travel credit card netherlands

• Netherlands
• Automobiles

Best Credit Cards

Note: We’ll delve into the details of the best Credit Card providers further down, but below is a quick summary of the best Credit Card for the Netherlands in 2024

On the Dutch market, there is a limited selection of credit cards that offer rewards, with the exception of American Express Flying Blue and Membership Rewards cards.

In general, the majority of cardholders will pay their monthly balance by direct debit. You can make installment payments, but you will be charged interest fees.

The Bureau Kredietregistratie (BKR) credit register is likely to be accessed if you apply for a credit card in the Netherlands.

Dutch credit cards employ the chip and PIN method for retail payments; rather than signing a sales slip, a PIN number must be entered. Numerous cards include a contactless payment option for purchases under €50.

Mastercard and Visa are the most generally accepted credit cards in the retail sector in the Netherlands, while American Express is typically only accepted by large retailers with an international clientele.

Let’s take a quick look at the numerous  credit cards available in the Netherlands  that expats and internationals may want to consider.

Cards issued by American Express in the Netherlands

American Express (AMEX) is present in the Dutch card market, despite the fact that its cards are not as extensively accepted in Europe as Visa or Mastercard. American Express offers credit cards that must be repaid each month.

The foreign transaction fees for non-euro payments made with its Dutch cards are 2.3%. AMEX cards are a fantastic way to accumulate miles and points. Note that the American Express Netherlands website for personal cards (with the exception of the Platinum card) is only available in Dutch!

1. American Express Cards

AMEX offers a variety of cards to Dutch citizens that, when used, can earn points on their Membership Rewards program (MR). This is a very adaptable program with several partners, especially in the travel and airline industries. Membership Reward points can be transferred to any available program of your choosing.

The usual card is the American Express Green Card (€5.50 per month or €66 per year; the first year is free), which does not currently offer a welcome bonus. 1 MR point is accumulated for every €1 spent. You need an annual gross income of €20,000.

Online application

The American Express Gold Card (€16.50 per month or €198 per year, with the first six months free) does not offer a welcome bonus at this time. In addition, it includes two lounge access cards redeemable at 500 airport lounges globally and basic travel insurance. You gain 1.2 MR points for every euro spent. You need a gross income of €20,000 per year.

The American Express Platinum Metal Card (€58.50 per month or €702 per year; first year half-price) is a premium card with numerous travel perks. There is no welcome bonus currently available. In addition, it includes all-inclusive travel insurance, Privium Plus membership (Schiphol border control), access to airport lounges worldwide, and a €150 travel credit certificate. Each euro spent yields 1.5 MR points. Gross annual income of €30,000 is required.

American Express – BlueThe American Express Blue Card (€35 yearly, free first year and continues to be free if annual card spend exceeds €3,000) is the base card product and delivers 1 MR point per €2 spent. You need a gross income of €20,000 per year.

2. KLM Flying Blue American Express Cards

These could be beneficial for frequent KLM/Air France fliers and Flying Blue members. The cards offer Flying Blue Award Mile benefits on the first €500 spent within three months.

The Flying Blue Silver Card comes with a basic welcome bonus of 2,500 20,000* Flying Blue miles and 15 25* XP points for elite rank. The earning rates for this card are 0.8 miles per €1 spent and 1 mile per €1 spent at KLM/Air France. You need a gross income of €20,000 per year. Here you can apply for the Flying Blue Silver card.

The Flying Blue Gold Card (€170, €85 annual fee) provides 7,500 25,000* bonus miles and 30 50* XP points for elite status. The card’s earning rates are 1 mile for every €1 spent and 1.5 miles (award and level) for every €1 spent with KLM/Air France. You need a gross income of €20,000 per year. Here is the application for the Flying Blue Gold Card

The premium Flying Blue Platinum Card (€600, €300 for the first year) comes with 15,000 40,000* extra miles, full travel insurance, and 60 90* XP points for elite status. The card’s earning rates are 1.5 miles per €1 spent and 2 miles (award and level) for €1 spent on KLM/Air France purchases. Gross annual income of €30,000 is required. Here you can apply for the Flying Blue Platinum card.

The Flying Blue Entry Card (€35 annually) comes with a welcome bonus of 2,500 miles and an earning rate of 0.5 miles every €1 spent. You need a gross income of €20,000 per year.

Card applications for American Express may take up to ten business days to process. See American Express Cards in the Netherlands – A Comprehensive Guide for More Information.

3. American Express Business Cards – If you operate your own business and require a card for business purposes only, American Express offers two different cards. These purchases earn Membership Rewards points, and because business expenses can be substantial, they might be a means to amass a substantial point balance. The first year of each card is free.

You must present a number from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and have been in company for at least one year. The AMEX business card website is available in both Dutch and English.

American Express Green Card for Business

The American Express Business Green Card (€85, first year free) is presently offering a 12,000 MR points bonus on the first €500 spent within the first three months. Spending one euro yields one MR point. The card provides coverage for business travel-related accidents and inconveniences. You need a gross income of €23,000 per year. Apply for a Green card for business here.

business gold from American Express

The American Express Business Gold Card (annual fee of €225; first year free) is presently offering 25,000 MR points on the first €2,500 spent within three months. Spending one euro yields one MR point. The card provides accident, disruption, and cancellation coverage for business trips. Purchase and refund protections are also available. You need a gross income of €36,000 per year. Here you may apply for the Business Gold Card.

Cards issued by Dutch Banks In order to function financially while residing in Holland, it is essential to create a bank account. Credit card applications are typically available at the majority of banks. To apply for one of the following cards, you must generally be a client of the bank.

4. ABN Amro Credit Cards

ABN AMRO provides excellent banking services for expats residing in the Netherlands, with a great deal of information available in English. If you decide to bank with ABN AMRO, its branded Mastercard credit card products (issued by ICS, International Card Services) are likely to be a convenient option.

