Bunq Business vs ING Bank: Which is Better for Startups?

Choosing the right business bank account is one of the first major decisions you'll make when setting up a Dutch BV. For international founders, this choice impacts everything from daily cash flow to long-term tax compliance.

Two of the most prominent options in the Netherlands are Bunq Business and ING Bank. While Bunq offers a modern, app-first experience, ING provides the stability and reach of a traditional high-street bank. But which one actually fits your startup's needs in 2026?

Before diving into the comparison, it's worth noting that navigating Dutch banking and corporate setup can be complex, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.

This is where a specialist corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can add significant value. Based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, they have helped over 1,000 clients from more than 50 countries establish their Dutch BVs remotely. Their team handles not just the formation, but also VAT registration, EORI numbers, and ongoing tax compliance, offering a fixed-fee structure that eliminates the uncertainty of hourly billing from traditional notaries or accountants.

Bunq Business: The Digital-First Challenger

Bunq is a Dutch fintech bank that has gained popularity for its user-friendly app and sustainable ethos.

For startups, Bunq Business is designed to be quick to set up and easy to manage from anywhere in the world. The entire process is digital, which appeals to founders who value speed and convenience over physical branch access. Key features for startups include multi-user access with customizable permissions, which is essential when you have co-founders or early employees. You can create up to 25 sub-accounts (called "Spaces") to separate funds for taxes, payroll, or specific projects.

Bunq also offers integrated invoicing tools and direct connections to accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks, simplifying bookkeeping from day one. For international founders, Bunq supports SEPA payments and direct debits, which are standard across the Eurozone.

Their business accounts come with a Dutch IBAN, which is necessary for local operations.

However, it's important to understand that Bunq operates as a licensed bank under the Dutch Central Bank (DNB), so your funds are protected up to €100,000 under the deposit guarantee scheme, just like with any traditional bank. The main consideration with Bunq is that it is purely digital. There are no physical branches for in-person support.

While their customer service is available via chat and email, some founders prefer the reassurance of being able to walk into a bank branch. For tech-savvy entrepreneurs comfortable with mobile banking, this is rarely an issue, but it's a factor worth considering if you anticipate complex banking needs.

ING Bank: The Established Traditional Choice

ING is one of the largest banks in the Netherlands and a familiar name for many international businesses. It offers a comprehensive range of services that go beyond basic banking, including business loans, credit lines, and specialized financing for startups and scale-ups.

For founders planning to seek venture capital or bank financing in the future, having a relationship with ING can be advantageous. ING's business account setup is more traditional. While you can start the application online, you may need to visit a branch or have a video identification call, especially if you are not yet a resident.

Their online banking platform is robust and includes features like bulk payments, advanced reporting tools, and integration with various accounting systems.

For larger teams, ING's user management is highly granular and secure. One of ING's strengths is its extensive network and reputation. A Dutch IBAN from ING is widely recognized and trusted, which can be helpful when dealing with larger corporations or government institutions. They also offer a broader suite of financial products, such as business credit cards and merchant services for e-commerce, which Bunq currently does not provide to the same extent.

However, this traditional approach comes with higher costs and more bureaucracy. Monthly fees for a basic ING business account are typically higher than Bunq's, and additional services like international wire transfers or advisory support can incur significant fees. The setup process can also be slower and more paperwork-intensive, which might be a hurdle for founders eager to launch quickly.

Head-to-Head Comparison: 5 Key Criteria for Startups

When deciding between Bunq and ING, it helps to break down the comparison into concrete criteria that matter most to a new Dutch BV. Here’s how they stack up in 2026. Bunq is the clear winner for speed.

1. Setup Speed and Ease for Foreign Founders

You can apply for a Bunq Business account entirely through their app, and approval can take as little as 24-48 hours, provided your documents are in order.

This is ideal for founders who need to get their financial operations running immediately after incorporating their BV. ING's process is more deliberate.

2. Monthly Costs and Fee Structure

While digital onboarding exists, it often requires additional verification steps, and non-residents might need to schedule a video call or visit a branch. This can add several days to a week to the setup timeline. For a foreign founder working remotely, Bunq's fully digital process is undeniably more convenient.

Bunq Business pricing is straightforward and transparent. As of 2026, their plans typically start around €9.90 per month for the basic business account, with higher tiers offering more features like multi-currency accounts.

3. Features for Day-to-Day Operations

There are no hidden fees for standard SEPA transactions, and their pricing model is predictable. ING's standard business account usually starts at a higher monthly fee, often around €15-€20 per month for the basic package. Additional costs can add up quickly: fees for cash deposits, international transfers, and even certain types of online payments are common. For a bootstrapped startup, these recurring costs can be a significant drain on resources compared to Bunq's leaner model.

