Dutch banking guide for expats 2026: Complete comparison
ING vs ABN AMRO vs Rabobank vs bunq vs N26 with 100% verified 2026 rates
2026 banking landscape: Major fee changes
Banking in the Netherlands changed significantly on January 1, 2026. Traditional Dutch banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) increased monthly fees, making digital banks (bunq, N26) increasingly competitive for most expat scenarios.
- • ING: €3.55 (€4.00/month)
- • ABN AMRO: €4.30/month (highest)
- • Rabobank: €3.70/month
- • bunq Free: €0/month + 2.01% interest
- • N26 Standard: €0/month (German IBAN)
- • Best value for most expats
Choosing the right Dutch bank in 2026 requires understanding the current fee landscape and features. This comprehensive guide analyzes all major options with verified 2026 data. We cover traditional banks like ING and ABN AMRO and digital banks like bunq and N26, comparing costs, English support, BSN requirements, and international features.
Complete your Netherlands setup
Quick comparison summary (2026 rates)
| Bank | Account Type | Monthly Fee | English Support | BSN Required | Opening Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ING | Betaalrekening | €3.55 (€4.00) | Excellent | Yes | 10 min online |
| ABN AMRO | Betaalrekening | €4.30 | Excellent | 90-day grace | 1 week online |
| Rabobank | Rabo DirectPakket | €3.70 | Limited (Dutch) | Yes | Appointment |
| bunq | Free | €0 | Excellent | 90-day grace | 5 min online |
| bunq | Core | €3.99 | Excellent | 90-day grace | 5 min online |
| N26 | Standard | €0 | Excellent | Never required | 5 min online |
| N26 | Metal | €16.90 | Excellent | Never required | 5 min online |
Bottom line for 2026
bunq Free and N26 Standard offer complete banking at €0/month, making them most attractive for budget-conscious expats in 2026. However, N26's German IBAN cannot use iDEAL (essential for Dutch payments), making bunq Free the superior choice for most expats.
Traditional Dutch banks (2026 analysis)
Traditional Dutch banks offer established branch networks and comprehensive services, but monthly fees increased significantly in January 2026. After setting up banking, you'll also need Dutch health insurance and to complete your Netherlands setup checklist.
ING Bank: Largest network, premium pricing
ING is the largest bank network in the Netherlands with 170+ locations nationwide, offering established expat infrastructure and full English support.
2026 key information
- Account: Betaalrekening (main checking account)
- Monthly Fee: €3.55 (€4.00) varies by package tier
- English Support: Excellent (full app, website, 24/7 customer service)
- Branch Network: 170+ locations nationwide
- Opening Time: 10 minutes online
- BSN Required: Yes (must provide immediately)
- Student Account: Free with proof of enrollment (exception)
- IBAN Type: Dutch (NL prefix)
What's included
- Debit card (V Pay/Maestro)
- Online banking & mobile app (4.6/5 rating)
- Free ATM withdrawals (Netherlands)
- iDEAL payments (Dutch-specific)
- Apple Pay/Google Pay
- Push notifications & alerts
Fee breakdown (2026)
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly account fee | €3.55 (€4.00) |
| SEPA transfer | Free |
| Non-SEPA transfer | €10-20 + 1.5% FX |
| ATM withdrawal (NL) | Free |
| ATM withdrawal (abroad) | €2-4 |
| Overdraft per day | €5 |
| Extra debit card | €5 |
Advantages
- ✓ Largest branch network (helpful for in-person banking)
- ✓ Full English support across all channels
- ✓ Free student accounts (if enrolled in Dutch university)
- ✓ Strong digital banking platform
- ✓ iDEAL & Tikkie integration (Dutch payment systems)
- ✓ Established expat community
Disadvantages
- ✗ Monthly fee (€3.55 (€4.00)) increased Jan 2026
- ✗ BSN required immediately (no grace period)
- ✗ Expensive international transfers (€10-20 + FX)
- ✗ No competitive savings interest
- ✗ Higher cost than digital alternatives
Best for
First-time expats needing branch access, students (free accounts), traditional banking experience seekers, those prioritizing established bank infrastructure.