The ABN AMRO Credit Card has a credit limit of up to €5,000 and a monthly charge of €1.70 (€20.40 per year). To qualify for the basic card, you must earn a minimum of €1,150 net per month (about €15,000 gross annually).

The ABN AMRO Gold Card has an annual fee of €46.80 and a maximum credit limit of €5,000. It offers some rental car insurance coverage. In addition, a minimum net monthly income of €1,150 is required.

For holders of the ABN AMRO student package, the ABN AMRO Student Credit Card costs €1.16 per month (€13.92 per year). The credit limit is up to €500 (for monthly wages less than €500) and €1,000 (for monthly incomes greater than €500). Please note that only Dutch passport holders are eligible for the student card.

ABN AMRO delivers monthly paper credit card statements in addition to online and mobile access to account activity. At every ABN AMRO ATM in the Netherlands, PIN codes can be modified. Two percent are imposed as foreign exchange fees for non-euro payments.

Using the ABN AMRO app, it is possible to open an ABN AMRO bank account online in approximately ten minutes without visiting a branch. Credit card details for ABN AMRO can be found here.

5. ING Credit Cards

The prominent retail bank ING also offers its own brand of Mastercards. Creditcard, PlatinumCard, and Student Creditcard are the three possible cards with ING banking packages.

The annual fee for the ING Creditcard is €19.80, and the credit limit ranges from €1,000 to €5,000.

The ING PlatinumCard has a credit limit between €1,000 and €20,000 and costs €52.20 per year. Either card requires a minimum of €650 per month to be deposited into an ING account.

The ING Student CreditCard carries an annual fee of €13.80 and a $1,000 credit limit.

Non-Euro payments incur a 2% foreign exchange fee from ING. The cards can be controlled using the ‘Mijn ING’ web portal or the mobile banking app.

6. Rabobank Credit Cards

The major Dutch retail bank Rabobank offers its own branded “RaboCard” Mastercards and Visa cards, which are included in a number of banking packages. Depending on the package, the cards are either free or come with a nominal fee.

The minimum credit limit on a regular RaboCard is €1,000. The minimum credit limit for the Rabo GoldCard is €2,500; however, larger amounts are available to users with premium packages. Foreign transaction fees for non-euro payments made with a Rabo card are 2%. A net monthly income of at least €1,000 is required.

7. ASN Credit Card

Moral bank ASN (part of the Volksbank group) provides a Visa credit card issued by ICS for €22.50 annually. Depending on your salary, a maximum credit limit of €2,500 is available. ASN will make a small contribution to a sustainable initiative every time the card is used. Forex costs for non-euro payments are 2 percent . Only ASN account holders are eligible for the card.

8. SNS Bank Credit Card

SNS Bank (also part of the Volksbank group) provides a branded Visa issued by ICS for €18.50 per year or €14 per year for student account holders. Depending on income, a loan limit between €500 and €5,000 is offered. Likewise, the foreign exchange cost for non-euro payments is 2%. Only SNS account holders are eligible for the card.

9. Knab Credit Cards

The online bank Knab (part of the Aegon Group) gives account package users the choice between a Knab Credit Card (MasterCard) and an American Express Green Card. Here you may register for Knab.

The Knab Mastercard is complimentary with the €5 per month Knab Plus regular banking package. Credit limits range between 1,000 and 5,000 euros. The currency fee for non-euro payments is 2 percent.

The Amex Green Card is free for the first year and then costs €66 per year; however, the annual fee is waived if you spend a minimum of €1,500 per year. Non-euro payment fee is 2.5 percent .

MasterCard and Visa (Generic Cards) ICS (International Card Services) provides generic Visa and Mastercards. For the majority of cards, you will need a net monthly income of €1,150; for the Mastercard Black card, you will need €1,250. Generally, non-euro currency exchange fees are 2%. (except the Mastercard Gold card which is 1.5 percent ). The maximum credit limit for each card is €5,000.

The card may be administered via the ICS online portal or mobile app.

There are two types of Visa World Cards: the normal Visa World Card (€36.50, free for the first year) and the Visa World Card Gold (€55, €36.50 for the first year).

There are three types of Mastercards: the Mastercard Classic Card (€26 per year), the Mastercard Gold Card (€37.50), and the Mastercard Black Card (€204). Priority Pass airport lounge access and travel insurance are included with the Black card.

Credit Cards of Other Issuers 12. ANWB Credit Cards – ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club) is the largest motoring club in the Netherlands (like AA, RAC in the UK or AAA in the US).

It offers three card options to its members: a basic ANWB Visa Card for €16, an ANWB Silver Visa Card for €26.50 (half-price the first year), and an ANWB Gold Visa Card for €38.50 (first year free). Credit limits may not exceed €5,000. The Silver and Gold cards provide additional rental car insurance coverage.

Cards are issued by ICS, with a minimum net monthly salary of €1,150 for the regular card, €1,200 for the Silver card, and €1,250 for the Gold card. Non-euro foreign transaction fees are 2% for regular and silver cards, and 1.5% for Gold.

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Waar ben je naar op zoek?

Compare dutch credit cards.

Compare credit cards from Mastercard, Visa and AMEX and apply directly.

