In the Netherlands, having a credit score is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining a credit card or accessing financial services. You need to have a positive BKR registration to apply for a Credit Card or access other financial services like: Loans, Mortgages or other products. Expats, Students and Immigrants will start with a clean sheet, meaning they can apply directly. You can see here our top 5 recommendations.

The Dutch Bureau Krediet Registratie (BKR) is a credit registration agency in the Netherlands. It maintains a database that records credit information and payment behavior of individuals in relation to loans and credit facilities. The BKR collects and stores data on various types of credit, such as personal loans, mortgages, credit cards, and overdraft facilities.

The BKR database serves as a tool for lenders and financial institutions to assess the creditworthiness and risk profile of individuals when considering loan applications. It provides them with insights into an individual’s credit history, outstanding debts, and any payment arrears or defaults.

Having a record with the BKR does not necessarily indicate a negative credit status. It is common for individuals in the Netherlands to have BKR registrations, especially if they have loans or credit facilities. Lenders rely on this information to make informed decisions regarding credit applications. See their FAQ for more information.

Looking for a credit card in the Netherlands? Compare Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for the best fit. Visa and Mastercard offer broad acceptance and varying fees, with wider global acceptance. American Express provides premium benefits with higher fees. Consider your needs and choose wisely for the Netherlands and beyond. You can read more in our Comparison Tool.

In the Netherlands, it is always necessary to have a debit account (bank account) before opening a credit card. Many credit card issuers may require you to have a bank account for verification and payment purposes, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a debit account specifically. Some credit card providers may allow you to link your Credit Card to a savings account or a different type of bank account.

It’s important to note that credit card issuers may have specific requirements regarding the type of bank account they accept for credit card applications. When applying for a credit card, check with the issuer to understand their specific account requirements and ensure you have the necessary banking arrangements in place.

To compare Dutch Credit Cards, MyDutchFinances created a comparison page where we looked into the credit card and the fine print to see the best offers that fits your needs.

Prepaid credit cards in the Netherlands are payment cards that require you to pre-load funds before use. They offer convenience without the need for a credit check or credit line. With prepaid cards, you set your spending limit and can use them for various transactions. While they help with budgeting, they do not build credit history. Prepaid Credit cards provide a flexible payment option for those seeking control over their spending.