While digital banks like bunq, N26, and Revolut are popular with expats, traditional Dutch banks still play an important role. For mortgages, credit cards, and certain government interactions, having an account with a major Dutch bank can be valuable. ABN AMRO and ING are the two most expat-friendly of the "big three" (alongside Rabobank). Here is how they compare.
Opening an Account
ABN AMRO
ABN AMRO has made significant investments in their English-language services. You can open a basic account online if you have a BSN and EU/EEA identity document. Non-EU residents typically need to visit a branch. The process takes 3-7 business days.
ING
ING is generally considered the most accessible traditional bank for expats. Their online account opening process is available in English, and they accept a wider range of identity documents. Processing time is similar at 3-7 business days. ING also has the largest branch and ATM network in the Netherlands.
Verdict: ING has a slight edge for ease of opening, particularly for non-EU expats.
Monthly Fees
- ABN AMRO: basic payment package from approximately €2.95/month. Additional accounts cost extra
- ING: basic payment package from approximately €2.35/month. Students and young adults may qualify for free accounts
Both banks charge additional fees for services like paper statements, extra debit cards, and credit cards.
Verdict: ING is slightly cheaper for basic banking.
English Language Support
This is a critical factor for expats who do not speak Dutch.
ABN AMRO
- Website and online banking largely available in English
- Mobile app fully available in English
- English-language customer service by phone and chat
- Some letters and notifications still arrive in Dutch
- Dedicated international client department in Amsterdam
ING
- Website and online banking available in English
- Mobile app fully available in English
- English-language phone support available
- Many branch employees in major cities speak English
- Some automated communications are Dutch-only
Verdict: roughly equal. Both have invested in English support, though you will encounter Dutch in certain communications from both banks.
Mobile App
Both banks offer modern, feature-rich mobile apps:
ABN AMRO App
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Spending insights and categorization
- iDEAL and Tikkie integration
- Biometric login
- Investment features built into the app
- Rating: approximately 4.5/5 on app stores
ING App
- Well-designed with frequent updates
- Budget tracking and spending categories
- iDEAL and Tikkie integration
- Biometric login and mobile payments
- Quick actions for common tasks
- Rating: approximately 4.4/5 on app stores
Verdict: nearly identical. Both offer excellent apps that rival the best digital banks. Neither matches bunq's sub-account flexibility, but both are stable and reliable.
Savings Accounts
- ABN AMRO: offers multiple savings products including flexible savings, term deposits, and goal-based savings accounts. Interest rates are competitive with the market
- ING: similar range of savings products. The ING Savings account offers competitive variable rates. Term deposits available for higher rates
Both banks offer rates that are competitive but not market-leading. For the best savings rates, consider our savings account comparison — dedicated savings banks often offer 0.5-1% higher rates.
Verdict: similar rates. Neither is the best option if maximizing savings interest is your primary goal.
Mortgage Products
This is where traditional banks shine over digital alternatives. If you plan to buy property in the Netherlands, having an existing relationship with a traditional bank can be valuable.
ABN AMRO
- Dedicated expat mortgage advisors in major cities
- Accepts 30% ruling income for mortgage calculations
- Various mortgage types: annuity, linear, and interest-only
- Online mortgage tools available in English
ING
- Large mortgage market share in the Netherlands
- English-language mortgage consultation available
- Competitive interest rates due to scale
- Well-integrated online mortgage application process
For more details, see our Dutch mortgage guide for expats.
Verdict: ABN AMRO has a slight edge for expats specifically due to their dedicated international client services and experience with 30% ruling holders.
Credit Cards
- ABN AMRO: offers ICS Visa and Mastercard options. Credit cards available as an add-on to your current account, typically €2-4/month. International credit card acceptance is standard
- ING: offers ING Credit Card (Visa) as an add-on. Monthly fee applies. Also partners with third-party credit card providers
Dutch credit cards generally do not offer the rewards programs you might be used to from the US or UK. For better travel rewards, see our travel credit card guide.
Verdict: similar offerings. Neither stands out for credit card products.
Investment Products
- ABN AMRO: offers self-directed investing and managed portfolios through their app. Fees are higher than dedicated brokers like DeGiro but the convenience of having everything in one place appeals to some
- ING: similar self-directed and managed investment options. Also higher fees than dedicated brokers
For serious investing, we recommend using a dedicated broker like DeGiro or Interactive Brokers rather than your bank's investment platform — the fee difference compounds significantly over time.
Our Verdict
Choose ING if: you want the most accessible traditional bank with the largest branch network, slightly lower fees, and a straightforward account opening process. ING is the safe, reliable choice that works well for most expats.
Choose ABN AMRO if: you plan to apply for a mortgage and want the best expat-focused services. Their international client department and experience with expat mortgages give them an edge for property buyers.
Consider both alongside a digital bank: many expats maintain a traditional bank account for salary, rent, and mortgage while using a digital bank for daily spending, international transfers, and budget management. The combined cost is manageable and gives you the best of both worlds.
For a complete overview of all banking options, see our best bank accounts for expats guide.