19 credit cards found for you

N26 Mastercard

Credit limit:

Purchase insurance:

• Free of charge + English application
• No income requirement

Revolut Mastercard

• € 10 cash back
• Betaal met IDEAL

Visa World Card

• Minimum net income: 1.150,-

ANWB Visa Classic Card

• Only meant for ANWB-members

MasterCard Classic

ANWB Visa Silver Card

• Minimum net income: 1.200,-

Visa World Panda Card

MasterCard Gold

ABN AMRO Goldcard

• Only meant for ABN AMRO customers

ANWB Visa Gold Card

• First year 50% discount
• Minimum net income: 1.250,-

Visa World Card Gold

• First year 30% discount

American Express Flying Blue Silver

• First year for free + 2.500 Award Miles
• Minimum net income: 1.654,-

American Express Green

• First year for free

Visa World Card Platinum

American Express Flying Blue Gold

• 7.500 Award Miles

MasterCard Black

American Express Gold

• Minimum net income: 2.236,-

American Express Flying Blue Platinum

• 10.000 Award Miles gift
• Minimum net income: 2.150,-

American Express Platinum

• Up to € 3.175 in benefits
• Swift security check at Schiphol

Selecteer nog 1 of 2 creditcards

About Creditcard.nl

Creditcard.nl is a Dutch comparison site for private and business credit cards. We offer an overview of Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards in all price ranges, including temporary cards.

Our goal is to help consumers choose a credit card. In order to achieve that, we compare different credit cards and  prepaid cards  based on different features, such as:

• Credit limit
• Insurance options

We are the only credit card website in The Netherlands where you can compare the offers in English.

How do I choose a credit card?

3 easy steps:

• Decide what type of credit card you need
• Narrow your choice by looking at the specifications and features
• Apply for the card that offers the best value for you

It is smart to look at the things you really need in a credit card. For example, when you travel a lot, you may want to get a credit card that saves points for you or one that provides access to private airport lounges.

On the other hand, if you only use your card for online shopping, a virtual credit card may already be good enough for you.

Cooperation

In order to provide you with the best possible service, we provide a detailed and complete overview of all available credit cards. Consumers can determine what is the most suitable card for themselves, based on their own preferences.

Creditcard.nl works with several banks and credit providers, such as International Card Services (ICS), American Express and ABN Amro.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help with choosing a suitable credit card or if you have questions about a specific card.

• Phone: +31 (0) 10 34 000 29
• E-mail: info (at) creditcard.nl

Our experts will be ready to assist you.

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• United Kingdom

Best ways to spend travel money in Netherlands: Debit & prepaid cards

Learn more about the best card to use, if you should use a uk debit card and other ways to take spending money to the netherlands..

In this guide

Low cost travel money options for The Netherlands

How much spending money to take to netherlands, what’s the best way to take money to amsterdam and the netherlands, tipping in amsterdam and the netherlands, 5 travel tips for saving money in amsterdam, currency in the netherlands, bottom line.

The Netherlands is in the Eurozone, so the national currency is the Euro. Find out the best way to take your travel money to the Netherlands: Compare credit cards, debit cards and travel cards to find the right mix for your trip to the Netherlands.

Promoted for fee free spending and interest on balance

• Includes interest on your balance
• No foreign cash withdrawal fees
• Open via app

Promoted for fee free spending and savings interest

• Make fee-free cash withdrawals
• Spend abroad with no fees
• Split costs with friends in seconds

Promoted for great rates abroad and cashback

• No monthly fees
• Up to 3.5% cashback
• 20 currencies on one card

How we chose these accounts

Using a travel prepaid card.

Take a travel money card to Amsterdam and avoid transaction fees completely.

All travel cards will allow you to load and spend Euros in the Netherlands. You won’t incur the additional currency conversion fee of between 2.5% and 3% which applies to the majority of personal finance products. If you are considering taking a travel card to access your spending money in The Netherlands, compare the fees for loading, reloading and ATM withdrawals.

• Skip the currency conversion fees. Travel cards will allow to load your own money in Euros, so when you make payments in the Netherlands, you will avoid the fees that your bank normally charges to convert your money into a foreign currency.
• Some of these travel cards give you rewards or frequent flyer points when you spend.
• Know how much you’re spending. Travel cards are not attached to your regular bank account and have to be reloaded for use. It can help keep track of what’s going out, and how fast.
• Travel focused. You usually get 2 cards when you apply for one of these accounts. The second card can be used as a backup if the main card is lost.
• ATM fees, reload fees and issue fees have the potential to eat into your travel budget.
• Public holidays and weekends in Britain can extend the time it takes to reload the card.

Can I use my debit card in Amsterdam and the Nertherlands?

Card payments are accepted in most places, but it’s a good idea to travel with some cash too. Credit cards and travel cards have travel benefits; however, these features come at a cost. If you are going to the Netherlands and want to find a cheap and easy way to access cash, compare the debit cards available for travel. Travel friendly debit cards will allow you to withdraw cash from ATMs in Amsterdam without charging exorbitant fees. Decent choices for fee-free withdrawals abroad include Starling Bank and Monzo’s current accounts and the Virgin Money M Plus account.

• Provided by Visa and Mastercard, you’re protected against fraud under the card scheme’s zero liability guarantees, which give you full reimbursement you fall victim to fraud.
• Some debit card accounts waive fees for currency conversion, some have extended ATM networks and other issuers waive international ATM fees.
• You must wait for a replacement card if you lose your debit card or it’s stolen. This can take up to 2 weeks.
• Run of the mill transaction accounts are expensive to use outside the UK.

Using credit cards

0% purchase cards can allow you to finance your trip to the Netherlands interest free.

Travel friendly credit cards come in many shapes and sizes, and offer a range of benefits to suit travellers spending abroad.

Credit cards that waive the international transaction fee are a popular option, but there’s more to consider than just avoiding the extra 3% charge. Extras like insurance represent a saving before you’ve even left the country. And there are interest free periods to consider as well. If you make the monthly minimum repayment, these cards allow you to make purchases and pay no interest for that time. If you pay back the balance by the time the introductory period ends, you could have given yourself an interest-free holiday.

