How to Open a Bank Account in the Netherlands (Even Without a BSN)

If you are moving from the United States, one of the first practical questions is how to open a bank account in the Netherlands, and whether you can do it as a non-resident or without a BSN. The short answer is yes, but usually in stages: a bridge account first, a full Dutch account once you are registered, and a separate business account if you are coming on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT). This guide covers the options, the documents and the extra paperwork Americans face.

Key takeaways

• The traditional banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) generally expect a BSN and a registered Dutch address before they will open a full personal account.
• App-based bunq has often allowed newcomers to start before the BSN arrives and add it within a set deadline, but check its current policy for U.S. persons.
• Wise or Revolut can bridge the first weeks, although some Dutch landlords and employers still prefer a Dutch NL IBAN.
• As a U.S. citizen you will be asked to complete a FATCA self-certification or W-9, and a few banks are more cautious with Americans than others.
• DAFT entrepreneurs need a Dutch business account holding at least €4,500 (about $5,175) as part of the residence application.

Part 1: Why the BSN matters for opening a Dutch account

The BSN (burgerservicenummer) is the Dutch citizen service number. You receive it when you register at your municipality with a Dutch address, or through the RNI non-resident register if you do not yet live in the country. Banks use it to meet their legal identification and tax-reporting duties, which is why most of them treat it as a prerequisite.

The catch is a chicken-and-egg problem: you need an address to register, a landlord may want a Dutch bank account before handing over the keys, and the bank wants your BSN.

What banks usually ask for

Expect to provide a valid passport, your residence permit or proof that one is being processed, your BSN, a Dutch address, and a phone number that can receive codes. Many banks also ask about your source of income, expected account activity and your tax residency. Standard KYC (know your customer) checks may also involve an employment contract, a KVK extract or recent U.S. bank statements.

Part 2: ING, ABN AMRO and Rabobank compared

The three large Dutch banks cover most of the market, and an account with one of them makes rent, utilities and insurance direct debits smoother.

1. Open an ING bank account in the Netherlands

ING is often the first choice for newcomers because its app is straightforward and much of the onboarding can be done online with a passport scan and identity verification. In practice it generally requires a BSN and a Dutch address, and non-EU nationals may be asked for their residence permit. If you are still waiting for your BSN, ING is usually a step two rather than a step one.

2. ABN AMRO and its expat-oriented services

ABN AMRO has historically offered English-language support and services aimed at international clients, which some Americans find reassuring when questions about FATCA or foreign income come up. The basic requirements are similar to ING, and certain packages may come with fees or eligibility conditions, so confirm what applies to you before choosing it for that reason alone.

3. Open a bank account with Rabobank in the Netherlands

Rabobank is a cooperative bank with deep roots outside the big cities and a strong presence in the business market. Its personal onboarding usually requires a BSN, a Dutch address and Dutch-style identification, and some of its communication is still Dutch-first. It can suit you well once settled, for example if you plan to buy property.

Part 3: Opening an account without a BSN

If you need an account before your BSN arrives, or you want to open a bank account in the Netherlands as a non-resident, the realistic options are app-based banks and payment institutions.

bunq

bunq is a Dutch-licensed app bank that has frequently let newcomers open an account with a passport and selfie verification, then provide the BSN within a deadline (often around 90 days). Because it issues Dutch NL IBANs and is covered by the Dutch deposit guarantee scheme, it solves the landlord and employer problem neatly. Policies for U.S. persons have changed over time, so check eligibility at the moment you apply.

Wise and Revolut as bridge accounts

Wise and Revolut are useful for moving dollars into euros at competitive rates and for paying in Europe from day one. Depending on when and where your account was opened, you may receive a foreign IBAN, for example a Belgian or Lithuanian one, rather than a Dutch one. EU rules say a euro IBAN from another SEPA country should be accepted, but in practice some landlords, employers and agencies still ask for an NL IBAN, so treat these as a bridge rather than a permanent solution.

Part 4: IBAN, debit cards and iDEAL in daily life

A Dutch IBAN starts with NL followed by two check digits, a four-letter bank code and ten digits. You will share it for salary, rent, insurance and taxes.

Debit cards rather than credit cards

The Netherlands runs on debit. The old Maestro cards have been phased out, and Dutch banks now issue Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard cards that work online and abroad. Some supermarkets, cafes and municipal counters still do not accept credit cards, so do not rely on your U.S. credit card for everyday spending.

iDEAL and payment requests

iDEAL is the dominant online payment method, letting you pay webshops directly from your bank app. It is being integrated into the European Wero wallet, so the brand you see at checkout may change, but the idea of paying straight from your account stays the same.

Part 5: FATCA, the W-9 and why some banks hesitate

Under FATCA, foreign banks report accounts held by U.S. persons to their local tax authority, which passes the data on to the IRS. When you open an account, the bank will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder and will typically ask for your Social Security number and a FATCA self-certification or IRS Form W-9.

This reporting adds cost and compliance risk, which is why some smaller banks and fintechs have at times declined U.S. persons or limited the products available to them, especially investment accounts. Answer the questions truthfully; giving incorrect information about U.S. status can lead to an account being closed later.

U.S. citizens generally must also file an FBAR when the combined balance of their foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year, and may need Form 8938 above higher thresholds.

Part 6: Opening a business bank account in the Netherlands

If you are coming on the DAFT, opening a business bank account in the Netherlands is part of the immigration process, not just a convenience. The IND expects to see at least €4,500 (about $5,175) invested in your Dutch business, usually shown through a business account statement in the company's name.

The sequence typically looks like this.

1. Register your business (often a sole proprietorship, or eenmanszaak) with the KVK Chamber of Commerce.
2. Open a business account with a Dutch bank or a Dutch-licensed app bank using your KVK number.
3. Deposit the €4,500 and obtain a statement or bank letter showing the balance.
4. Submit the statement with your DAFT application to the IND.

ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank and bunq all offer business accounts, but acceptance criteria, monthly fees and the time to approval vary. Some banks may ask for a BSN first, which is where RNI registration or an app bank can help. Keep the capital in the business and keep the account active, because you will need to show a functioning business again when you renew.

Part 7: What to do with your Dutch account when you leave

When you move away, deregister from your municipality and tell your bank your new address and tax residency. Many people keep their Dutch account open for a few months to receive a final salary, a rental deposit refund or a tax refund.

Some banks restrict or close accounts for clients who no longer live in the Netherlands, so ask before you go rather than discovering it later. Cancel direct debits and download statements you may need for U.S. tax filings.

Summary

To open a bank account in the Netherlands without a BSN, start with a bridge such as bunq, Wise or Revolut, register at your municipality as soon as you have an address, then move to ING, ABN AMRO or Rabobank once your BSN arrives. As an American, expect FATCA questions and plan for FBAR filing. If you are coming on the DAFT, treat the business account and the €4,500 deposit as a core part of your residence application. NL Bridge regularly helps Americans line up registration, banking and DAFT paperwork in the right order, and a free 30-minute first consultation is available if you would like a second pair of eyes on your plan.

Photos: Guilhem Vellut / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)