You have just landed in the Netherlands, you need to pay rent, receive your first salary, and set up utilities—but your BSN appointment is weeks away. This is one of the most frustrating catch-22 situations for new expats: you need a bank account to function, but most banks require a BSN to open one.
The good news? Several banks now let you open an account without a BSN. Here is how.
Why the BSN Matters for Banking
The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your Dutch citizen service number, and it is legally required for all financial relationships in the Netherlands. Banks use it for tax reporting, identity verification, and compliance with anti-money-laundering regulations.
However, Dutch law allows banks to open accounts before you receive your BSN, provided you supply it within a certain timeframe (typically 90 days). Not all banks take advantage of this flexibility, but a growing number do.
Banks That Accept You Without a BSN
bunq — Best Overall Option
bunq is the go-to bank for expats arriving without a BSN. You can download the app, verify your identity with your passport, and have a working Dutch IBAN within minutes. Key advantages:
- Fully digital onboarding in English
- Dutch IBAN number (starts with NL)
- iDEAL and Tikkie support
- No BSN required at sign-up (you must provide it within 90 days)
- Virtual card available immediately for online payments
- Physical card delivered within a few days
The downside is cost: bunq's plans start at EUR 3.99/month for the Easy Bank plan. But for the convenience during those critical first weeks, most expats find it worthwhile.
Revolut — Good for Immediate Access
Revolut lets you open an account with just your passport, no BSN needed. You get instant access to a virtual card and can start making payments right away. Advantages:
- Instant account opening
- Free basic plan available
- Excellent exchange rates for international transfers
- Virtual and physical cards
The significant downside: Revolut provides a Lithuanian IBAN, not a Dutch one. This means no iDEAL support and some employers or landlords may have difficulty sending payments to a non-Dutch IBAN (even though SEPA regulations require them to accept any EU IBAN).
N26 — Another International Option
N26 offers a similar proposition to Revolut: easy sign-up without a BSN, but with a German IBAN instead of a Dutch one. The same iDEAL limitation applies.
Step-by-Step: Opening a bunq Account Without BSN
- Download the bunq app from the App Store or Google Play
- Choose your plan — Easy Bank (EUR 3.99/month) or higher tiers
- Verify your identity — Scan your passport and take a selfie for identity verification
- Provide your address — You will need a Dutch address (hotel or temporary accommodation works for the initial setup)
- Activate your account — You will receive a Dutch IBAN immediately
- Order your card — A physical debit card will be delivered to your Dutch address
- Add your BSN later — You have 90 days to provide your BSN once you receive it
What You Can and Cannot Do Without a BSN
You can:
- Open a bank account (at the banks listed above)
- Receive salary payments
- Make domestic and international transfers
- Pay bills and set up direct debits
- Use iDEAL (with bunq) and Tikkie
You cannot:
- Open a savings account at most banks
- Apply for a credit card
- Take out any form of loan or credit
- Open accounts at traditional Dutch banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank)
- Set up health insurance direct debits (some insurers require BSN for the mandate)
Tips for the BSN Waiting Period
- Book your gemeente appointment immediately: In cities like Amsterdam and The Hague, wait times can be 4-6 weeks. Book before or right after arrival
- Ask your employer for help: Many companies have relocation services that can expedite BSN registration
- Keep records: Save all correspondence and receipts. You may need to prove when you arrived and when you applied for registration
- Use the waiting period wisely: Set up bunq or Revolut, start receiving salary, and research which traditional bank you want to use long-term
The BSN waiting period is temporary, but having a working bank account from day one makes everything else easier. For a comprehensive overview of your banking options, see our complete expat banking guide.