If you’re tired of low Dutch savings rates, these are the best and fastest ways to grow your funds, from high-yield savings accounts to fixed-term deposits and investing.
If you’ve got a standard savings account in the Netherlands, chances are you’re leaving a significant amount of money on the table without realising it.
Here are three ways to grow your savings faster in the Netherlands, from the lowest-risk option to the highest potential return.
1. Open a high-yield savings account
Many digital savings platforms peg their savings rate directly to the ECB deposit facility rate (currently at 2.25%), while traditional banks typically offer a fraction of that.
Some may even offer higher promotional rates to welcome new customers, giving your initial deposit a much-needed boost.
In practice, high-yield accounts work exactly like a standard spaarrekening (savings account): your money is accessible whenever you need it, and deposits up to €100,000 are protected under the EU depositogarantiestelsel (deposit guarantee scheme).
The only difference is that you’re earning much higher interest per month, instead of letting inflation lower the overall value of what you’ve saved up.
Sick of watching your savings flatline? Investment platform Trade Republic is currently paying new customers in the Netherlands 3% per year on their cash up to €50,000 with cash above this receiving the ECB rate.
Want to enjoy higher interest for longer? Their fixed-income products let you lock in interest above the ECB rate for years from just €1, with quarterly payments on your investments. And for long-term growth, you can access thousands of stocks and ETFs for a flat €1 trading fee.
2. Lock in a better rate with a fixed-term deposit
A termijndeposito (or fixed-term deposit) pays a fixed, guaranteed rate in exchange for leaving your money untouched for a set period.
Many internationals in the Netherlands assume that means locking your money away for years, possibly even a decade.
However, the reality is that terms can start from as little as one to three months, with many providers allowing you to choose how long you’d prefer to set your money aside.
Current rates on fixed-term deposits available in the Netherlands may reach upwards of 3% per year. Just pick a term that matches when you’ll actually need the money — one month, three months, or even twelve — and lock in your interest rate.
Your money stays protected under the same EU deposit guarantee scheme throughout the term.
3. Put your money to work by investing it
When you invest in a broad index fund or ETF, your money isn’t earning a fixed rate. It’s tracking the performance of various companies at once, giving you the chance to earn more than the measly 1.5% or so that you’d earn from a traditional Dutch savings account.
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You just set an amount, choose a fund, and let it compound.
And there’s a practical upside, too, as you can start small. Many platforms available in the Netherlands let you invest from €1, and automated monthly plans mean you don’t need to think about timing.
If you need your money within the next year or two, a high-yield savings account or short-term termijndeposito is likely to be a more practical fit.
However, if you don’t mind setting aside a chunk of cash for a couple of years and want the highest potential return on your funds, investing is a solid option.
Do you have any handy tips for growing your savings? Share them in the comments below.