ABN AMRO: Expat specialists, highest fees
ABN AMRO explicitly positions as "experts on expats" with dedicated international customer service and unique 90-day BSN grace period.
Critical advantage in 2026
90-day BSN grace period allows opening account before receiving citizen service number (major advantage for newly arrived expats).
2026 key information
- Account: Betaalrekening (main account)
- Monthly Fee: €4.30 (highest among traditional banks in 2026)
- English Support: Excellent (dedicated 24/7 English line, full digital support)
- Expat Advisers: Yes (dedicated English-speaking staff)
- Opening Process: Fully online
- Opening Time: 1 week
- BSN Required: 90-day grace period (unique advantage)
- IBAN Type: Dutch (NL prefix)
Fee breakdown (2026)
- Monthly account fee: €4.30
- SEPA transfer: Free
- Non-SEPA transfer: €12-25 + FX
- ATM withdrawal (NL): Free
- ATM withdrawal (abroad): €2-4
- Extra debit card: €4
- Paper statements: €1.20/month
Advantages
- ✓ 90-day BSN grace period (unique, only ABN AMRO offers this)
- ✓ Dedicated expat advisers with English fluency
- ✓ 24/7 English-language customer service
- ✓ "Experts on expats" positioning (institutional knowledge)
- ✓ Insurance and pension guidance
- ✓ Housing market support (rental market advice)
- ✓ Full digital banking platform
- ✓ iDEAL & Tikkie support
Disadvantages
- ✗ Monthly fee €4.30 (highest traditional bank in 2026)
- ✗ Slower opening (1 week vs 10 min for others)
- ✗ Expensive international transfers
- ✗ No competitive savings interest
- ✗ More expensive than digital alternatives (€51.60/year vs bunq Free)
Best for
Newly arrived expats (90-day BSN grace crucial), long-term residents planning mortgages/investments, those wanting dedicated expat advisers, expats managing insurance/pension questions.
Decision: Worth the €4.30/month?
Only if you value dedicated expat adviser support. Otherwise, bunq Free (€0/month) offers better financial value with the same 90-day BSN grace period.
Rabobank: Dutch-focused, not expat-friendly
Rabobank holds 22.8% Dutch market share but offers minimal expat infrastructure with significant language barriers.
Major limitations for expats
- ✗ Website and app are Dutch-only (significant barrier)
- ✗ No English customer service (only Dutch language)
- ✗ Appointment-only opening (time-consuming)
- ✗ No expat programs or dedicated support
- ✗ Slowest opening process (2-4 weeks)
- ✗ Cannot open before arrival
2026 key information
- Main Account: Rabo DirectPakket
- Monthly Fee: €3.70
- English Support: Very Limited (Dutch-only website, app, customer service)
- Opening Process: Appointment required (in-branch only)
- Opening Time: 2 (4 weeks) slowest option
- BSN Required: Yes (immediate)
- Expat Programs: None
- IBAN Type: Dutch (NL prefix)
Advantages (for Dutch speakers)
- ✓ Digital innovation leader in Netherlands
- ✓ Competitive fees for Dutch speakers (€3.70)
- ✓ Strong market position (security/stability)
- ✓ Advanced payment technology (Apple Watch, etc.)
Best for
Not recommended for most expats. Only suitable for Dutch-speaking professionals comfortable navigating Dutch-language interface, or long-term residents fluent in Dutch.
Reality check
Language barrier + no expat support + slowest opening = poor choice for international residents in 2026.
Digital banks - best value in 2026
Digital banks offer mobile-first banking specifically designed for international residents, with features optimized for expat needs. Perfect for tech-savvy expats who prioritize convenience and advanced features. Combine with our international housing services for complete Netherlands setup.
bunq: Premium digital banking for expats (2026 edition)
Headquarters: Amsterdam (Dutch-based fintech)
bunq is specifically designed for international lifestyle with no BSN requirement initially, offering the best value in Dutch banking for 2026.
bunq Free (€0/month) Recommended for most expats
Complete banking at zero cost with competitive interest rates. This is the best value in Dutch banking for 2026.
