In this chapter, we focus on banks in the Netherlands with an Expat Desk.
The types of accounts offered are
- Current accounts (lopende rekening)
- Savings accounts (spaarrekening)
- Foreign currency accounts (vreemde valuta rekening)
Other services that banks may offer include
- Debit and credit cards
- Internet (internetbankieren)
- Telephone banking (telefonisch bankieren)
- Investments (beleggingen)
- Private banking (banking for those who have at least €1m available to invest)
- Insurance (verzekering)
- Loans (leningen)
- Mortgages (hypotheken)
- Fixed term deposits (lange termijn deposito's)
- Life assurance (levensverzekering)
Some banks offer tailored accounts for children, as well as private banking facilities. You can also open a joint account, possibly cheaper or more convenient than opening two separate accounts.
Requirements
Anti-money laundering regulations have become stricter since 2004, this means that to open a current account or a foreign currency account you need to provide identification. EU citizens require a valid passport or an ID card, proof of residency from the GBA (gemeentelijke basis administratie), a verification document such as a gas and electricity bill or a rental agreement with your address, proof of income and your Citizen Service Number (BSN, Burger Service Nummer, previously SOFI tax number).
These documents are not required if you only wish to open a savings account, however a savings account is always linked to a current account.
For non-EU citizens, registration with the IND (immigratie- en naturalisatiedienst) and a work permit are also required. If you open a joint account you must present the documents described above for both holders. Minors under 18 opening a current and/or savings account must be accompanied by at least one legal representative and their own identification should also be brought.
A bank account operates from the day it is opened. After opening a bank account you will receive postal notification when your bank debit card is ready for collection.
You must go in person, taking your passport or other acceptable identification.
Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) code will arrive separately in the post. This is a personal four-digit number used for all withdrawals and some bank transactions. This number will be chosen for you, but normally you can change it later at a bank cash machine (ATM). The card can be coupled with a credit card and an overdraft facility.
The main banks operating an Expat Desk in the Netherlands are listed below. The Dutch Central Bank supervises all other banks.
Note that ACCESS does not recommend any particular bank. Should you require further information regarding a particular bank, accounts and/or services mentioned, contact any of the banks listed below. Most staff speak fluent English.
ABN AMRO BANK (information in English),
In the Netherlands, call 0900 0024 ( €0.10 per minute) Option 4 for an English language menu.
From outside the Netherlands call: +31 10 241 1720
www.abnamro.nl/en/index.html (Directly to English pages)
ING BANK (information in English)
+31 (0)20 541 5411
RABOBANK (information in English),
0900 9890 (€0.10 per minute)
SNS BANK (information in English for internet banking),
0900 767 4357
Important telephone number in case of loss of bank cards
In case of theft or loss of cards from any bank, telephone:
- 0800 0313 in the Netherlands (free in the Netherlands)
- +31 30 283 5372 outside the Netherlands
To block a bank account
ING Bank - press 1
Rabobank - press 2
ABN AMRO - press 3
Fortis Bank - press 4
For other bank accounts - press 9
In the ACCESS guide "Banking" you will find more information about opening a bank account, currency, day-to-day banking activities, how to pay, other forms of banking, and useful websites.
