The scenario below may ring true to you. It's all right, all international students in the Netherlands have been there at one point or another. Make sure this never happens to you again by choosing one of Student Mobility's recommended banks, a selection of the most convenient (digital) Dutch banks out there.
Here's the typical awkward moment that could have been so easily avoided: You’re waiting in line, ready to pay for your groceries, when you’re told that your card is not accepted – after all, it’s not a Maestro. You don’t have cash on you, so you have no choice but to leave everything behind, including that one snack you’ve been craving for days. Though this is an embarrassing scenario to witness, don’t bow your head too much. After all, it won't happen again as soon as you open a Dutch bank account, possibly with Revolut.
Having a Dutch bank account is useful in more scenarios than the one already mentioned above. Particularly if you’d like to work, your employer will ask for your Dutch IBAN, so they know where to transfer your salary. The Netherlands’ train company NS will also require a Dutch bank account for opening a personal OV-Chipkaart (though, our Student Mobility Card doesn’t, and it’s the best option for international students anyway).
With a Maestro/Direct Debit card all this is possible, in addition to access to the Dutch online payment system “iDeal”, which is always your best and cheapest bet when making payments in the Netherlands. In fact, as for some transactions, iDeal is the only option, opening a Dutch account will carry you through your entire stay, hassle-free.
However, you may wonder why you shouldn’t just go for one of the “big guys”, like ING or Rabobank. Well, if it’s convenience and easy registration without a physical appointment you’re looking for, then an online bank like bunq or Revolut is definitely your best bet. What’s more is that Student Mobility will be able to offer you cashback and free student accounts in the near future. Who doesn’t love that?
Rather than requiring your BSN (registration citizen service number) right off the bat, you have the option of submitting this later, meaning you can start using your card once you’ve taken a few minutes to register. Opening your bank account is also entirely free, while you can also easily cancel it if you decide to leave the Netherlands again.
Bunq is offering free student accounts, simply register here and after registration follow these steps:
1. Sign up here, using a Dutch phone number.
2. Choose bunq Pro
3. Go to your profile in the App and follow the steps to get the free student account (upload your proof of enrolment etc.)
4. Start banking!
That’s it, happy shopping! Your new card can now be added to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay. We hope you've convinced you as to why choosing bunq, Student Mobility's recommended bank is a life saver.
If you’d like to know more about banking in the Netherlands as a whole, keep an eye on our blog, as we’ll post an in-depth article on this topic in a bit.
