Best business accounts for Startups in Netherlands
Snapshot
A Dutch startup, usually a BV, needs an account opened in the company name, fast onboarding, cards and clean accounting from day one. Neobanks such as bunq and Qonto open quickly, while ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank suit firms that want a large bank and may join the NFIA Quick Scan route. As of 14 May 2026.
Suits startups best
Depends on stage. Early teams favour a fast low cost neobank, funded BVs often want a large bank relationship.
Typical monthly fee
From no monthly fee to about EUR 19 a month on growth tiers, plus card and currency costs, as of 14 May 2026.
Opening time
Neobanks can open in days. ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank often take one to four weeks for a BV due to KYC and UBO checks.
Providers that fit
Several
Fees and features as of 14 May 2026Last reviewed 14 May 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
A startup in the Netherlands usually incorporates as a BV at the notary, registers with the KvK, and then needs a company account before it can take in revenue or investment. Early teams value fast onboarding, a low monthly cost, cards and accounting links. bunq and Qonto open quickly and keep costs modest. ABN AMRO offers business packages with a reported first three months free, and the large banks may take longer because of know your customer and ultimate beneficial owner checks. Founders without Dutch residency, or backed by a recognised startup facilitator, can use the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency Quick Scan to approach ABN AMRO, ING or Rabobank. Figures are shown as of 14 May 2026. Confirm current terms with each provider.
What startups in Netherlands need from a business account
A startup needs an account in the company name fast, because investment, payroll and supplier payments wait on it. The useful features are quick onboarding, a low monthly cost while revenue is small, cards for the team, accounting integrations, and multi currency support if customers or investors sit abroad. A neobank gives speed and low cost, while a large Dutch bank gives a fuller relationship and may matter for lending or credibility later. BV applications take longer than sole trader ones because of the ultimate beneficial owner checks. Weigh speed and cost now against the banking relationship you expect to need.
b
bunq
App based account with a Dutch IBAN, sub accounts and a free tier, which opens quickly. Support is mainly in app and cash handling is limited.
Best for
Fast low cost setup
Monthly fee
Free Business plan, paid plans from about EUR 2.99 a month (14 May 2026)
Hold and receive many currencies near the mid market rate, useful for foreign customers or investors. It is not a bank, so funds are safeguarded, and the IBAN is foreign.
These providers accept business customers in the Netherlands. Fees and eligibility shown as of 14 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Questions about banking for Startups in Netherlands
What is the fastest way for a startup to open a business account in the Netherlands?
App based providers such as bunq and Qonto usually open a business account within days once your KvK registration is in place. Traditional banks such as ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank often take one to four weeks for a BV because of know your customer and ultimate beneficial owner checks. As of 14 May 2026. Confirm timelines with the provider.
Can a startup open a Dutch business account before incorporation?
Generally no. A bank opens the account in the company name and asks for the KvK extract, so the BV is usually incorporated at the notary and registered with the KvK first. Some banks let you start a deposit account to pay in share capital during formation. Confirm the order of steps with the provider and your notary, as of 14 May 2026.
Is there special help for foreign founders to open an account?
Yes. Founders backed by the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency or a recognised startup facilitator can use the Quick Scan to approach ABN AMRO, ING or Rabobank, which reply within a few working days on whether to proceed to a full application. Eligibility rules apply, so verify them with the agency and the bank, as of 14 May 2026.
Do startups pay monthly bank fees in the Netherlands?
Usually a small one. Some neobanks list a free tier, while paid plans run from a few euro to about EUR 19 a month on growth tiers, plus card and currency costs. The cheapest plan depends on your usage, so map your transactions against each fee, as of 14 May 2026.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 14 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.