Thanks to their straightforward sign-up process, practical money-management tools, and focus on customer support, ING offers a banking experience that many people find convenient and easy to get started with.
Moving to the Netherlands involves adapting to a whole new banking system, where most people value debit over cash or credit.
If you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands or you’re switching banks, finding the right bank can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: ING takes the hassle out of banking with a smart, secure platform designed for modern life.
(And, yes — they speak English!)
Opening an ING account is quick and easy
ING lets you open an account directly from their cheery, orange banking app.
The online application guides you through each step, asking for the essentials without drowning you in paperwork or expecting you to drop in for an in-person appointment.
Once you’ve submitted your application, ING typically reviews it the same day. If everything checks out, you’ll receive your debit card and login details in the post shortly after approval.
What you need before you open an account
Before you rush off to create an account, it’s important to make sure you’ve got all the documents you need.
Let’s quickly run through what these are:
- A valid form of ID (this can be your national ID card, passport, or residence permit),
- Your BSN (also known as your burgerservicenummer or citizen service number),
- Your TIN (also known as your Tax Identification Number),
- Some proof of address (such as your rental agreement), and
- Your residence permit, if you’re outside of the EU.
In addition to these, ING may ask you for documents proving your ties to the Netherlands.
Geen stress, because this is quite simple — sometimes you’ll also need your Dutch employment contract or proof of enrollment at a Dutch university.
Once you’ve got your documents in order, the actual application is smooth sailing.
Smart features help you manage your money effectively
Where ING really shines is in their banking features, which help you actually understand where your money goes.
Because let’s face it, “Where did all my euros vanish off to?” is a question we’ve all asked ourselves at least once (usually after discovering the damage from a night out in Amsterdam).
With expense tracking, ING’s handy app breaks down your spending by category. You can see how much you’re spending on groceries per month, or how much you’ve spent on public transport in a month.
And if you want future insights into your finances, you needn’t get out a crystal ball. ING’s Kijk Vooruit (Look Ahead) feature predicts upcoming expenses by analysing trends in your spending. Handig!
Saving is also simplified, thanks to Rond af & Spaar (Round up & Save). Each payment you make is automatically rounded up, with the difference deposited in your savings account.
You’ll get expert guidance (with a personal touch!)
One of our favourite aspects of banking with ING is their free financial coaching. Yes, you read that right — their Insight Conversations for customers, which give you access to financial guidance, are free.
Customers can book a one-on-one session (online or in person) with financial experts who’ll help you navigate everything from budgeting to saving for major life goals.
Whether you’re trying to get your spending under control, planning to take out a mortgage, or trying to boost your savings, these conversations can be genuinely helpful.
Tailored to your personal financial situation, you’ll walk away with new insights, rather than generic tips.
Help is always accessible, thanks to English-language support
For internationals living in the Netherlands, having access to financial support in a language you can understand is crucial.
There’s nothing worse than trying to wrap your brain around the finer details of investing, only to be hit with complex Dutch terms like “beleggingsportefeuille” (investment portfolio).
We’ve found that ING understands this well, and their customer service is available in English — whether you’re calling, chatting online, or visiting a branch.
You’ll enjoy secure banking you can trust worldwide
When it comes to finances, security and reliability are important considerations.
As an international financial institution, ING operates within a broad global network and applies established safeguards and security measures to help protect customer accounts.
For customers who might move countries again in the future, knowing that you can open an account with a trusted banking service really takes a weight off your shoulders.
This article was sponsored by ING and written by DutchReview.
Have you banked with ING before? Share your experience in the comments below!
Meanwhile ING keeps working in russia. According to NL Times article posted on March 9 2026:
“While ING is stuck in Russia, its Russian subsidiary continues to grow. Total assets rose by 42.1 percent to €1,086 million last year, and gross profits jumped 58.6% to €157 million. ING paid €35 million in taxes to the Russian government in 2025.”