Your financial life in the Netherlands: Key products for expats

There's always a lot to sort out when you first move to another country, and one of the most important is your banking. But with banks operating so differently from country to country, and the fact you might not have the Dutch needed to read all that small print, it can feel like a daunting task.

To help make your move as stress-free as possible, ING offers a range of financial products for expats. With ING, it's easy to make sure you have the basics in place from the very first day: a Dutch banking account, a savings account and a credit card.

A seamless start with your current and savings account

Opening a Dutch bank account (betaalrekening) is one of the first steps to getting your financial life in the Netherlands set up. You can even start opening your account before you get your BSN number! Just hand it in as soon as you receive it, which needs to be within 90 days of opening the account.

See which ING products and services can help you

This standard account, also known as a current account, allows you to handle everyday payments, like groceries, transportation and utilities, all of which are predominantly done via direct debit or card payments.

With ING, your savings account is automatically linked to your current account. This integration makes it easy to set up automatic savings, whether you’re building an emergency fund or setting aside money for future goals. It’s also a secure way to manage your finances - keeping your savings separate from your daily expenses. 

Why a credit card is useful - even in a debit card-driven society

One thing many expats notice when they first move to the Netherlands is how little day-to-day spending is done via credit card. Even big supermarkets don't always accept a credit card! 

However, while debit cards are the norm in Dutch shops, cafes and restaurants, having a credit card can be just as important as a debit card. Here’s why:

• Online purchases: From booking flights to buying appliances, many online platforms and international stores require a credit card.
• Large purchases: Big-ticket items, such as electronics or furniture, are often easier and safer to buy using a credit card, which comes with added buyer protection.
• Travel and reservations: If you’re planning to explore Europe during your stay, a credit card is almost always needed to book hotels, flights and car rentals.
• Purchase protection and insurance: ING credit cards offer built-in insurance (180 or 365 days), which can cover purchases against theft, loss or damage for a set period. Also, with the refund service (GeldTerugService), you stand a better chance of getting your money back in cases where the credit card was wrongfully charged or the product you ordered was delivered incorrectly.

A credit card from the start

Settling into a new country can be expensive, with furniture and more to buy. The good news is that you can apply for an ING credit card as soon as you become an ING customer.

To start with, you will be given one that has no credit allowance. You simply transfer money onto it from your current account, which can be done in real-time via the ING English-language app. This means you can get all the buyer-protection and insurances that come with a credit card from day one.

Once at least three months of your income has been through your ING current account, you can opt for a card with a limit starting from 1.000 euros. 

Easy and stress-free setup with ING

As an expat, you want to focus on settling into your new life, not getting bogged down with paperwork. ING simplifies the process of opening your accounts and applying for a credit card and you can use the card directly after opening your bank account. Key features include:

• Online application in English: Skip the language barrier with easy-to-use, fully English forms.
• Comprehensive banking: Manage your accounts, savings and credit card all through ING’s mobile app.

With ING’s tailored solutions, you’ll have everything you need to manage your finances from day one in the Netherlands. Whether it’s paying for groceries, saving for the future or making large online purchases, ING ensures you’re fully equipped for your new adventure.