The two most popular banking choices for expats in the Netherlands are bunq and ING. They represent fundamentally different approaches—bunq is a digital-first neobank built for mobile, while ING is a traditional banking giant with physical branches and decades of history. Both have strengths, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you.
Quick Comparison
- bunq: EUR 3.99-17.99/month | Fully English | No BSN needed to start | Dutch IBAN | iDEAL supported
- ING: EUR 0-2.35/month | English app available | BSN required | Dutch IBAN | iDEAL supported
Account Opening
bunq
Opening a bunq account takes about 10 minutes on your phone. You download the app, scan your passport or ID, take a selfie for verification, and you have a working Dutch IBAN almost immediately. No BSN is required at sign-up—you just need to provide it within 90 days.
This makes bunq the clear winner for newly arrived expats who need a bank account before their BSN appointment.
ING
ING requires a BSN to open an account. You can start the application online, but you will need to visit a branch or complete a video identification process. The entire process typically takes 1-2 weeks from application to receiving your debit card.
ING has improved their English-language onboarding significantly, but it is still a more traditional, slower process compared to bunq.
Monthly Costs
bunq
bunq has no free tier. Plans start at EUR 3.99/month (Easy Bank) and go up to EUR 17.99/month (Easy Green). The mid-tier Easy Money plan at EUR 9.99/month is the most popular, offering multiple sub-accounts, automatic savings, and a credit card.
ING
ING's basic current account costs EUR 2.35/month. Their student account is free. Compared to bunq, ING is significantly cheaper for basic banking needs.
Verdict: ING wins on price. If cost is your primary concern and you already have your BSN, ING is the more economical choice.
App and User Experience
bunq
bunq's app is consistently rated as one of the best banking apps in Europe. It is fully in English, beautifully designed, and packed with features: sub-accounts for budgeting, automatic savings rules, instant notifications for every transaction, and easy card controls.
ING
ING's mobile app is solid and reliable. The English version covers all essential functions, though some advanced features or settings pages may default to Dutch. The app is functional but not as polished or feature-rich as bunq's.
Verdict: bunq wins decisively on app quality and user experience.
Features That Matter for Expats
iDEAL and Tikkie
Both bunq and ING support iDEAL and Tikkie. No difference here—both banks integrate fully with the Dutch payment ecosystem.
International Transfers
bunq offers competitive exchange rates for international transfers through their app. ING offers international transfers but at higher rates and fees. For large international transfers, consider a specialised service like Wise regardless of which bank you use.
Savings Accounts
ING offers a savings account with a competitive (for a big bank) interest rate. bunq offers Easy Savings with auto-save features and a slightly higher rate. For the best savings rates overall, see our savings account comparison.
Credit Cards
bunq offers credit cards integrated into their higher-tier plans. ING offers their own ING credit card. Both are viable options, but for the best credit card deals, check our credit card comparison.
Customer Support
bunq
bunq's support is entirely digital—chat-based through the app. Response times are generally good, and support is in English. There are no physical branches to visit.
ING
ING offers phone support, chat, and physical branches. English-language phone support is available but can have longer wait times. Having the option to walk into a branch and speak to someone can be valuable for complex issues.
Verdict: ING wins for expats who want the security of in-person support. bunq wins for those comfortable with digital-only support.
Our Recommendation
Choose bunq if: You are new to the Netherlands and need a bank account fast, you value a great app experience, you are comfortable with digital-only banking, or you want built-in budgeting and savings tools.
Choose ING if: You already have your BSN, you want the lowest monthly cost, you prefer having physical branches available, or you want a more traditional banking relationship.
Consider both: Many expats start with bunq for the immediate convenience and later open an ING account as their primary bank once they are settled. There is no rule against having multiple bank accounts in the Netherlands.