Banking in the Netherlands

What is the currency in the Netherlands?

Can you explain the numbering conventions used in the Netherlands?

How can I open a bank account?

What are the requirements to open up a bank account?

What are the accounts and services offered by banks?

How does a current account operate?

How do I use my PIN card?

What if I want to use my PIN card abroad?

What if I have lost my PIN card or had it stolen?

What is IBAN?

What is PSD2?

How to exchange foreign money in the Netherlands?

Can I pay in a shop by using my mobile phone?

How can I access my bank details using mobile devices?

How easy is it to pay using my credit card in the Netherlands?

What is internetbankieren (internet banking) and how to use it?

What is an acceptgiro?

What is iDeal?

Can I directly invest money in the stock exchange?

What types of loans are available?

What is a contactless payment?

Contactless is a payment feature that has been introduced by banks in the Netherlands (as in other countries) on their payment cards. The aim is to make small value purchases quicker and more convenient for both retailers and consumers. The idea is that by using the contactless facility on the debit card, the customer’s payment transaction will be quicker, as no cash needs to change hands and entering a PIN (Personal Identification Number) is not required.

When making payments of €25 or less, you can simply hold the card against the reader to pay – rather than inserting a card into the chip and PIN machine and entering a PIN. In just a few seconds, the payment will be completed and the lights on the reader will illuminate, confirming that the transaction has been approved. For higher amounts you can also use the contactless payment feature, but you will have to enter your pin code.

To use this feature, you should look out for retailers who display this payment reader sign.

Are contactless payments secure?

Are credit cards issued by banks to all customers?

Can I open a bank account without having a Burgerservice nummer (BSN)?

How can I avoid scams?