Credit Card in the Netherlands: The Basics

FAQ about Dutch Credit Cards

This article is published 17 juli 2023. Last Updated on 12 november 2024.

Dutch Credit Card Basics: What do I need to know?

A credit card in the Netherlands enables you to obtain funds from a bank for making purchases, with a grace period of 25-30 days to repay the borrowed amount. If you require more time, you will be subject to interest charges, which is a percentage of the outstanding balance. Additionally, certain credit cards offer valuable rewards and benefits when used responsibly.

Are Credit Cards Good or Bad in the Netherlands?

Credit Score in the Netherlands

The big difference in the Netherlands is that Credit Cards don’t influence a Credit Score, because we don’t have the same process as for example: Japan, China, the U.K., Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United States. In the Netherlands, we have a better alternative for this: BKR. The BKR in the Netherlands is a credit registration agency that keeps track of individuals’ credit histories and outstanding debts.

The ease of use of a Credit Card in the Netherlands

Having a credit card ensures you always have a payment option readily available, eliminating the need to find an ATM. Most people in the Netherlands would use a Credit Card for bigger purchases, especially around travelling.

Also in the Netherlands, cash money is disappearing quickly which means you will need a debit and credit card to fully integrate in the financial system.

Fraud protection

Fraud protection from a credit card refers to the measures and services provided by credit card issuers to safeguard cardholders against unauthorised or fraudulent transactions. Credit card companies implement various security features and policies to detect and prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring that cardholders are not held liable for fraudulent charges.

How Credit Card Companies Make Money?

Credit card companies generate revenue through several key mechanisms. First, they charge interest on outstanding balances when cardholders don’t pay their full statement amount on time.

  • This interest, known as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), constitutes a significant portion of their earnings. 
  • Second, credit card companies impose various fees on cardholders, including annual fees, late payment fees, balance transfer fees, and cash advance fees. These fees contribute to their profitability. 
  • Third, credit card companies earn from transaction fees paid by merchants when consumers use credit cards for purchases. The processing fees, known as interchange fees, are shared between the credit card networks and the issuing banks. 
  • Lastly, offering rewards and incentive programs to cardholders attracts customers, but the cost of these perks is typically covered by the fees charged to merchants. By leveraging these revenue streams, credit card companies sustain their operations and provide benefits to both consumers and businesses.
Dutch Credit Card Mastercard Gold in Netherlands
Mastercard Gold

Price: € 3,00 / Per Month

When should I not use a credit card in the Netherlands?

Instances to avoid using a credit card:

  1. Extra Fees: Merchants may pass processing costs to you through upfront surcharges or “convenience fees.” Unless your credit card rewards outweigh the surcharge, consider using an alternative payment method.
  2. Supporting Small Merchants: To support smaller merchants, paying with cash, check, or debit card can be preferable, as it saves them from credit card processing fees.
  3. Overspending: If you struggle to control spending with credit cards, opt for cash or debit to stay within budget and avoid accumulating high credit card balances.

While credit cards offer great benefits, it’s essential to research and choose the best card for your needs while exercising responsible spending, regardless of your chosen payment method.

Is Visa & Mastercard accepted in the Netherlands?

A landmark initiative by the Dutch Payments Association has dramatically expanded payment options for consumers in the Netherlands. The Debit Card Acceptance project has successfully paved the way for Dutch cardholders and international visitors to use Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard for their purchases. This development is particularly significant considering that previously, nearly half of Dutch shops didn’t accept these cards.

The collaborative effort, involving retailers, terminal suppliers, transaction processors, banks, and card networks, resulted in a massive upgrade of payment terminals nationwide. This ensures that the vast majority of Dutch shops are now equipped to accept these internationally recognized debit cards. The impact of this project will be felt by both Dutch citizens who will increasingly receive these cards in the near future, and tourists who can now enjoy more convenient payment options during their visits.

This progress marks a significant stride towards a truly cashless society in the Netherlands. With over 425,000 payment terminals updated, the country is now better equipped to handle the growing preference for digital payments. This initiative also aligns the Netherlands with global trends, as Visa Debit cards, with 2.8 billion issued worldwide, gain broader acceptance.

Introduction of the author: Roger

Roger is a Dutch citizen with experience living and working as an expat in multiple countries. Roger has a deep understanding of the complex Dutch financial landscape and is able to provide insights and expertise to help other expats make informed financial decisions.