Top Banks for BV Companies in the Netherlands (2026 Guide)

You finally have your KVK number, maybe your first customer is waiting for an invoice… and then your bank application is “under review” for weeks. Or a payment bounces because you did not realise your fancy international fintech account is not fully accepted by a Dutch government website.

This guide is written exactly for that moment.

Below is a human, practical, and non‑technical walkthrough of the top banking options for BV companies in the Netherlands - without bashing any provider. Every bank on this list has strong points; the goal is simply to help you match your type of BV with the right mix of banks.

Quick overview: top options for Dutch BVs

These are some of the most commonly chosen options for Dutch business banking today:

• ING - Strong all‑round traditional bank, very BV‑friendly, widely accepted by tax office and partners
• ABN AMRO - Classic Dutch business bank with tiered “Volop Ondernemen” packages and startup discounts
• Rabobank - Cooperative bank with strong local presence and good SME focus
• bunq - Dutch neobank with Dutch IBAN, popular with digital‑first founders and remote setups
• Wise Business - Great for cross‑border payments and multi‑currency accounts (often combined with a Dutch bank)
• Revolut Business - Fast setup and modern interface, useful especially for international spending
• Finom - Fintech with Dutch IBAN, invoicing and cashback; attractive for freelancers and small teams
• Knab / other online banks (N26, etc.) - Low‑cost, digital‑only options used by many small businesses

For most BVs, the healthiest setup is one strong Dutch bank as “home base” plus optionally one fintech account for international flexibility.

What a Dutch BV really needs from a bank

Before looking at individual banks, it helps to zoom out. A typical BV in the Netherlands usually needs:

• A Dutch IBAN that works seamlessly with:
  • Belastingdienst (tax office)
  • Dutch payroll providers
  • iDEAL and local payment partners
• Online banking and a solid app (you will live there more than in your email)
• Easy SEPA payments in euros
• Compatibility with your accounting software
• Clear process for onboarding shareholders and directors

If you are a foreign founder or live outside the Netherlands, extra questions appear:

• Will the bank accept non‑resident shareholders or directors?
• Is remote onboarding possible, or do you need to visit a branch?
• Does the bank accept your business model and countries you work with?

Traditional banks and fintech banks both support BVs - but in different ways. That is why many founders combine them.

Traditional Dutch banks for BV companies

1. ING - The solid “default” for many BVs

ING is one of the largest and most well‑known Dutch banks, and a very common choice for Dutch BVs with real “substance” in the Netherlands (office, Dutch director, local clients).

Why BVs like ING

• Strong reputation with tax authorities, Dutch customers and suppliers
• Well‑developed apps and online banking for businesses
• Business packages tailored to startups and established companies - including a Startup Business Package that can be free for the first period for new registrations
• Integrations with many accounting tools and payment partners

Daily‑life example

Imagine you run an IT consulting BV in Amsterdam. Your clients are Dutch SMEs; your accountant uses a popular Dutch bookkeeping tool. With ING:

• Your invoices show a Dutch IBAN everyone recognises
• Your accountant connects ING directly into your accounting system
• You pay VAT and corporate tax through iDEAL or SEPA without friction

You are not using anything exotic, and that is exactly the point: ING quietly does its job in the background.

Best fit for:

• BVs with Dutch office and Dutch or EU resident directors
• Consulting, IT, creative agencies, SaaS with “traditional” risk profiles​

2. ABN AMRO - Tiered packages for growing BVs

ABN AMRO is another heavyweight of Dutch business banking. It positions itself clearly for business owners, with multiple business account packages and English‑friendly support.

What stands out

• Volop Ondernemen business payment packages - Slim, Ambitieus and Grenzeloos, each including a business account, debit card and internet banking​
• Startup offers, such as a period with no monthly fee for new entrepreneurs, and additional discounts for slightly older businesses
• The ability to add options like bookkeeping connections, savings accounts and business credit cards as your BV grows

Daily‑life example

Say you are building a growing e‑commerce BV. In year one, you just need an account, card and basic online banking. By year three:

• You add extra debit cards for staff
• You connect ABN AMRO to your bookkeeping software
• You open a small business savings account to separate tax money

ABN AMRO’s packages are designed so you can add these layers gradually rather than switching banks.

Best fit for:

• BVs that expect to grow and need more “corporate” style add‑ons over time
• Businesses that like having a branch option and English‑language support

3. Rabobank - Local presence and SME focus

Rabobank is a cooperative bank with deep roots in Dutch local communities. Historically strong in agriculture, it now serves a wide range of SMEs and BVs.

Where Rabobank shines

• Strong local presence - many entrepreneurs appreciate being able to talk to a local advisor
• Full suite of business services: financing, trade and cash management, risk management and more
• Reputation for helping SMEs with growth and sustainability projects​

Daily‑life example

You operate a logistics BV in Brabant, working with distribution centers and local partners. At Rabobank:

• You can discuss financing for new vans or warehouse equipment
• Your local advisor actually understands regional developments
• The same bank covers your daily payments and potential future credit

For BVs that feel “anchored” in a Dutch region, that local angle can be reassuring.