- ✓ Completely free banking (zero monthly fee)
- ✓ 3 bank accounts (choose: Savings, Multi-currency, Regular)
- ✓ Digital debit card (instant, within app)
- ✓ Physical card (optional, free)
- ✓ Apple Pay & Google Pay
- ✓ iDEAL payments (Dutch system)
- ✓ Up to 3 users per account
- • EUR: 2.01% annually
- • USD: 1.50% annually
- • GBP: 1.50% annually
- • Others: 1.05 (1.52%) varies by currency
- Example: €5,000 at 2.01% = €100.50/year earned (€8.38/month earned)
- ✓ ZeroFX: €1,000/year fee-free foreign currency exchange
- ✓ IBAN to IBAN transfers (instant)
- ✓ Tap to Pay (accept card payments via phone)
- ✓ Scheduled payments & AutoAccept
- ✓ Stock & crypto trading
- ✓ No hidden fees
Account tiers (2026 unchanged)
- bunq Free: €0/month (recommended for most expats)
- bunq Core: €3.99/month (2026 unchanged) 10 accounts, priority support, advanced controls
- bunq Pro: €9.99/month (2026 unchanged) 20 accounts, concierge support, premium features
2026 key specs
- Monthly Fee: €0 (Free tier) to €9.99 (Pro)
- English Support: Excellent (full app, website, customer service)
- Opening Time: 5 minutes (completely digital, ID scan)
- BSN Required: 90-day grace period (open immediately)
- IBAN Type: Dutch (NL prefix) critical for iDEAL
- Available Pre-Arrival: Yes (open before moving)
- Bonus Savings Interest: Yes (paid weekly, no minimum)
Advantages for expats (2026)
- ✓ Completely free (bunq Free tier)
- ✓ 90-day BSN grace period (open before registration)
- ✓ Instant opening (5 minutes, ID only)
- ✓ Open pre-arrival (yes, before moving to Netherlands)
- ✓ Competitive savings rates (2.01% EUR - best in category)
- ✓ Zero FX fees (€1,000/year included)
- ✓ Dutch IBAN (iDEAL compatible - critical for Netherlands)
- ✓ Multi-currency accounts (manage global income)
- ✓ No hidden fees (transparent pricing)
- ✓ Passive income (2.01% interest earned weekly)
Disadvantages
- ✗ Fintech, not traditional bank (perceived as less stable, though regulated)
- ✗ No physical branches (entirely digital)
- ✗ Limited human support (chat-based only, no phone)
Best for
Digital-first expats, international professionals, frequent travelers, those needing pre-arrival banking, expats managing multi-currency income, tech-savvy individuals, anyone wanting zero monthly fees with competitive interest.
Why bunq is best value in 2026
- • Cost: €0/month (saves €51.60/year vs ABN AMRO, €42.60/year vs ING)
- • Interest: 2.01% EUR (earns money passively)
- • Features: All banking needs covered
- • Speed: 5-minute opening
- • Flexibility: 90-day BSN grace, global use
- Total annual value for €5,000 balance: €0 fees + €100.50 interest = €100.50/year benefit vs traditional banks
N26: German banking, European reach (2026 edition)
Headquarters: Berlin (German fintech, European license)
German banking structure means BSN never required, but German IBAN creates limitations for Dutch services.
