, iDEAL, and Tikkie
- Easy Money (EUR 9.99/month): Multiple sub-accounts, automatic savings, and a credit card
- Easy Green (EUR 17.99/month): All features plus a metal card and tree planting with every EUR 100 spent
Best for: Newly arrived expats, digital-first bankers, people who value app quality.
Best Value: ING
ING is the most expat-friendly of the traditional Dutch banks. At EUR 2.35/month for a basic account, it is significantly cheaper than bunq while still offering full Dutch banking functionality.
Key features:
- Dutch IBAN with full iDEAL and Tikkie support
- English-language app and customer service
- Physical branches across the Netherlands
- Competitive savings account rates
- Free credit card option available
Best for: Budget-conscious expats who have their BSN, those who want physical branches. See our detailed bunq vs ING comparison.
Best for International Living: Revolut
Revolut is not a Dutch bank, but it is one of the most popular financial apps among expats. Its strengths are multi-currency accounts and spending abroad without foreign exchange fees.
Key features:
- Free basic plan with a Visa card
- Hold and exchange 30+ currencies at mid-market rates
- Instant spending notifications and budgeting tools
- Cryptocurrency and stock trading
- No BSN or credit check required
Limitations: Lithuanian IBAN (no iDEAL, no Tikkie). Not suitable as your only bank account in the Netherlands.
Best for: Expats who travel frequently, multi-currency needs, secondary account.
Best for Premium Banking: ABN AMRO
ABN AMRO offers a more premium traditional banking experience with good English support, particularly in major cities. Their private banking services are relevant for high-income expats.
Key features:
- Full-service Dutch bank with Dutch IBAN
- English-language support improving steadily
- Mortgage and investment advisory services
- Good integration with expat relocation services
Best for: Established expats who want a full-service banking relationship, those seeking mortgage advisory.
Best for Students and Young Expats: N26
N26 offers a completely free bank account with a Mastercard, making it an excellent choice for students, interns, or expats on a tight budget who need a secondary spending card.
Key features:
- Truly free plan—no monthly fees
- No income requirements or credit check
- Excellent app with instant notifications
- Free ATM withdrawals (within limits)
- 0% foreign transaction fee in supported currencies
Limitations: German IBAN (no iDEAL). Not suitable as your only bank account.
Best for: Students, budget-conscious expats, secondary spending account.
Best for Ethical Banking: Triodos
Triodos is a Dutch sustainable bank that only invests in projects with positive social, environmental, and cultural impact. If ethical banking matters to you, Triodos is the clear choice.
Key features:
- Dutch IBAN with full iDEAL and Tikkie support
- Transparent about where your money is invested
- Savings and current accounts available
- English-language support available
Best for: Environmentally and socially conscious expats who want their banking to align with their values.
How to Choose
Most expats end up with at least two accounts. Here are our recommended combinations:
- Just arrived: bunq (immediate access) + Revolut (international spending)
- Settling in: ING (primary banking) + Wise (international transfers)
- Established: ING or ABN AMRO (primary) + Revolut or N26 (travel spending) + separate savings account (best rates)
For detailed comparisons of individual services, check our Revolut vs Wise comparison and bunq vs ING comparison.