Best fit for:

• Regionally oriented BVs (logistics, construction, agriculture, local services)
• Companies that value in‑person relationships and advisory support

Digital and fintech options for Dutch BVs

Traditional banks are not the only choice. Dutch and European fintech providers can give your BV speed, flexibility and international reach - often at lower cost. Many founders start here and then add a traditional bank later.

4. bunq - Digital Dutch bank with Dutch IBAN

bunq is a Dutch neobank offering fully online business banking with Dutch IBANs and strong automation features. It is often one of the first realistic options for foreign founders setting up a BV.

Why BVs consider bunq

• Remote onboarding possible in many cases
• Dutch IBAN that works for Dutch clients, VAT and many local partners
• Features like AutoVAT, sub‑accounts and many integrations, useful for cash management​

Reality of using bunq

You still go through serious compliance checks (Know Your Customer, source of funds). It is not “click and done” - but approval can be faster and more flexible than some traditional banks for international founders.

Daily‑life example

You are a SaaS founder from another EU country who formed a Dutch BV but is still partly remote:

• You open bunq for your BV and start invoicing Dutch clients with a Dutch IBAN
• You create sub‑accounts for VAT, salaries and expenses
• Later, when you move to the Netherlands, you add a traditional bank without interrupting operations

Best fit for:

• BVs with digital business models (SaaS, consulting, online services)
• Founders who prioritise speed, automation and app‑first banking

5. Wise Business - Cross‑border payments specialist

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a traditional bank but offers powerful multi‑currency business accounts, widely used alongside a Dutch bank.

Key advantages

• Hold and convert dozens of currencies at transparent rates​
• Local account details in multiple countries (e.g. euro, GBP, USD)
• Low friction for international clients and suppliers

Daily‑life example

Your BV sells online marketing services to companies in Germany, the UK and the US. With Wise:

• German clients pay to a euro IBAN
• UK clients pay via local GBP details
• You convert balances to euros when it suits your cash flow

Then you periodically transfer money from Wise to your Dutch business account (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, bunq, etc.) to pay salaries, VAT and local costs.

Best fit for:

• BVs with international clients and suppliers
• Founders who care about low FX costs and easy currency management

6. Revolut Business - Modern interface, international focus

Revolut Business offers quick onboarding, a polished app and good tools for managing company cards and expenses.

What it offers BVs

• Multi‑currency accounts with competitive FX rates
• Team cards, expense management and budgeting tools
• Fast online setup and fully digital experience

Some Dutch founders use Revolut Business as a temporary or secondary account while waiting for a Dutch bank account approval or as a way to manage international spending.

Daily‑life example

Your BV’s team travels often within Europe:

• Each team member receives a Revolut card
• You set budgets and get real‑time notifications for spending
• The main BV account at a Dutch bank handles salaries, tax and bookkeeping; Revolut handles travel spend and some international purchases

Best fit for:

• BVs with frequent international travel or online subscriptions in multiple currencies
• Teams wanting granular control over cards and expenses

7. Finom - Banking plus invoicing and cashback

Finom is a fintech operating in the Dutch market that combines business accounts with invoicing tools and cashback, and offers a Dutch IBAN.

Why founders are curious about Finom

• Fast registration and online onboarding
• Integrated invoicing directly from the banking dashboard
• Cashback on card payments and international transfer options

It is especially popular among freelancers and small companies that hate admin and enjoy combining banking with invoicing in one interface.

Daily‑life example

Your BV is essentially you and one co‑founder, delivering design services:

• You send invoices directly from Finom
• See which invoices are paid or overdue at a glance
• Benefit from cashback on your business card spending

You might still add a traditional Dutch bank if you expect financing needs later, but for day‑to‑day operations Finom can cover a lot.

Best fit for:

• Small BVs and freelancers that want an “all‑in‑one” dashboard for banking and invoicing
• Cost‑conscious founders who like cashback and low fees

8. Knab and other online Dutch banks (N26, etc.)

There are also fully online banks like Knab, N26 and others that offer business accounts attractive for freelancers and small businesses.

General characteristics

• Lower monthly fees than the big three traditional banks in many cases​
• App‑first experience and often quick digital onboarding
• Popular among self‑employed and micro‑business owners

For a BV that expects to scale or eventually seek financing, these can be a good low‑cost starting point, with the option to add a traditional bank later if needed.

Comparing traditional vs digital banks for a Dutch BV

Different sources summarise the trade‑off between traditional and digital banks roughly like this:

• Approval speed
  • Traditional banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank): often more detailed checks, can take 2-8 weeks
  • Digital banks (bunq, Wise, Revolut, Finom, Knab): can be faster, often a few days to 1-2 weeks
• Residency and substance
  • Traditional banks prefer EU / NL resident directors and clear local presence
  • Digital banks can be more flexible for international founders
• Local credibility and financing
  • Traditional banks are strong when you need loans, credit, or investor credibility - or when dealing frequently with Dutch authorities
  • Digital banks excel in speed, UX and international payments, but usually do not play a big role in long‑term financing yet

In practice, many entrepreneurs choose both:
one traditional Dutch bank + one fintech account.

