New to the Netherlands? Get Started with ING Digital Banking for Expats
Moving to the Netherlands brings new tasks, from registering a home address to setting up local money services. An ING bank account gives newcomers a practical way to receive income, pay bills, and manage daily costs from day one.
With more than 8 million customers, ING is the largest bank in the Netherlands. Its familiar name can help expats feel more confident while they build a routine in a new country. A Dutch bank account also makes rent, groceries, transport, and other regular payments easier to handle.
Isil Evlioglu, Head of Private Individuals at ING Netherlands, offers a useful personal perspective. She moved to the Netherlands with her family to join the company, so she understands the need to arrange banking without delay.
This guide explains how newcomers can start, access an account online, send international transfers, and find English support. It also covers savings and broader financial products that can support a stable life in the Netherlands.
ING Digital Banking for Expats
Relocation feels easier when essential money tasks begin before the flight. ING combines a trusted Dutch bank network with digital tools that help newcomers settle into daily life. With more than 8 million customers in the Netherlands, it offers a well-established platform for secure payments and money management.
Early access can reduce stress. A customer may open a checking account through the ING Mobile Banking App before landing. This step helps prepare rent payments, salary deposits, and other routine needs near a new home.
Secure Banking for Life in the Netherlands
Once active, the account supports regular transfers and payment checks in one place. Clear alerts help customers review activity and manage spending with confidence.
Digital Access Before Arrival
English customer service is available through the app. That support helps expats understand key steps without translating every screen or message. The process suits people who want practical access before their Dutch routine begins.
| Feature | Practical use | Best timing |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile account opening | Prepare a checking account | Before arrival |
| English app service | Get clear guidance | During setup |
| Large customer network | Use established infrastructure | After relocation |
Why ING Works for Starting Life in the Netherlands
Choosing a Dutch bank can simplify the first weeks in a new country. ING is the Netherlands’ largest bank, with more than 8 million customers. That scale gives expats a familiar option while they arrange housing, work, utilities, and daily payments.
New customers can open a bank account online or visit an ING branch. This flexible way suits people who prefer fast setup, personal guidance, or a mix of both. Clear information can also help newcomers compare account features with confidence.
ING supports more than one household need. Checking accounts handle regular spending, while joint accounts suit couples. Savings accounts help protect extra money, and children’s accounts support family planning. Each account can match a different stage of life at home.
Isil Evlioglu views opening a bank account as the start of life in the Netherlands. That idea reflects a practical priority: secure money access early, then consider mortgages, insurance, and investment products as plans develop. This broader banking range lets one established provider support changing needs.
Open a Dutch Bank Account Before Arrival
A newcomer can arrange essential money access before landing in the Netherlands. This option lets expats prepare a bank account without waiting until local registration is complete.
Apply Through the ING Banking App
The ING Mobile Banking App supports an online application for a checking account. Applicants should keep their name, contact details, identity information, and phone number ready. The app shows which details are needed during each step.
- Open a bank account before arrival.
- Review the application information carefully.
- Use the account immediately after approval.
Start Without a BSN
Customers can begin without a BSN. This feature helps new residents manage early payments while they complete Dutch registration. The account may be active immediately, although some applications can take within days.
Visit an ING Branch for Personal Help
Applicants who prefer direct help can visit an ING branch. Staff can explain the process and answer questions about account access, payment setup, or insurance payments. Personal guidance can make the first banking task feel more manageable.
Manage Everyday Banking Through the ING App
Household money tasks stay in one place with the ING app. This setup gives each customer a clear view of a Dutch bank account and helps reduce the time spent on routine work.
View Accounts, Transfer Money, and Pay Bills
Customers can review an account, move money, check funds, and pay bills through the banking app. They can also manage a card, set limits, and arrange automatic payments without visiting a bank.
ING Mobile version 7.4.0 brings automatic bill payments and payment history together. This view helps customers check past charges and upcoming household payments. Version 7.3.0 also refreshed the money-transfer screens, giving users a simpler route to send funds.
- Review account activity and payment details.
- Manage cards, limits, products, and funds.
- Find insurance information and customer service.
The app supports everyday banking from one secure place. Clear information helps each customer make payment decisions with confidence, whether they check the account during the day or prepare a monthly budget.
Use ING Cards for Daily Payments
Shopping, commuting, and household costs become simpler with a Dutch debit or credit card. Expats can link these tools to a bank account and pay in stores, online, or at transit gates. Contactless payments also work on public transportation across the Netherlands, which helps newcomers travel while they build local routines.
ING Mobile lets customers apply for a credit card, review statements, pay expenses in installments, and request higher limits. It also supports digital debit cards and supplementary debit or credit cards. These options give households more control over shared spending and separate accounts.
Card payments differ from transfers made through an account. A transfer moves funds between accounts, while a card handles a purchase at checkout. Customers can review activity, adjust controls, and contact the service after suspected theft. Insurance information may explain protection linked to certain purchases, but coverage varies. Customers should check policy terms after theft and keep account alerts active.
| Feature | Daily use | Helpful action |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless card | Transit and store purchases | Check payment alerts |
| Credit card | Installments and larger costs | Review statements |
| Digital debit card | Phone-based spending | Manage limits in the app |
Send International Payments and Access Money Worldwide
People living abroad often need a simple way to support family, pay overseas bills, or move savings between countries. An ING account gives customers access to their money worldwide, including while they visit the United States or relocate again.
