Opening a bank account in the Netherlands

Compare the types: big traditional banks have branches, ATMs and comprehensive service with small monthly fees, and internet banks and apps are quicker to open and sometimes cheaper and some work in English.

• Look at monthly fees, card fees, withdrawal, international transfers and customer service.
• There are also joint accounts for couples and children's accounts.
• If a bank refuses you, you have a right to a basic account from certain banks by law, and turn to the ombudsman (Kifid) if refused without reason.
• Choose a bank that supports an app in your language or English, and provides instant transfer to your country at a reasonable cost if you send money to your family.

You need a BSN and a valid passport or residence card, proof of address such as the rental contract or registration certificate, and sometimes an employment contract or proof of income.

• You open the account online using the bank's app and video verification or by visiting a branch by appointment.
• It may take a few days until the card and PIN reach you by post at your address.
• If you have not yet registered with the municipality some banks open an account under conditions, and some require registration.
• Ask your employer for help or a letter confirming your job.
• Make sure your name is written in Latin letters as in the passport, and set the app language.
• And keep the IBAN paper to give to your employer.

The debit card (pinpas) is used in shops and ATMs, with a four-digit PIN, and supports contactless and phone payment (Apple Pay and Google Pay).

• For online payment you use iDEAL, a safe method that directs you to your bank's app to confirm payment.
• Tikkie is a common app for splitting bills and requesting money from friends.
• For regular monthly bills you allow direct debit (automatische incasso) to companies straight from your account, and you keep the right to cancel it and request a refund within eight weeks.
• For international transfers the IBAN and BIC are used, and it is advisable to use specialist services such as Wise for lower costs.
• Credit cards are accepted less than debit.

Banking fraud is especially widespread in the Netherlands via bank helpdesk fraud (bankhelpdeskfraude): a person calls claiming to be from the security department of your bank and says your account is at risk and asks you to transfer money to a safe account, hand over your card or reveal your code.

• A real bank never does that.
• Do not give your PIN or verification code to anyone, and do not hand your card to anyone who comes to your door, and end the call and call back on the official number on your card.
• Avoid links in text messages (phishing or smishing) and enter the app yourself.
• Activate transaction notifications and set a daily payment limit.
• Report to your bank and police at once if you become a victim, since part of the money may be returned.

If an amount is withdrawn by mistake or without your permission report to your bank at once and record the event.

• To reclaim a direct debit you have eight weeks, and a longer period for unauthorised transactions.
• To complain about the bank submit it in writing to the complaints department then to Kifid (the financial services complaints institute).
• You can open a savings account (spaarrekening) to earn interest, and savings are guaranteed by the deposit guarantee scheme up to one hundred thousand euros per person at each bank.
• Do not let the account go into overdraft (rood staan) because the interest is high.
• For those facing debt problems contact the municipality early for help (schuldhulpverlening) and talk to the bank before it gets worse.

What does a Dutch IBAN start with?