Special case: non‑resident and international founders

If you are not (yet) living in the Netherlands or your BV has international shareholders, the bank question becomes more delicate.

The Dutch Banking Association (NVB) provides a Quick Scan to help non‑resident entrepreneurs see which banks might be open to them; you can submit it to banks like ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank and typically receive an indication within a few working days.

For many international founders, a realistic path looks like this:

1. Start with a flexible digital account (e.g. bunq, Wise, Revolut) to get going
2. Build more “Dutch substance”: office address, VAT registration, early clients
3. Apply to a traditional Dutch bank once your profile is clearer

This way, your business is not frozen while you wait for a traditional bank decision.

How to choose: a simple decision framework

Here is a practical way to choose a bank setup for your BV without overthinking it.

Step 1: Define your situation

Ask yourself:

• Where is the director resident (EU, NL, outside EU)?
• Do you have a Dutch office address and KVK registration already?
• Are your clients mostly Dutch or international?
• Do you expect to need loans or credit in the next 2-3 years?

Step 2: Pick your “main” bank type

• If you are EU/NL resident with a Dutch office and mostly Dutch clients:
  → Start with ING, ABN AMRO or Rabobank as your main bank.
• If you are not yet resident or your BV is highly international from day one:
  → Consider bunq or another fintech first, then add ING/ABN AMRO/Rabobank later.

Step 3: Add a fintech for flexibility (optional but common)

• If you have many foreign clients or suppliers:
  → Add Wise Business for multi‑currency payments.
• If you have team travel and online subscriptions:
  → Add Revolut Business for cards and expense management.
• If you are a small team and want integrated invoicing and cashback:
  → Look at Finom or similar.

Step 4: Double‑check practical things

Whatever you choose, make sure your bank setup:

• Works smoothly with your accounting software
• Supports iDEAL (directly or via payment providers) if you invoice Dutch customers
• Is accepted by Belastingdienst and other authorities you deal with

A few common BV scenarios (with example setups)

To make this more concrete, here are some typical BV profiles and a banking mix that often works well.

Scenario 1: Local consulting BV with Dutch director

• Profile: Dutch‑resident founder, KVK registration, Dutch clients
• Main need: Reliability, easy bookkeeping, local credibility

Banking setup idea:

• Primary: ING or ABN AMRO (for local acceptance and full‑service banking)
• Optional secondary: Wise Business (if a few international clients appear)

Scenario 2: International SaaS BV with remote founder

• Profile: Founder from EU or beyond, part‑time in NL, global customers
• Main need: Fast onboarding, multi‑currency payments

Banking setup idea:

• Start: bunq Business for Dutch IBAN + Wise Business for global currencies
• Later: Add ING or ABN AMRO once Dutch presence (office, residence, clients) is stronger

Scenario 3: E‑commerce BV selling mostly in the EU

• Profile: Warehouse in NL or nearby, many small payments, marketplaces
• Main need: Stable relationship bank plus low‑cost cross‑border payments

Banking setup idea:

• Primary: ABN AMRO, ING or Rabobank for core operations and credibility
• Secondary: Wise Business for payouts to foreign suppliers and currencies
• Optional: Finom or similar for easy invoicing and cashback on ad spend

Scenario 4: Small creative BV (essentially one or two people)

• Profile: Designer, developer, agency founder; mostly Dutch and EU clients
• Main need: Low overhead, simple interfaces, automated invoices

Banking setup idea:

• Primary: Finom, bunq or Knab for low‑cost, app‑based banking
• Secondary: Add a traditional Dutch bank later if you expect financing needs or want an extra layer of stability

Final thoughts: your BV’s bank is a tool, not a trophy

It is easy to over‑romanticise the banking decision. In reality:

• No single bank is “the best” for all BVs - each has strengths and trade‑offs
• You can (and often should) use more than one provider: a traditional bank for stability, a fintech for speed and international reach
• Your first choice does not have to be your last - you can add or change banks as your BV evolves

If you keep three questions in mind, you will make a solid choice:

1. Will this bank fit how money flows in my business today?
2. Will it still make sense if I double or triple in size?
3. Can my accountant and my future self live with this setup?

From there, the best “top bank” for your Dutch BV is simply the one that quietly supports your business while you focus on building it.

You might also be interested in:

• https://topiclo.com/post/top-industries-driving-the-economy-of-almaty-and-my-sleepdeprived-take
• https://topiclo.com/post/living-in-an-najaf-unfiltered-no-bs
• https://topiclo.com/post/is-amman-familyfriendly-parks-schools-and-safety-a-slightly-exhausted-take
• https://topiclo.com/post/studying-in-campos-why-your-bank-account-will-cry-but-your-soul-will-sing-probably
• https://topiclo.com/post/toluca-its-complicated