NIBC Direct Spaarrekening vs Openbank Welcome Savings
Two savings accounts for expats in the Netherlands, figure by figure.
Openbank Welcome Savings is the stronger pick for most expats.
- Interest rate: 3.10% as a promotion for 6 months, then 2.25% vs 1.44%
| Figure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate | 1.44% | 3.10% as a promotion for 6 months, then 2.25% (better) |
| Minimum deposit | None | None |
| Access to your money | Instant | Instant |
| Maximum deposit | No limit (better) | €1,000,000 |
| Deposit guarantee | Up to €100,000 (NL scheme) | Up to €100,000 (ES scheme) |
| Rate check | Unconfirmed since 13 August 2026 | Verified 22 October 2026 |
Bold marks the better value in a row. Figures are checked daily against provider sources; each product page shows when its figures were last confirmed.
NIBC Direct Spaarrekening
What we like
- 1.45% standard rate
- Dutch bank with DNB supervision
- No minimum deposit
- Full €100k guarantee
What to consider
- Online-only (no branches)
- Less known brand
- Basic online interface
- No mobile app
Openbank Welcome Savings
What we like
- 3.00% welcome rate for 3 months
- No minimum deposit
- Up to €1 million covered
- EU deposit guarantee (Spain)
What to consider
- Rate drops to 1.90% after promo
- Spanish bank (Santander subsidiary)
- Customer service can be slow
- App not as polished as Dutch banks
Questions
Is NIBC Direct Spaarrekening or Openbank Welcome Savings better for expats in the Netherlands?
Openbank Welcome Savings comes out ahead for most expats. Interest rate: 3.10% as a promotion for 6 months, then 2.25% vs 1.44%
Which has the higher interest rate, NIBC Direct Spaarrekening or Openbank Welcome Savings?
Openbank Welcome Savings pays more — 3.10% as a promotion for 6 months, then 2.25% versus 1.44%.
Are NIBC Direct Spaarrekening and Openbank Welcome Savings covered by a deposit guarantee?
NIBC Direct Spaarrekening: Up to €100,000 per person per bank, under the Dutch deposit guarantee scheme (De Nederlandsche Bank). Openbank Welcome Savings: Up to €100,000 per person per bank, under the Spanish deposit guarantee fund (FGD).