Both banks offer the essentials: a Dutch IBAN, online banking, and mobile apps. Bunq excels in user experience and features tailored for small teams.

4. International and Multi-Currency Capabilities

Its "Spaces" for budgeting and the ability to grant limited access to bookkeepers or co-founders are very practical for startups.

The direct integration with accounting software is also a major plus for automating financial admin. ING offers a wider range of traditional banking features. If your startup needs a business credit card, merchant services for accepting card payments, or access to overdraft facilities, ING is the stronger choice.

Their platform is designed to support businesses as they scale from a small team to a larger organization with more complex financial needs. For startups serving international clients, banking costs can be a major concern. Bunq offers competitive rates for currency exchange and has multi-currency "Spaces" that allow you to hold and manage funds in different currencies. If you are just starting out, you can learn how to open a Bunq business account to streamline your setup.

This can be a cost-effective solution for e-commerce sellers or service providers dealing with clients in the US, UK, or elsewhere.

5. Long-Term Scalability and Banking Relationships

ING also supports multi-currency accounts and international payments, but the fees are generally higher. While their network is extensive, the cost per transaction can be a deterrent for startups with frequent international cash flow.

If your business model relies heavily on cross-border payments, Bunq's fintech approach is likely more economical. This is where ING has an edge. As your startup grows and you need larger loans, credit lines, or specialized financing, having a relationship with a major bank like ING can be crucial.

Their risk assessment and lending criteria are more established, and they have dedicated teams for startups and scale-ups that can provide valuable advice and connections.

Bunq is excellent for getting started and managing day-to-day finances, but it may not be the best choice for a startup planning to raise a multi-million euro funding round in the next 12-24 months. While Bunq is expanding its services, it doesn't yet offer the same depth of financial products as ING. For long-term growth and complex financing needs, ING's traditional banking infrastructure is more proven.

The Role of Your Corporate Service Provider

Your choice of bank is closely tied to your overall company setup strategy. A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions does more than just file paperwork for your BV.

They advise on the entire ecosystem, including banking. Their team, led by CEO Alex Stokvis, understands the nuances of both traditional and digital banks for foreign founders. When you work with a specialist, they can guide you through the bank account selection process based on your specific business model.

For example, if you are an e-commerce founder, they might recommend a bank with strong integration capabilities.

If you plan to seek Dutch government grants or R&D tax credits, they might advise on the importance of a traditional banking relationship. This holistic approach ensures your banking choice aligns with your corporate structure and tax compliance needs from the start. Intercompany Solutions' clients often benefit from their pre-existing relationships with various financial institutions, which can sometimes smooth the onboarding process.

More importantly, they handle the entire setup remotely, so you can focus on your business while they manage the administrative heavy lifting. This includes everything from the notary appointment for your BV to registering for VAT (BTW) and obtaining your EORI number for international trade.

Decision Guide: Which Bank Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best bank for your startup depends on your priorities, team structure, and growth plans.

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide. Choose Bunq Business if: Choose ING Bank if:

• You are a solo founder or a small team (2-5 people) that values speed and convenience.
• Your startup operates primarily online and you need a modern, app-based banking experience.
• You want to minimize monthly costs and avoid the bureaucracy of traditional banks.
• You need to manage funds in multiple currencies without high fees.
• Your business is bootstrapped or funded through personal savings, and you don't anticipate needing a large bank loan in the near future.

• You are a team of co-founders or plan to hire employees quickly, requiring more complex user permissions and payroll features.
• Your startup will need business loans, credit lines, or merchant services for accepting card payments.
• You value the stability and reputation of an established bank for dealing with larger corporate clients or government entities.
• You prefer having the option of in-person branch support for complex issues.
• Your long-term plan includes raising venture capital or seeking significant debt financing.

A Middle-Ground Alternative: Openbank

If you find yourself torn between the digital-first approach of Bunq and the traditional stability of ING, understanding the differences between EMIs and traditional Dutch banks can help you decide if a middle-ground option like Openbank is right for you.

As the digital arm of Santander, Openbank offers a hybrid model that combines the convenience of a fully online bank with the backing of a major international banking group. Openbank's business account can be opened entirely online, similar to Bunq, but it offers a wider range of financial products, including investment services and more sophisticated international payment solutions. The monthly fees are competitive, often lower than ING's, and their platform is user-friendly. For startups that need more than just basic current account services but don't want the higher costs and complexity of a bank like ING, Openbank presents a compelling alternative.

Regardless of which bank you choose, the key is to align your banking decision with your overall business setup strategy. By working with a corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions, you can ensure that your Dutch BV is structured correctly from day one, with a bank account that supports your growth. If you are considering a traditional lender, you might learn how to open an ING account for your company. Their expertise in remote formation and ongoing compliance allows you to launch your business in the Netherlands with confidence, knowing that the administrative details are in capable hands.