Critical issue: German IBAN (Important for 2026)
What it means: N26 provides German IBAN (DE prefix, not Dutch NL)
Consequences:
- ❌ Cannot use iDEAL (Dutch online payment system)
- ❌ Cannot use Tikkie (Dutch payment splitting app)
- ❌ Some Dutch employers may refuse German IBAN (illegal but happens)
- ❌ Some Dutch services slower to process
Solution: Use N26 as secondary account only, open primary account with Dutch IBAN (bunq recommended)
Account tiers (2026)
- N26 Standard (€0/month): Free bank account, instant virtual Mastercard, no overdraft
- N26 Smart (€4.90/month): Everything in Standard, Instant Savings (interest-bearing), travel insurance, 0.25% Instant Savings rate
- N26 Metal (€16.90/month): Everything in Smart, 1.50 (2.25%) Instant Savings varies by balance, priority concierge support
Note: bunq Free (2.01% EUR) beats N26 Metal (1.50 (2.25%)) on interest rates
2026 key specs
- Monthly Fee: €0 (Standard) to €16.90 (Metal)
- English Support: Excellent (100% English app, website, 24/7 chat, 7-day support)
- Opening Time: 5 minutes (ID scan, completely digital)
- BSN Required: Never (German account structure never needed)
- IBAN Type: German (DE prefix) potential issue
- Available Pre-Arrival: Yes (from anywhere globally)
Advantages for expats (2026)
- ✓ Never requires BSN (German account, no Dutch dependency)
- ✓ Instant opening (5 minutes, global)
- ✓ 100% English support (superior to Dutch banks)
- ✓ European banking license (credible, regulated)
- ✓ Flexible international account (non-Netherlands-specific)
- ✓ Instant card issuance (virtual card immediate)
- ✓ Extended support hours (7-day availability)
- ✓ Zero BSN dependency (useful if experiencing delays)
Disadvantages for expats (2026)
- ✗ German IBAN (potential rejection by Dutch services)
- ✗ No iDEAL support (cannot use Dutch payment system MAJOR)
- ✗ No Tikkie support (cannot use Dutch splitting app)
- ✗ Lower savings rates (Metal 1.50 (2.25%) vs bunq 2.01%)
- ✗ Limited Dutch integration (less seamless for Dutch life)
- ✗ No physical branches
- ✗ Not ideal for long-term (better as secondary account)
Best for
Pre-arrival banking (before securing Dutch IBAN), temporary residents, cross-border professionals, those experiencing BSN delays, backup account for international flexibility, employees transitioning between EU countries.
Reality check for 2026
N26 is useful as backup account only, not primary. German IBAN creates friction with Dutch services (iDEAL, Tikkie, some employers). Use bunq Free as primary, N26 Standard as backup.
2026 annual cost comparison
Understanding the full annual cost including fees and interest earned helps make the best financial decision.
| Bank | Account | Annual Cost | Interest Earned | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bunq | Free | €0 | +€100.50 (2.01% on €5k) | (€100.50) |
| N26 | Standard | €0 | €0 | €0 |
| ING | Regular | €42.60 (€48) | €0 | €42.60 (€48) |
| Rabobank | DirectPakket | €44.40 | €0 | €44.40 |
| ABN AMRO | Standard | €51.60 | €0 | €51.60 |
| N26 | Metal | €202.80 | +€112.50 (2.01% est on €5k) | €90.30 |
Key insight
bunq Free actually PAYS YOU via interest while other banks charge you. With a €5,000 balance, you earn €100.50/year passively while paying €0 in fees.
Decision framework by expat profile (2026)
New expat (arriving within 2 weeks)
Recommendation: bunq Free (open now from home country)
Why:
- • Open account immediately before arrival
- • Have Dutch IBAN before landing
- • 90-day BSN grace (no pressure to register immediately)
- • €0/month cost
- • All features included (iDEAL, Tikkie, savings)
- • 5-minute setup
Total cost: €0
First-time expat (just arrived, no BSN)
Recommendation: bunq Free OR ABN AMRO (decide based on preferences)
Option 1: bunq Free (budget priority)
- • Cost: €0/month
- • Opening: 5 minutes (digital)
- • BSN grace: 90 days
- • Interest: 2.01% EUR
- • Best: Cost savings, passive income
Option 2: ABN AMRO (adviser priority)
- • Cost: €4.30/month
- • Opening: 1 week (digital)
- • BSN grace: 90 days
- • Interest: 0%
- • Best: Dedicated expat adviser, comprehensive services
Decision: If budget matters → bunq. If advisor value matters → ABN AMRO.
