Best Business Bank Accounts in the Netherlands for International Founders

Opening a business bank account in the Netherlands looks simple on paper, but in reality, this is one of the hardest steps for international founders. At FirmNL, we see this daily. Founders register their business successfully, but then get stuck for weeks or even months at the banking stage.

The main reason is expectation mismatch. Many founders assume Dutch banks work like global online banks. They don’t. Dutch banks are very strict, compliance-driven, and risk-averse. They don’t just look at documents. They look at who you are, where you live, what your business does, and how realistic your activity looks.

Another hard truth we always share early: there is no “best bank for everyone.” A bank that works well for an EU resident running a consulting BV may completely reject a non-EU e-commerce founder. This is why generic lists on the internet create more confusion than clarity.

In this article, we don’t bluff. We don’t promise guaranteed accounts. We explain which international-friendly business banks actually work in the Netherlands, who they are suitable for, and who should avoid them. Everything here is based on real cases we handle at FirmNL, not marketing brochures.

Before naming banks, it’s important to understand what Dutch banks really look for when reviewing an application. That reality check saves a lot of wasted effort.

What Dutch Banks Actually Look For (Reality Check Before Applying)

Before we even talk about bank names, it’s important to understand one thing clearly. Dutch banks do not approve business accounts based on forms alone. They assess risk, control, and long-term clarity. This is where most international founders get rejected, even with a registered company.

First, they look at the founder profile.

Your nationality, residency status, and physical presence in the EU matters a lot. EU residents usually face fewer questions. Non-EU founders are reviewed more deeply, especially if they do not live in the Netherlands. Banks want to see who controls the company and how reachable that person is.

Second, they check the company structure and activity.
Dutch banks prefer clear and simple business models. Consulting, SaaS, IT services, and holding structures are easier to explain. E-commerce, trading, dropshipping, crypto-related, or cross-border payment flows trigger more checks. If the activity sounds vague or “future-based,” rejection chances increase.

Third, substance and local connection is reviewed.
Banks want proof that the business is not just a paper entity. This includes a Dutch address, contracts, website, client details, or operational explanation. Even digital banks ask for this, just in a different format.

Fourth, compliance readiness matters more than founders expect.
Banks evaluate how prepared you are for AML and KYC rules. Incomplete answers, missing documents, or unclear source of funds often lead to silent rejections. This is not personal. It’s compliance-driven.

FirmNL always does a bank readiness check before applying anywhere. Applying blindly damages your profile and creates future rejections across multiple banks.

Read More: Sole Trader vs Company in Netherlands – A Quick Comparison

Top 5 International-Friendly Business Bank Accounts in the Netherlands (Who They’re For, Who They’re Not)

Below are five business banking options that actually work for international founders in the Netherlands. This list is based on real approvals, real rejections, and day-to-day cases we handle at FirmNL. We also clearly mention who should use each bank and who should avoid it.

1. ING – Best for substance-ready Dutch businesses

What works well : ING is one of the strongest traditional banks in the Netherlands. It is well respected, fully Dutch, and accepted everywhere — tax office, clients, payment partners, and investors.

Who should use ING

• Dutch BV with real activity
• EU resident directors
• Consulting, IT, SaaS, holding companies
• Businesses with Dutch address and clear operations

Who should avoid ING

• Non-EU founders without EU residency
• Early-stage companies with no activity yet
• High-risk or complex cross-border models

Reality check :  ING approvals take time. Documentation must be very clean. Without substance, rejection is likely.

2. ABN AMRO – Strong alternative to ING

What works well : ABN AMRO is slightly more flexible than ING in some cases, especially for international founders who already have good documentation and explanation.

Who should use ABN AMRO

• Dutch BV with international founders
• EU or non-EU founders with strong compliance setup
• Businesses planning long-term Dutch presence
  

Who should avoid ABN AMRO

• Founders looking for fast approval
• Companies without website, contracts, or clear model
  

Reality check : ABN AMRO still follows strict KYC. Flexibility does not mean relaxed compliance.

3. bunq – Best digital bank with Dutch IBAN

What works well:  bunq is often the first realistic option for foreign founders. It provides a Dutch IBAN and supports remote onboarding in many cases.

Who should use bunq

• Dutch BV or sole proprietorship
• International founders (EU and some non-EU)
• Service businesses, startups, freelancers
  

Who should avoid bunq

• Cash-heavy businesses
• Complex payment flows or high transaction volume
  

Reality check: bunq is not “easy.” They ask detailed questions, but approvals are realistic if answers are clear.

4. Wise – Best for cross-border operations

What works well
Wise is excellent for international payments, multi-currency holding, and early operations. It’s not a Dutch bank, but widely used by Dutch companies.

Who should use Wise

• International founders
• Startups before traditional bank approval
• Businesses with global clients
  

Who should avoid Wise

• Companies needing local Dutch banking features
• Businesses requiring financing or overdrafts
  

Reality check : Wise is a strong operational account, but not a full replacement for a Dutch bank long-term.

Also Checkout: Netherlands Company Registration Process & Requirements

5. Revolut Business – Fast setup, limited Dutch acceptance

What works well :Revolut offers quick onboarding and clean interface. Many founders use it as a temporary solution.

Who should use Revolut

• Early-stage international businesses
• Non-EU founders waiting for Dutch bank approval
  

Who should avoid Revolut

• Companies dealing with Dutch tax authorities regularly
• Businesses needing strong local credibility
  

Reality check: Revolut is helpful, but not fully accepted everywhere in the Netherlands. It should not be your only plan.

Traditional Banks vs Digital Banks in the Netherlands (Business Accounts)

Which Business Bank Should You Choose in the Netherlands? 

Closing Section: How FirmNL Helps You Open a Business Bank Account in the Netherlands

Opening a business bank account is not about filling forms. It’s about presenting your business in a way Dutch banks trust. This is where most international founders struggle, even after company registration.

At FirmNL, we help founders before they apply. We review your company structure, founder profile, business activity, and compliance readiness. Based on that, we recommend the right bank, not a random one. This avoids rejection loops and wasted months.

Our support typically includes:

• Bank readiness review
• Business activity and compliance preparation
• Bank matching based on your profile
• Guidance during onboarding and follow-ups
  

We don’t promise guaranteed approvals. No one can.

What we do promise is clarity, honesty, and a realistic path to getting your business operational in the Netherlands.

If you are planning to open a business bank account in the Netherlands and want to avoid costly mistakes, FirmNL can guide you through it the right way.

‍