• Card payments are the norm in the Netherlands.
• Credit cards designed for travel often have a number of freebies and add-ons to sweeten the deal. Insurance, free emergency overseas card replacement and airport lounge access are card features which can appeal to travellers.
• Apply for a travel credit card and avoid paying extra international transaction charges.
• Some credit cards offer extended interest free terms on purchases and nearly all cards off interest free days when you pay the account in full each month.
• If you don’t make your monthly repayment, or the interest free period runs out and you still have money owing, you might be charged more than you planned.
• Cash withdrawals from a credit card can incur cash advance fees and high interest charges.

Paying with cash in Netherlands

• ATM availability Geldautomaats. “Geldautomaats” literally “money machines” are everywhere in the Netherlands and in Amsterdam; at post offices, supermarkets, train stations, hotels and on the street. They have an option for an English language menu and accept any card with chip and PIN technology. Banks and ATMs are widely available and are compatible with nearly all British cards. If you have a card issued by another Eurozone country, you won’t pay ATM fees at most ATMs in the Netherlands. Make sure you check with your bank about the charges for withdrawing money overseas, or change to a card that allows you withdraw money at a minimal cost.
• Where to exchange money in the Netherlands Geldwisselkantoor. Money exchange offices or Geldwisselkantoor in Dutch are plentiful in the centre city of Amsterdam. The business is highly competitive, and most places usually offer quite fair rates for exchange. As always, check the daily exchange rates and ask how much money you will get in return before you hand your money over.
• Be travel-savvy in Amsterdam The Netherlands and Amsterdam enjoy a well-deserved reputation for being safe. Exercise basic caution and use your common sense to avoid unpleasant situations.
• The Red Light District Amsterdam’s infamous quarter for creatures of the night is not without some inherent danger. Robberies are not unheard of, and the trade of illegal substances attracts some shady characters. Keep your wits about you, and don’t wander off alone.
• Split up your travel money Keep your emergency card separate from your everyday day card, and keep your passport separate from everything.
• If your card is lost or stolen Call your bank in the UK immediately to have it cancelled and make arrangements for a replacement. If your passport or other identity documents go missing, contact the British Embassy immediately. Theft of identity papers contributes to the global black market of identity theft and human trafficking.

Amsterdam and the Netherlands have a reputation for being expensive. How much spending money you will need for a trip to the Netherlands and Amsterdam will depend on how you travel and what you choose to do.

*Prices are approximate and are subject to change

The Netherlands is, overall, a very modern and highly westernised destination. Card payments are the norm and as a major global leader in banking, financial services are widely available. In Amsterdam, expect to find shops, restaurants and cafes that will not accept cash at all. ATMs exist, and most payments can be made with chip and PIN technology or contactless touch-and-go cards. If you are heading off to Amsterdam and the Netherlands, find a card that allows you to shop without paying extra for the international transaction fee (currency conversion fee) and ATM fees.

A quick summary of your travel money options in Netherlands

This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.

Round up to the nearest Euro. It’s not really expected to leave a substantial tip in most places. Generally, Dutch people just “round up” to the nearest euro or two.

• Rent an apartment. One of the most popular ways to sleep well and affordably nowadays is by renting an apartment short term. Especially in comparatively more expensive cities like Amsterdam, apartment rentals are usually cheaper per person per night than your average hotel or hostel.
• Buy an I Amsterdam Card. The ‘IAmsterdam City Card’ (previously Amsterdam Pass) is a city-issued tourist card that allows free entry into Amsterdam’s major museums, free unlimited use of public transport and discounts to a number of popular attractions. You can buy it online, in news agencies or tourist information offices with usage periods of 24, 48 and 72 hour.
• Forget using a taxi. If you are on a budget, don’t plan on using taxis too often in Amsterdam. They are pricey, and other forms of transport are plentiful. Make like a local and bike it around town (pretty much the whole of the Netherlands is set up for biking) and the public transport network is efficient, well-connected, and affordable.
• Pack a picnic. Restaurants and sit-down meals tend to be on the pricey side in Amsterdam. If you want your spending money to last, make a beeline for one of the many high-quality city-markets and take your food to the park or along the canal.
• Buy your train ticket in advance. If you are venturing out, and visiting one of the many other charming Dutch cities like Rotterdam or Utrecht, you’ll find the tickets available for a much cheaper price online, or by booking well in advance. The prices rise substantially at the station at the last minute.

To avoid overpaying when using cash, familiarise yourself with the Euro banknotes. The Euro comes in the denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

Take a combination of the travel money products to get the most from your travel budget. A credit card is a great way to finance big ticket purchases, while using a travel card or a debit card is better for smaller everyday expenses and cash withdrawals. Give yourself a couple of different ways to access your travel budget in case something happens to one of your cards, as it can take you a couple of days to organise an emergency replacement card from Britain.

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use . When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

Charlie Barton

Charlie Barton was a publisher at Finder. He specialised in banking and investments products, including banking apps, current accounts, share-dealing platforms and stocks and shares ISAs. Charlie has a first-class degree from the London School of Economics, and in his spare time enjoys long walks on the beach.

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Apply for a credit card

In the netherlands.

Do you want to use a Dutch credit card? Whether you’re shopping online or just want to pay for your purchases in a shop, using a credit card makes your payments easy and secure, wherever you are in the world. What’s more, your purchases are then insured against theft, loss and damage. Sound good to you? Apply for your credit card in the Netherlands now.

Take a look at our credit cards

Abn amro gold card.

• Secure payments anywhere in the world
• Convenient when travelling
• Purchases insured for 365 days against theft, loss and damage
• Pay with Apple Pay
• Car rental excess covered
• Car legal expenses

ABN AMRO Credit Card

• Purchases insured for 180 days against theft, loss and damage

ICS GO Card

• Deposit money on your card and GO
• The ICS GO Card is valid for 3 years (just over €1.80 per month)
• BKR testing and BKR registration
• Income requirement

Which credit card is right for me?