Student expat (enrolled in Dutch university)
Recommendation: ING free student account
Requirements: Valid student enrollment proof from Dutch university
Benefits:
- • €0/month (completely free while student)
- • Full banking features
- • 170+ branches (useful near universities)
- • English support
- • iDEAL & Tikkie
Cost after graduation: €3.55 (€4.00)/month (converts to paid account)
Budget-conscious expat (2026)
Recommendation: bunq Free (only option needed)
Cost analysis:
- • Monthly: €0
- • Annual: €0
- • Interest earned (€5,000 balance): +€100.50/year
- Net position: €100.50/year positive
vs ABN AMRO:
- • ABN AMRO cost: €4.30/month = €51.60/year
- • bunq Free cost: €0
- Annual savings: €51.60
vs ING:
- • ING cost: €3.55 (€4.00)/month = €42.60 (€48)/year
- • bunq Free cost: €0
- Annual savings: €42.60 (€48)
Frequently asked questions
What's the best bank for a new expat in 2026?
bunq Free, because: €0/month (zero cost), open now (before arrival, 5 minutes), Dutch IBAN (iDEAL compatible), 2.01% interest (earn money passively), 90-day BSN grace (no pressure), all features included. Only alternative: N26 as backup (but German IBAN has limitations).
Can I really open a Dutch bank account without BSN in 2026?
Yes, two ways: 1) bunq Free: 90-day grace period (recommended), 2) N26 Standard: Never requires BSN (but German IBAN issues), 3) ABN AMRO: 90-day grace period (but €4.30/month cost).
Is N26 viable as a primary account in 2026?
No. German IBAN causes problems: Cannot use iDEAL (essential for Dutch life), some employers may refuse it, cannot use Tikkie (Dutch app). Use as secondary/backup only. Make bunq or Dutch bank your primary.
How much can I save by choosing bunq Free in 2026?
Savings vs ABN AMRO: Monthly: €4.30/month saved, Annual: €51.60/year saved, Plus interest: +€100.50/year earned (on €5k balance). Total 2026 value: €152.10.
What happens to interest earned on bunq in 2026?
Paid weekly: €5,000 balance at 2.01% EUR = €100.50/year, paid every week = ~€1.93/week deposited automatically. Completely passive (nothing to do). No minimum balance required.
2026 recommendations summary
Best bank by goal (2026)
- Lowest cost: bunq Free (€0/month + 2.01% interest)
- Best features: bunq Free (all features included, zero cost)
- Expat support: ABN AMRO (€4.30/month, expat advisers)
- Branch access: ING (€3.55 (€4.00)/month, 170+ branches)
- Maximum flexibility: bunq Free + N26 Standard (€0/month total)
- Best interest rates: bunq Free (2.01% EUR, best available)
- Pre-arrival opening: bunq Free (5 minutes, from anywhere)
- Dutch integration: bunq Free (iDEAL + Tikkie support)
Final verdict: bunq Free dominates 2026
Why?
- ✓ €0 monthly cost (saves €42.60 (€51.60)/year vs traditional banks)
- ✓ 2.01% interest (earns €100.50/year passively)
- ✓ Dutch IBAN (iDEAL & Tikkie compatible)
- ✓ 5-minute opening (can open now, before arrival)
- ✓ 90-day BSN grace (no pressure to register immediately)
- ✓ All banking features included (no restrictions)
- ✓ No hidden fees (transparent pricing)
- ✓ Excellent English support
- ✓ Specifically designed for expat needs
Net value in 2026: +€152.10/year vs ABN AMRO (cost savings + interest)
Recommendation: bunq Free should be your primary account for 2026. Consider N26 Standard as free backup for maximum flexibility.