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Sustainable banks
Thomas Vles
12 Jan 2026
6 minute read
In the Netherlands, many banks are active, each with their own characteristics, services, and specialisations. As an entrepreneur, you not only look at costs, ease of use, and reliability, but increasingly also at the impact of financial choices on people and the environment. Sustainability therefore plays an increasingly important role in choosing a bank. This makes it important to compare different business accounts.
Sustainable banks distinguish themselves by the way they handle investments, transparency, and long-term value. They make different choices than traditional players and focus on positive impact alongside financial results. For you as an entrepreneur, this means that you not only manage your daily finances but also contribute to an economy that is future-proof.
What is a sustainable bank?
A sustainable bank is a financial institution that takes into account the impact on people, the environment, and society in all its activities. This goes beyond just transferring money abroad. Sustainability is structurally embedded in the policy, investment choices, and the way risks are assessed.
Sustainable banks critically examine where money is directed. Investments in sectors that are harmful to the climate, violate human rights, or increase social inequality are often excluded. Instead, these banks focus on renewable energy, circular business models, social inclusion, and innovation with a positive societal impact.
Transparency plays a crucial role in this regard. Sustainable banks make clear how resources are deployed and what criteria are used, with a strong emphasis on governance, ethical management, and laws and regulations.
Top 3 most sustainable banks in the Netherlands
Why is the sustainability of a bank important?
The sustainability of a bank plays an increasingly important role within the financial landscape. Banks influence which companies can grow, which innovations are accelerated, and how capital moves through the economy. As a result, they bear a significant responsibility in shaping the future. For entrepreneurs, it is becoming increasingly important to collaborate with parties that look beyond short-term results.
Future-proof economy: sustainable banks stimulate investments in innovative and responsible business models that contribute to long-term economic growth.
Limiting risks: by considering environmental and social factors, banks reduce financial risks in the long term.
Social impact: banks play a key role in supporting initiatives that contribute to social equality and environmental protection.
Trust and transparency: a clear sustainable vision provides more insight and trust among entrepreneurs and other users.
Is it easy to switch to a sustainable bank?
To make the switching banks as smooth as possible, it is important that you go through a number of steps yourself. By planning these steps in advance, you can avoid surprises and ensure that your business finances continue to run without interruption.
Research: before you switch, it is important to compare different banks and their services. Look at costs, conditions, and sustainability policies to determine which bank is best suited for your business.
Open a new account: once you have made a choice, open a new account. Ensure you have the necessary documents and identification ready so that this process goes quickly.
Arrange automatic payments and direct debits: transfer all standing payments and direct debits to your new account, such as subscriptions, suppliers, and salary payments.
Inform relevant parties: inform your employer and other parties of your new account details so that future payments are processed correctly.
Close your old account: once all payments have been successfully transferred, you can safely close the old account.
GoDutch as your sustainable financial service provider?
GoDutch is an innovative financial service provider that helps entrepreneurs manage their finances smarter and more efficiently. Sustainability plays an important role in this, among other things through extensive digitalisation and automation.
Through the GoDutch app, you can manage payments, collaboration, and administration clearly in one place. This way, you can also easily apply for extra business accounts if you wish. Users also share in proceeds through rewards and revenue share, while the KYC team and the AML and risk team ensure safe and responsible processes that comply with laws and regulations.
If you want to organise your daily financial matters with an eye on efficiency, transparency, and impact, discover how the sustainable GoDutch payment account and GoDutch card can help you save time and money and operate in a future-oriented way.