ABN AMRO Student Card

• Make contactless payments
• Handy while travelling: pay securely, worldwide

The security offered by a credit card

Purchases insured.

All purchases you make with your credit card are insured against theft, loss and damage for at least 180 days. And all our credit cards include a delivery guarantee.

Leave all your worries behind

You get flight delay insurance and luggage delay insurance on all trips you book with your credit card.

Secure payments everywhere

You can use your credit card to pay for your purchases anywhere in the world, both online and in the shops. And you can make contactless payments.

Compare all our credit cards

This table shows the rates and summarises the benefits of the different ABN AMRO credit cards.

Who can apply for a credit card?

18 or older.

You must be 18 or older to apply for a credit card.

Living in the Netherlands

Monthly income.

Your net monthly income is at least €1,150. This means that you will not qualify for a credit card if you are on benefits.

Do you have a lower income? Then the ICS GO Card is always an option!

Frequently asked questions

Requesting a credit card in the Netherlands is easy:

• Fill in the application form .
• Select your credit card and check your details. Please add any information that is missing . Make sure all your details are correct before you submit your application.
• International Card Services (ICS) will send you an email that explains how to choose your PIN. ICS will check your application in the meantime . This will take around 10 working days.
• Once you have chosen a PIN and your application has been approved, your credit card will be sent to your home address within 5 to 10 working days.

Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in the Netherlands. 

Do you want to apply for a Dutch credit card? At ABN AMRO you can apply for a Credit Card, a Gold Card or the Student Card. These credit cards are all Mastercards and worldwide accepted.

The ICS GO Card is the credit card without credit. Are you not yet eligible for a normal credit card? Then the ICS GO Card is the ideal option. With an ICS GO Card you pay easily and safely worldwide. Are you not an ABN AMRO customer? You can apply for the ICS GO Card in that case as well, for which you pay a one-off fee of €65. After that, you simply deposit money on your card and GO!\

International Card Services (ICS) is a subsidiary of ABN AMRO and offers credit cards.

Read more about the ICS GO Card .

• Creditcard Online

Other useful items

• Pay with your credit card
• Apply for a replacement Visa Card
• Pay with Apple Pay with your credit card
• Secure payments using your MasterCard
• Secure payments using your Visa Card
• Additional credit card

• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum
• Netherlands
• Using US credit c...

Using US credit cards in the Netherlands

There seems to be a lot of conflicting information about whether or not one can use US-issued credit cards in the Netherlands. My Visa card DOES have a chip and a PIN - will this work (especially for train/tram/metro tickets and hotels and restaurants?) BTW, I am aware that not all places accept credit cards in the first place, so this question just applies to those ones that do! I am hoping to keep the amount of cash I have on hand to a minimum. Thanks, Nan

I've never had a problem using a US-issued CC in the Netherlands for any amount of purchase including small ones. I was there last April but had not advanced to Apple Pay, lol. I used ApplePay all the time last Fall in Italy and plan to try to use it everywhere on my upcoming trip to Amsterdam. If not I will fall back on my VISA and AMEX cards.

I just went back to look at my VISA statement and used it everywhere including buying Tram tickets and at the grocery stores in Amsterdam for small purchases. I never needed a PIN with the CC purchases I made. I've only ever needed a PIN in Europe for Debit Card withdrawals at an ATM. I've also never rented a car and I think that is where I've seen people needing PINs for gas stations.

I did not once use a chip and pin in the Netherlands. Does your card have tap capability? That is what I used 99% of the time when I was there last year - for restaurants, stores, hotels, etc. The other times were a couple of supermarkets that didn't take credit cards at all , so I just used cash.

We were there in August and didn't have any issued. Didn't have to have a pin.

.... lot of conflicting information ..... Curious where you are seeing that? That is not my experience. Have had a couple of times when the credit card would not work in a ticket machine in the train station. Worked at the ticket window. But other than that it work everywhere else.

Our family was in Europe last year for 3 weeks and our daughter for a month—4 countries (Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Spain). We had one credit card account, with four authorized users and tap technology; we had no problems at all. However, at a grocery store in London, one time the clerk had to print the receipt for me to sign—same store later; —just tapped.

I was in the Netherlands for a week last April and never used a pin. Tap and pay was everywhere unless they didn’t take credit cards at all. During my 16 weeks in Europe last year if a place didn’t have tap and pay but took credit cards I never needed a pin.

This is all good to hear! My 2022 Lonely Planet Netherlands guide (and several acquaintances, too) indicated that using non European credit cards was highly problematic. Other friends and guidebooks did not. Glad to have this forum as a resource to sort out the confusion!

Keep in mind that your "2022" Lonely Planet guide was written at the latest in 2021. More likely it was written a decade ago and they only periodically update some details—mostly opening times and prices.

Point taken. I would have hoped that they would have fact checked the info on payment types- kinda important...

I tapped my Chase Marriott Bonvoy all over The Hague and Amsterdam. Hotels, bars, breweries, restaurants, museums, groceries, and even the trams and buses when I didn't have a day pass. Absolutely no problems. Enjoy your trip. I want to hear about your experience at Vermeer.

I didn't see anyone comment on have a card with NO foreign transaction fees. But the "tap and go" and chipped cards are almost all I used last year when I was there.

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OV-chipkaart: Public Transport Smart Card in the Netherlands

The OV-chipkaart (OV-chip card) is the public transport contactless ticket system in the Netherlands which replaced most of the old paper-style tickets.

The OV-chip card is in use on all forms of public transport including trains, trams, buses and metros.

Note, ‘OVpay’ – travel using contactless debit/credit cards/mobile – was introduced in 2023 onto public transport providers in the Netherlands. This has given visitors another payment option.