Transfer Money Home With Competitive Fees
Customers can send international payments through online banking and review current pricing before confirming a transfer. ING describes its international transaction fees as low, yet exchange rates and transfer conditions may vary. Reviewing this information helps expats choose the right service.
SWIFT tools add useful visibility. ING Mobile version 7.12.0 added transfer tracking, while version 7.13.0 introduced document uploads for eligible SWIFT requests. Some transfers may arrive within days, but delivery time depends on the receiving institution and destination.
Pay With a Card, Phone, or Smartwatch
Customers can use a debit card or credit card abroad. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Garmin Pay also support contactless purchases through a phone or smartwatch. This option reduces the need to carry a physical card while traveling.
They should check account controls, travel notices, and insurance terms before departure. These steps can help an expat manage international payments with greater confidence.
Get English-Language Support When Help Is Needed
Clear guidance matters when a new resident must solve a money issue quickly. ING banking offers English access within its online channels, so expats can seek support without leaving a trusted account environment.
Logged-in help keeps questions in one secure place. After signing in, a customer can open the left-hand menu and select Messages. This route supports questions about an account, payments, products, or insurance.
Message ING Through Online Banking or the App
ING states, “Banking needs are answered within 24 hours.” Customers should include useful information, such as a payment date or reference number, to help the service team respond clearly.
INGo provides answers 24/7. If its information does not solve the issue, it can connect the customer with a live agent. This support suits an expat who needs help outside normal hours.
Remote Advice adds personal guidance through video chats. Experts discuss investments, insurance, pensions, credit, and currency products. Customers can request this service when a complex decision needs direct support.
- Use Messages for account or payment questions.
- Ask INGo for quick information at any hour.
- Choose Remote Advice for product guidance.
Build Savings and Manage Household Accounts
A clear account structure helps expats separate home costs, daily spending, and reserve funds. ING offers checking, joint, savings, and children’s accounts. Each option can serve a different household need while life in the Netherlands takes shape.
ING Mobile supports an e-Orange Account. Customers can review savings, compare deposit-rate benefits, and monitor earnings each day. This view gives them useful information without adding much time to a normal money check.
Joint accounts may suit shared bills and family reserves. A children’s account can support early saving habits and longer-term goals. Separate savings can also create a buffer for unexpected costs.
- Use a checking account for regular payments.
- Choose joint accounts for shared household costs.
- Set savings goals linked to planned needs.
Deposit products may sit beside insurance and investment products. Insurance can address risks, while investments may support larger goals. Neither choice suits every customer, so each person should review costs, access rules, and risk. Applicable deposit guarantee rules also deserve attention before funds move.
| Account type | Household purpose | Useful focus |
|---|---|---|
| Checking | Daily payments | Easy access |
| Joint | Shared expenses | Clear ownership |
| Savings | Emergency reserves | Deposit terms |
| Children’s | Family goals | Long-term planning |
Explore Insurance, Mortgages, and Loan Products
Broader financial choices can support an expat household as plans change. ING offers insurance, mortgages, loans, investments, and other products linked to long-term goals. Each option has its own costs, terms, and approval rules.
An English-speaking financial coach can explain available insurance options and provide clear information. A customer can request a 10 min appointment, then prepare questions about an account, credit, or a credit card. This service gives expats a direct path to useful guidance.
Meet With an English-Speaking Financial Coach
Remote Advice adds private video support without an immediate branch visit. ING specialists discuss insurance, pensions, investments, currency products, and credit. A second appointment may help when a decision affects daily life or future plans.
Connect With Expat Mortgage Advisors
Experienced expat mortgage advisors help buyers understand Dutch home finance. They can review income, savings, documents, and mortgage limits. A 15 min call may clarify the next steps before an application begins.
- Compare insurance coverage and renewal terms.
- Review mortgage costs, loan conditions, and risks.
- Use ING Mobile to renew insurance or apply for a loan.
- Eligible self-employed customers may defer loan disbursement up to three months in version 7.8.0.
Protect and Control the Account With Digital Security Tools
Strong account controls give an expat more confidence during daily banking. ING Mobile version 7.6.0 lets customers view and change spending and withdrawal limits across available channels. They can also set time-based restrictions, such as lower limits during sleeping hours.
Manage Spending and Withdrawal Limits
The app lets customers request a card or other products, then adjust access in one place. A credit card limit can support planned purchases, while a lower cash limit may reduce theft risk.
Track Cards and Account Activity
Card views and transaction alerts help customers spot an unfamiliar payment. If theft occurs, they should contact support quickly, save the reference number, and ask about liability, claims, or insurance. A review may take several days.
Use Secure Digital Access and Support
Version 7.5.0 renewed the ATM and Branch Finder. It shows ING branches, ING ATMs, and partner ATMs when app help is not enough. Customers can also request a 10 min support call about insurance, a mortgage, or a loan.
| Tool | Control | Customer action |
|---|---|---|
| Limit settings | Spending and cash access | Set time limits |
| Activity view | Payment checks | Report theft |
| ATM Finder | Cash access | Find a nearby location |
Conclusion
With more than 8 million customers, ING remains a major choice as newcomers build life in the Netherlands. Its broad network gives each expat a familiar place to manage local money.
An applicant can open an account in the app before arrival, begin without a BSN, or visit a branch. The account can handle salary deposits, bills, transfers, and daily purchases.
ING banking tools also connect with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay, and ING debit or credit cards. These options work in the Netherlands and abroad. English support helps when a payment or account question needs attention.
Households can later review savings, insurance, mortgages, loans, investments, joint accounts, and children’s accounts. A practical first step today can support greater financial confidence tomorrow.
