Steps when creating a student bank account

• 1. Collect the necessary documents

  It can differ per bank which documents are required. However, in general you will need the following documents:

  • A valid ID (passport, ID card, official residence document)
  • You will need your Declaration of Registration (DoR) from VU Amsterdam in order to open a student account. This declaration is available from the moment you are registered at our university, and can be collected digitally via the 'Complete registration' page in your vu.nl dashboard.
  • Your citizen service number (BSN). When you register in the BRP you will receive a BSN.  You can fill this in online. If you do not have a BSN it is often possible to provide this later on in the process.

• 2. Choose your bank

  You are free to choose which bank you wish to join, of course. We have listed some options below. If you want to compare the different banks you may find this information helpful.

  Many banks will offer discounted student rates or even offer an account free of charge.

  ABN Amro bank

  You can start your account without your BSN, provided you submit your BSN within 90 days. 

  In the ABN AMRO app you can easily start your account. Choose the Student package (ages 18–25) and enter promo code STUDENT to earn up to €75 cashback. Don’t have a BSN yet? You can still open an account — just make sure to provide your BSN within 90 days. To start using your account, upload your proof of residence within 120 days (e.g., BRP registration, IND letter, or enrolment certificate). 

  From age 25 onwards, you also have the option to open a 'regular' account instead of as student account, if you prefer.

  Read more

  ING bank

  You can start your account without your BSN, provided you submit your BSN within 90 days. 

  Read more

  Rabobank

  Read more

  ASN

  Read more

  Triodos Bank

  Read more

• Online banks

  It may be more convenient to open an account with an online bank, as this will probably take less time. But of course this also depends on your personal preferences and the banking services you are looking for.

  Bunq bank

  Read more

  N26

  Read more

  Wise

  Read more

  Revolut

  Read more

• 3. Close your Dutch bank account before you leave

  It is very important to close your Dutch bank account before you leave. You should visit the nearest bank office and they will help you close the bank account. If you do not close your bank account, you will continue to be charged for the use of it, which could result in an unexpected bill when visiting the Netherlands in the future.

• Opening a bank account as a minor

  It is possible to open a bank account in the Netherlands if you are a minor. However, in most cases a parent or legal guardian will need to be involved and provide their consent. The procedures vary depending on the bank, so please check the requirements of your preferred provider.

  ABN AMRO 

  If you wish to open a bank account with ABN AMRO as a minor, first your parents/guardians need to open an account with them. Once they have an account, you can join too and open an account for minors.