The current OV-chip card will be phased out by 2025. In 2024 the ‘OV-pas’ will be introduced – a public transport pass which will be available digitally via a phone or on a physical card.

The OV-chip card system is rather complex and we will do our best below to explain how the system works.

OV-chipkaart Summary

• There are 3 types of OV-chipkaart (OV-chip card).
• [1] Disposable OV-chip card , one-time use cards like singles or day tickets.
• [2] Anonymous OV-chip card , an unregistered card option for visitors who will travel around a lot.
• [3] Personal OV-chip card , a registered card for Dutch/Belgian/German residents only.
• Anonymous and personal cards (empty) cost a non-refundable €7.50 , last up to 5 years.
• Load and top-up credit on the card’s e-purse (max €150) for travel.
• Passengers must check-in and check-out of every journey using card readers.
• Minimum card balance of €4 (public transport) and €20 (train) – taken off as a deposit on check-in.
• Correct fare deducted on check-out, deposit is refunded.
• Every traveller aged 4 or higher must have their own ticket.

“OV” stands for Openbaar Vervoer which means “public transport” in Dutch. Like London’s Oyster and Hong Kong’s Octopus, the OV-chip smart card system works using an embedded RFID chip inside the card.

Passengers need to “check-in” and “check-out” respectively, at the start and end of their journey. This is done by placing the OV-chip card onto the special free-standing card readers – these are found either at station platforms/halls, gate barriers or near the doors on board trams and buses.

There are 3 types of OV-chipkaart available:

1. Disposable OV-chipcard (Eenmalige OV-chipkaart)

This is a card which is bought as a single travel product only. Examples for GVB (public transport in Amsterdam) include the standard 1 hour ticket and multi day tickets (1 day to 7 days). For train travel there is the NS Dutch Railways disposable ticket which carries a €1 surcharge over the standard fare.

Disposable OV-chip cards are made from paper card and can be discarded after use.

If you are on a short visit to Amsterdam it’s probably best to stick with disposable tickets. There are various ticket options aimed at tourists/visitors which can be purchased online in advance and can offer really good value if used well:

Which tickets do I need in Amsterdam? For a full analysis see public transport ticket types in Amsterdam

If you plan a longer stay in the Netherlands or come here on multiple visits then you may wish to purchase an anonymous OV-chipkaart.

2. Anonymous OV-chipcard (Anonieme OV-chipkaart)

This is a plastic card which has a printed expiry date valid for 4-5 years. It costs €7.50 (non-refundable) to purchase an ’empty’ card with no credit – to this you can load travel credit onto the e-purse up to a maximum of €150.

The anonymous OV-chipcard can be used on any public transport in the country as long as you have sufficient e-purse credit – though some cards may need to be pre-activated for rail travel (see below).

Travel using the e-purse on metro/trams/buses is generally cheaper than buying single 1 hour tickets, especially for shorter trips. Travel on trains with the anonymous card saves paying the €1 disposable ticket surcharge.

It’s also possible to load one-off travel products (such as 24 hour tickets, night bus tickets) onto the card which are then automatically used instead of the e-purse balance.

An anonymous card can be shared between different people but not at the same time – everyone travelling together on a journey must have their own ticket.

An anonymous OV-chip card can be purchased by anyone, with no registration required. The card could be useful for (1) frequent visitors to Amsterdam or the Netherlands and (2) anyone planning to travel a lot on Dutch public transport. One advantage is that you don’t have to worry about buying a new ticket every time you travel so long as you have sufficient credit.

Where to buy an anonymous OV-chip card? Cards can be purchased at any of the following locations:

• NS (Dutch Railways) stations – OV Service & Tickets shops/ticket desks or ticket machines • GVB (Amsterdam public transport) – Tickets & Info offices or ticket machines • Other transport providers – such as RET (Rotterdam), HTM (Den Haag), U-OV (Utrecht) • Newsagents – such as AKO, Bruna, Primera • Supermarket service desks – such as Albert Heijn, Dirk, Jumbo

Some outlets may sell cards already pre-loaded with credit.

At Amsterdam Schiphol airport you can purchase at the Tickets & Service desk, one of the yellow and blue ticket machines or at the AKO Newsagent.

At Amsterdam Central station you can purchase at the main service ticket desk, OV Service & Tickets office, ticket machines or the “GVB Tram Bus Metro” tickets & info office.

You will also find GVB Tickets & Info desks at Amsterdam Bijlmer-ArenA, Station Noord and Amsterdam Zuid stations. GVB has automatic ticket machines at all metro stations.

The anonymous card may be branded with the travel provider you purchased it from – however the card is valid as normal on all public transport companies.

How to load credit onto an anonymous OV-chip card? We recommend visitors immediately load some credit when buying their anonymous card at the NS or GVB ticket desk. To top-up the card either return to the desk, use a NS ticket machine (cards and coins only, no banknotes) or GVB ticket machine (cards, coins and banknotes).

Some sales outlets have small yellow machines which can be used to top-up credit – they only accept debit cards.

Once purchased and loaded with credit the anonymous card can be immediately used. Note, the anonymous card is not insured against any loss or theft.

You can view up the travel history of anonymous cards online at the ov-chipkaart.nl portal . Alternatively, you can see the last 10 transactions at ticket machines. You can do this by holding your card against the reader on the ticket machine.

For more on rail travel with the OV-chip card see How To Buy a Dutch Train Ticket

Refunding credit from an anonymous OV-chip card – Credit under €30 can be refunded with a €1 service fee at a transport company service desk. The procedure is a bit bureaucratic and you will have to fill in a form and show ID (so much for the name “anonymous” OV-chip card). Bear in mind that the initial €7.50 fee cannot be returned.

A credit refund can be requested online here – one requires a Dutch bank account to process such a refund.

