Question 1

What does ABN AMRO use my BSN for?

Accepted Answer

Banks may only use your BSN if this is stated in the law. For example, we may request your BSN if we need to share information about you with the government. The government will only receive the information it really needs.

Do we ask you to scan an ID with your BSN on it, and are we not allowed to use your BSN for that process? Then your BSN will automatically be blurred. This way, your BSN cannot be retrieved for that process.

The 2 most important laws that require banks to share information with the government and to use your BSN are: the General Law on State Taxes (Algemene Wet inzake Rijksbelastingen) and the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (Depositogarantiestelsel):

According to the General Law on State Taxes, banks must provide information about balances and loans to the Dutch Tax Authorities. This information allows the Dutch Tax Authorities to pre-fill income tax returns.
The rules of the Deposit Guarantee Scheme require banks to include their clients' BSN in bank records. This allows banks to quickly share the correct information about a client's account balance to De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), if DNB needs it to administer the Deposit Guarantee Scheme.

Question 2

Does ABN AMRO need my BSN to identify me?

Accepted Answer

No. The Dutch Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (in Dutch: Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme, or Wwft) states that banks must regularly check the identity of their clients. We do not need your BSN to do this.

However, to check if your identity, we do need a valid ID. Sometimes, to check the authenticity of an ID, we need the BSN to be visible. If you have an older passport or identity card, we can’t check the authenticity if the BSN is not visible. With the newest Dutch passports and identity cards, the authenticity can be checked without the BSN being visible. A driver's license can also be checked for authenticity without a visible BSN.

Question 3

I've been a client of ABN AMRO for quite some time. Why do you need my BSN now?

Accepted Answer

It is important that your personal data is correct and complete. Your BSN is part of this. When you become a client at ABN AMRO, we will ask you to take a picture of your proof of identity (ID). In most cases, we will then automatically receive your BSN, as this number is stated on your ID. Sometimes we don't receive your BSN. For instance when it is blurred. In these cases, we ask for your BSN at a later time.

Question 4

As a client, can I refuse to give my BSN?

Accepted Answer

No, we need your BSN to comply with the law. All banks in the Netherlands are required by law to share information about their customers with the government and De Nederlandsche Bank. To exchange this information, we have to use the BSN.

Question 5

I did not yet have my BSN when I became a client. What should I do now?

Accepted Answer

You can only use your account if you have provided us with your proof of residence. It is important that you provide us with your BSN as soon as possible. If you do not provide your BSN within 90 days, we will block your account. If after 120 days we have not received a BSN from you, our relationship with you as a client will unfortunately end.

Do you expect that you cannot provide your BSN in time, and do you still have money in your account? If so, be sure to transfer this money before your account is blocked. Once your account is blocked, you will no longer have access to your account.

Do you have a negative balance when your account is terminated? Then the bank may use a debt collection agency to recover the money owed. In that case, you will have to pay interest on your negative balance and on the collection costs.

Question 6

I have a passport from outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). Do I need to provide anything else?

Accepted Answer

If you have a passport from outside the EU or EEA, we first need your proof of residence in the Netherlands. Once we’ve received this, we’ll ask you to provide your BSN. Please note: without proof of residence you can open an account, but you cannot use it yet. This is only possible after you have provided your proof of residence. Read more about providing your proof of residence.

Question 7

I am a legal representative or statutory director, does the bank also need my BSN?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the person you represent has funds in an account at ABN AMRO, for example in a current account, savings account or (term) deposit, we need your BSN. As the legal representative or statutory director of a client, you act as the client. As such, you are the only one who can claim under the Deposit Guarantee Scheme on behalf of the client. This is why De Nederlandsche Bank requires us to provide them with your BSN.

Question 8

I am a diplomat or I am working for an international organisation such as NATO. What do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

If you are a diplomat or employee of an international organisation (such as NATO), or work for an international tribunal, you will not be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Instead, you will receive a Citizen Service Number (BSN) via PROBAS (for diplomats) or via the Non-Resident Registration (RNI) . You can provide this BSN via the app or Internet Banking under Personal data.

Citizen service number (BSN)

Why do we need your BSN?

Providing your BSN

Do you not have a BSN yet?

How to provide your BSN:

Step 1: Look up your BSN

Step 2: Enter your BSN

Via the ABN AMRO app:

Via Internet Banking:

Step 3: Done!