Opening a Bank Account

EU citizens need a valid passport and proof of address in order to open a bank account. Some banks may, in addition, ask for proof of work, a Sofi-number (Social Fiscal Identification Number), and even for proof of residence permit application. Non-EU citizens are sometimes requested to bring proof of registration with the foreign police in addition to the above.

Choosing a bank

The largest banks in the Netherlands are the ABN-AMRO, ING, Rabobank, Postbank, Fortis and SNS. The Postbank used to be state owned, it was privatized and is now owned by the ING Bank, but you still find Postbank branches in Post offices.

Commissions are quite similar in all banks. The Postbank is slightly cheaper than the others, but you will have a lower level of service and longer waiting times because the branches are in the post offices. Most banks have good internet banking facilities. Your best bets are ABN-AMRO, ING, Rabobank, and the Postbank.

For a local office near to you, check out the websites of each bank.

ABN-AMRO
0900 0908

Fortis Bank
0900 8172

ING Bank
0800 7011

Rabobank
030 216 0000

Postbank
0900 1958

SNS Bank
0900 - 18 50