3. Personal OV-chipcard (Persoonlijke OV-chipkaart)

This is a personalised OV-chip card available to anyone resident in the Netherlands who registers their details with the OV-chip card operating company (Trans Link Systems bv). Each personal card contains the holder’s name and a digital photograph. For security reasons, the holder’s date of birth is no longer printed on the card.

It costs €7.50 and lasts for 5 years.

Dutch residents can buy online at ov-chipkaart.nl and pay by iDeal, the domestic internet banking payment network. Expect the card to arrive within 6 working days.

As with the anonymous card, the e-purse of a personal card can be loaded with a maximum of €150 travel credit – standard transportation fares are exactly the same.

The so-called benefit of the personal card is that it can be linked to a Dutch bank account for automatic top-ups when the e-purse balance falls below a certain level, say €5.

Some travel companies (such as NS and GVB) have introduced various Flex products which allow travel using an OV-chip card without balance. You are invoiced monthly for your travel costs.

Personal card holders can register for the online “My OV-chipkaart” portal which shows all card use – this can be useful for employees claiming back travel expenses. Lastly, if you lose a personal card it can be blocked – you can then apply for a replacement card.

Only holders of personal OV-chip cards are entitled to travel with discount (if eligible) or travel on a monthly pass or season ticket. For example, resident children aged 4-11 and OAPs 65+ get a 34% reduction off the standard fare when using their personal cards. Students in further education can get a mixture of free or discounted travel.

This means most non-resident visitors are NOT entitled to discounted travel on Dutch public transport. Non-resident visitors 65+ need to pay standard fares on GVB public transport in Amsterdam.

Non-resident children aged 4-11 can travel on a GVB children’s day ticket (€4.50) in Amsterdam as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket; they can also travel on the Dutch rail network all day with a RailRunner ticket (€2.50).

Can a non-resident purchase a personal OV-chip card? Yes, but only those who live or have an address in Belgium, Germany or Luxembourg. Initial payment for the card can be made by Paypal – however, automatic top-up is only possible via a Dutch bank account.

It should be noted that residents who do not wish to register their details should opt for the anonymous card or just use disposable tickets.

Using the OV-chip card on Public Transport (excluding Rail Travel)

To check-in hold the card once against the card reader. If check-in is successful a green light flashes accompanied by a single beeping sound.

A ticket inspector will require that you have a valid ticket – in this case a checked-in OV-chip card – so be careful not to miss checking-in and don’t check-out by accident!

If there is an error on check-in the card reader will beep 3 times.

When you check-in on public transport (buses, metro or trams) a deposit of €4 is taken off the e-purse balance – so you must always have at least €4 credit on the e-purse to check-in successfully. Some regional buses may take higher amounts (€8 or €12) if the journey is longer.

At the end of your journey hold the card against the reader again to check-out . If successful the card reader beeps twice and will show either the journey cost and the remaining e-purse balance or will display a check-out message if using a travel product. The cost of the journey will have been deducted but you get the €4 deposit back.

Note, if you fail or forget to check-out you will lose the €4 deposit which will likely be more expensive than the journey cost! You can rectify a failed check-out online here

If you have 12 failed check-outs in a 2 week period the card is disabled – it can only be restored by visiting a customer service desk.

The cost of a trip (using the card balance) has 2 components – a fixed boarding fee and a variable distance fee . The current boarding fee in the Netherlands for 2024 is €1.08. On top of this each transport company sets its own distance fare.

GVB in Amsterdam charges €0.196 per km travelled which during a journey is calculated every 50m. So this means e-purse journeys of 3km and 10km will cost about €1.67 and €3.04, respectively. Compare this with the GVB 1 hour disposable ticket which costs €3.40.

If you need to make a transfer you should generally check-out and then re-check-in. If this is done within 35 minutes, you will not be charged the €1.08 base fare again.

On the Amsterdam metro you can meet or say goodbye to someone on a station platform for free – as long as you check-in and check-out at that station in less than 20 minutes.

At all metro stations in Amsterdam there are additional blue card readers which only display the balance of your card. These are labelled “ Saldolezer ” (balance reader). They cannot be used to check-in and check-out – this must be done using the yellow card readers.

Once your card validity date expires you can no longer travel on it – you must invest in a new one. Also be wary about having other contactless cards close to each other in your purse or wallet.

Using the OV-chip card on NS Dutch Railway Network

The OV-chip card is in use for train travel with NS. To use a personal or anonymous OV-chipkaart for NS train journeys the card must be activated for reizen op saldo zonder NS-abonnement (pre-paid travel without NS subscription) unless it was initially purchased from the NS. This activation procedure can be done at NS service desks or ticket machines.

Train travel requires a minimum check-in deposit of €20 (for standard personal and anonymous cards) or €10 (with one of the NS discount cards which are effectively personal OV-chip cards, again only available to residents). At check-out the standard single train fare for your trip is charged and the deposit is returned.

During the initial card activation, the default class of rail travel for the OV-chip card is set to 2nd class. At a ticket machine you can change the default to 1st class if you wish (this can be done permanently or temporarily for a single day’s travel). Remember that 1st class fares will be about 70% higher.

You can check-in up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of your train. You must complete check-out on the rail network within a maximum of 6 hours after check-in. Officially you are not allowed to backtrack, you must be travelling away from your check-in station unless it is an allowable route.

Check-in and -out at the same NS station – There may be occasions where after checking-in at a station you decide not to travel. In that case if you check-out within 1 hour you will not be charged. As a security measure you cannot check-out again within 100 seconds of checking-in. If you leave it longer than the hour you will lose the €20 deposit (unless you check-out at another station within the 6 hours).

