Student accounts differ to regular bank accounts in The Netherlands so I wanted to cover it separately, although more information specifically about studying I cover [here – link pending].
So what is different between a regular account and student one? Well, in short, student ones are free, although they are usually only valid for students aged 18-30.
ABN-AMRO – They do no charge fees to have a current account with a debit card and online banking. They also offer a student credit card, but there are certain criteria to meet before you can qualify.
ING – Same deal as ABN-AMRO when it comes to fees.
Rabobank – The other big bank also offer student accounts but only up to the age of 25. Also, their website only appears to offer it in Dutch. It could still be worth checking out in branch in near your university because they appear to offer more information and services in English for at least the University of Leiden.
Do I have to have a student account?
Not per sé. You should be fine with having any account, including a SEPA account, or an account like N26 or Bunq.
What do I need to open a student account?
Like a regular account you will need:
- Proof of ID
- Proof of enrollment and a Dutch education institute
- BSN Number (see registration)
- If you are an international student without Dutch ID: an original extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP), not older than 3 months. When you register for your BSN you are entered into the BRP.
You mentioned a student credit card?
I did. When I was a student I would never have trusted myself with one. I could barely be trusted with a student overdraft!
ABN-AMRO offer a student credit card for €14 a year, so long as you have an income of €500 a month. In my experience this would have to be provable from payslips, rather than money from other sources (i.e. family).
Other banks should offer a similar product if it is of interest to you.
Being Dutched 