How do you open a bank account for rent payments?

In the Netherlands in 2026, a local bank account is no longer just a convenience, but an absolute necessity for everyone who rents a home. Whether you're an international student, an expat moving for work, or a Dutchman moving to a room for the first time, without an IBAN that is accepted by Dutch landlords and utilities, the rental process crashes almost immediately. In 2026, landlords will almost unanimously demand that the rent be paid by direct debit or a fixed periodic transfer to minimize the risk of default.

Opening an account specifically for rent payments, and the associated fixed costs, requires a step-by-step approach that takes into account the latest regulations concerning identification and digital security. In this article, we explain how to go through this process efficiently.

The choice between traditional and neobanks

In 2026, the banking services market will be divided into two camps, each with their own advantages and disadvantages for tenants.

• Traditional major banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank): These banks are ideal if you also need other financial products, such as household insurance or, later, a mortgage. They often offer comprehensive support in English and have physical offices where you can visit by appointment. The disadvantage is that the acceptance process can take longer (sometimes up to two weeks) and that the monthly costs for a basic package in 2026 will average between €3.50 and €6.00.
• Neobanks or online banks (bunq, Revolut, N26): For those who need an account number immediately to sign a lease, neobanks are the fastest route. With providers such as bunq, you can open an account within five minutes via an app in 2026. These banks are often more innovative with features such as “sub-accounts,” which allow you to set your rent money apart from your daily grocery budget.

Essential documentation and requirements

The Dutch anti-money laundering legislation (Wwft) will be stricter than ever in 2026. Regardless of the bank you choose, you must have the following documents ready:

• Proof of identity: A valid passport or European ID card. Note: a driver's license is not accepted by all banks to open a new account, especially with online providers.
• Social Security Number (BSN): This is your unique identification number in the Netherlands. You will receive this when you register in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) with the municipality. Some banks (such as ABN AMRO and ING) will offer the option to open an account before you have your BSN in 2026, provided you provide it within 120 days of opening.
• Proof of address: Banks want to know where you're officially staying. In 2026, a signed rental contract or a recent extract from the BRP (no older than 6 months) will be universally accepted as proof of home address.

The application process in 2026

Thanks to digitization, opening an account for rent payments is usually via a mobile app, even with traditional banks.

Once you have downloaded the app, you will go through a process of digital identification. This involves taking a photo of your ID and then doing a 'liveness check', where the app asks you to move your head or say a code for the camera. By 2026, this process will be so advanced that fraud will be almost impossible. After approval, which is almost immediate with neobanks and can take a few business days at major banks, you will receive your IBAN. You need this number immediately for your rental contract and to set up direct debits for gas, water and light (GWL).

Set up the account for rent and fixed costs

A common mistake in 2026 is using your main account for both rent and leisure. Given the high rents and the inflation on energy costs, an overview is crucial for your budget.

Many banks now offer the option to create a separate “pot” or sub-account with their own IBAN. It is advisable to have your salary deposited into your main account and set up an automatic transfer directly to your “rental account”. Make sure that the rent payment is always scheduled two days before the landlord's deadline. In 2026, banks will use Instant Payments, so that the money is usually directly in the landlord's account, but a 48-hour margin prevents problems in the event of technical failures or weekend days.

Special situations: Students and expats

Additional benefits or rules often apply to specific groups in 2026. Students can open a free student account at most Dutch banks, which reduces monthly costs. To do so, they must provide official proof of enrollment at a Dutch educational institution.

Expats who already want to open an account from abroad can look at “non-resident accounts”. Although these are often more limited in functionality, they allow you to pay the first month's rent and deposit before you have physically landed in the Netherlands. Please note that once you settle in the Netherlands, you must convert the account to a resident account in order to make full use of services such as iDEAL, the standard for online payments in the Netherlands.

Having a well-functioning bank account is the cornerstone of your living pleasure. In a market where landlords are highly critical in 2026, a flawless payment history, facilitated by a reliable bank, is your best business card.

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