Intercity Direct trains (Amsterdam-Schiphol-Rotterdam-Breda) require a small supplement for travel between Schiphol and Rotterdam. This costs €2.90 and can be paid by anonymous or personal OV-chip card e-purse balance by holding the card once against the special red supplement card readers. There is a discounted rate for using an OV-chip card during the off-peak hours (0900-1600 and 1830-0630).

Disposable OV-chip card tickets (singles and day returns) were introduced in 2014 replacing the old style paper tickets. Passengers are required to check-in and check-out of their journey to validate the ticket. These tickets carry a €1 surcharge in addition to the standard fare.

There are other smaller rail companies in the Netherlands which operate train services. These have their own card readers so you must always check-in and check-out of one company first before using another.

Most of the larger Dutch train stations have gate barriers installed. Smaller stations tend to have the self-standing card readers.

OV-chip card criticisms

The OV-chipkaart system has attracted a significant amount of criticism and privacy concerns over the years.

The obvious attraction to the transport companies and the authorities is the ability to log and analyse all public transport journeys down to the individual level. Even the holder of a so-called “anonymous” card could likely be tracked and identified by cross-referencing various data sources.

The OV-chip card was also brought in for revenue protection purposes. The transport companies wanted to reduce the ability of people to ride for free, something which was endemic on the Amsterdam metro. Some passengers still try to get round the system by checking out early (before their stop) or by using children’s day tickets.

However if you are caught without a valid ticket you face a standard fine of €50.

At €7.50, the OV-chip card has always been too expensive, particularly for short-term visitors. The whole transport ticket system has become overly complex with over 27 different ticket options in Amsterdam .

Another criticism of the system is that large groups travelling together (such as a teacher with students) must each buy separate cards and all check-in and check-out individually. Only since 2021 have some transport companies been offering a single group ticket for school children and teachers!

Additionally, by requiring all travellers to have sufficient pre-paid credit the transport companies are effectively getting an interest-free loan on any unused credit. There has been tens of millions of euros in unused credit going unclaimed by travellers with expiring cards.

Finally, people can easily make mistakes by not checking-in or out properly, thus losing the deposit or risking a fine.

OV-chip Card: The Future

The Dutch government is expected to phase out the OV-chip card by 2025.

In 2024 the replacement to the OV-chip card will be rolled out – the OV-pas (OV pass) which will have a digital version through a smartphone as well as a physical card version.

This article was originally published in 2010 and has been regularly updated. Last update 11 December 2023 .

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

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Travel points on credit cards, explained

PayPal Editorial Staff

March 14, 2024

Savvy shoppers can turn everyday spending into exciting adventures by harnessing the power of travel points on credit cards.

Travel points on credit cards are rewards earned for eligible purchases. When someone accumulates enough points, they can redeem them for travel-related expenses like flights, accommodations, or upgrades.

From earning to redeeming, discover the world of travel reward points in this guide.

How do travel points work?

Travel points on credit cards work by rewarding people for their spending. When someone uses their credit card for eligible purchases, they may earn a certain number of points or miles based on the card's rewards program. These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for travel costs.

Some cards or reward programs also offer flexible redemption options, allowing individuals to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs.

The more someone spends on their card, the more travel points they may accumulate. However, it’s important to practice responsible spending and not make purchases simply to earn more points.

While some credit cards may be specifically noted as travel credit cards or offered in tandem with airline companies, many rewards credit cards can still be used to earn points or cash back to spend on travel or lodging. There may also be rewards programs via cash back apps that offer earning potential for spending with certain travel-related companies or airlines. For example, PayPal users can view travel-related deals and rewards offerings in the Travel category on the PayPal app . Rewards earning and redemption options will vary depending on card provider and/or rewards program.

Potential pros and cons of travel points

Some benefits of travel points may be:

• Free or discounted travel expenses:  Travel points may be redeemed for complimentary or discounted flights, hotel stays, and even upgrades, allowing for cost savings on travel expenses.
• Travel perks:  Some travel rewards cards provide access to airline or hotel loyalty program benefits, such as priority boarding, lounge access, and room upgrades.
• Flexible redemption:  Many programs offer flexible redemption options, including the ability to transfer points to partner airlines or hotels, providing more choices for travelers.

Before signing up for a travel rewards credit card, consider the possible risks of travel points:

• Limited flexibility:  Some travel rewards programs may have restrictions or blackout dates. Points may also have expiration dates — if unused, someone may lose their rewards.
• High annual fees:  Many premium travel rewards cards come with annual fees, which may offset the value of the rewards.
• Increased spending:  To earn travel points, people must use their credit card, which can lead to debt if not managed responsibly.

How to earn travel points

To earn travel points, someone generally needs to use a travel rewards credit card on eligible purchases. Over time, they may accumulate enough points to enjoy a benefit like free or reduced airfare or a discounted hotel stay.

Beyond everyday spending, here are other ways to potentially earn travel points:

• Sign-up bonuses:  Many travel rewards credit cards offer sign-up bonuses when opening a new account and meeting a spending requirement within a specified timeframe.
• Frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs:  When someone flies with a specific airline or stays at a particular hotel chain consistently, they may accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for future travel.
• Online shopping portals:  Some airlines and credit card companies have online shopping portals that offer bonus points for making purchases through their platforms.

Accumulating travel points requires responsible financial management, including paying off credit card balances in full each month to avoid interest charges . Additionally, check for any annual fees associated with travel rewards credit cards and ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs.

How to redeem travel points

Travel rewards credit cards may offer several redemption options, from flights or hotels to vacation packages or statement credits. When booking through a rewards portal, people typically have the option to pay with points or a combination of points and cash.

The redemption process may vary slightly depending on the specific travel rewards program or credit card. Always read the terms and conditions of the rewards program and credit card to understand any restrictions, blackout dates, and expiration policies associated with the points.

Learn how to redeem rewards .

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