Personal finance: Opening a bank account with ABN AMRO

Interested in a Dutch bank account? 

ABN AMRO has the student account that meets all your needs!

• A free bank account with a debit card and internet-mobile banking,
• Contract in English,
• Overview of your income and expenses,
• Open in 5 minutes via your mobile with a valid passport,
• Ability to get student insurance (combination of Personal Liability and Home Contents).

 

Start your studies in a relaxed way with the banking services of ABN AMRO.
Open a bank account!

Frequently asked questions in relation to banking for international students

Do I need a Dutch bank account when I come to the Netherlands?

Opening a Dutch bank account is not mandatory, but it can be really useful. Mostly the University or your landlord makes it mandatory to open a Dutch bank account.

Automatic bicycle payments or insurance payments are often impossible with a non-Dutch account. In addition, paying in shops and using iDeal is often more difficult with a non-Dutch account because they often only accept Maestro.

The ABN AMRO student account is free and can be expanded with an insurance policy that insures Personal Liability and Home Contents Insurance. You can also add Accident Insurance if you want to.

What kind of bank cards do they accept in the Netherlands?

Most bank cards in the Netherlands have Maestro. These are also generally the most accepted in stores and web shops.

What does it cost to have a Dutch bank account?

The student account of ABN AMRO is free. 

Is it necessary to have student insurance?

It is not mandatory to have student insurance, but it is strongly recommended. With our Student Insurance, it’s easy to organize your Personal Liability and/or Home Contents Insurance. You can also add Accident Insurance if you want to.

More information about insurance

How do I open a student account?

You can open a student account in less than 5 minutes by using our mobile banking app. You will need a passport and BSN number for this.

There is a different procedure for students with only an ID card, American nationality or minors. View our website for more information.

What do I need to open a Dutch bank account?

To open a student account you will need:

• passport/ID card
• BSN number

If I am not from the EU, can I still have a Dutch bank account?

It is possible for non-EU students to open a student account with a passport in less than 5 minutes by using our mobile banking passport.

How can I receive money from my home country (abroad)? Is it free of charge?

Receiving funds from abroad:

• Receiving euros within the Eurozone* – €0 per transfer
• Receiving foreign currency and/or funds from outside of the Eurozone* – €9 per transfer
• Transferred in accordance with EC criteria** – €0 per transfer
• Not transferred in accordance with EC criteria** – €9 per transfer

 

*The Eurozone includes the EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

**EC criteria: transfer between EU countries in euros using a full and correct IBAN and BIC. Up to €50,000 on the basis of shared costs.

What should I do if I lose my bank card?

If your debit card is broken or if the cash machine has swallowed it, we will replace it free of charge. If you have lost the card or it has been stolen, you will need to pay €7.50 to have it replaced. You can easily block and replace your bank card via mobile banking.

Can I cancel my account at any time (insurance, bank account)?

You can close your private current or savings account at any time online via our website if you have a €0 balance. Your debit card expires automatically (The date is shown on the card). You can close your insurance after the first year on any day.

Can I withdraw money from an ATM with my card?

You can withdraw cash using your debit card. You can withdraw up to €10,000 in total per day from an ATM if your balance and limit allow it. Check the Geldmaat (ATM) location guide to find the nearest ATM.

Can I transfer money to a foreign bank account for free?

Using Internet banking you can transfer money in euros to another SEPA country using the same currency (euro). This is free of charge. If you want to make a transfer in a currency other than the euro to a foreign currency account or a non-euro country (such as Norway or a country outside of Europe) the costs are different.
More information

Can I have a negative balance on my debit card?

No, it is not possible to have a negative balance on your debit card.