When it comes to credit cards in the Netherlands, they function similarly to those in other countries. To begin using a credit card (Read our Credit Card Basics), you need to apply for and receive approval from a bank or financial institution. Once approved, you can utilise the card to make purchases at establishments that accept credit cards. Each purchase amount is charged to your credit card account, and it is typically required to make a monthly payment to settle the debt. Additionally, some credit cards offer rewards and benefits, such as cash back or travel points, as incentives for using the card. It’s important to note that the terms and conditions of each credit card, including interest rates, fees, and rewards, vary depending on the issuer. Therefore, it is crucial to compare and carefully review the available options before selecting a credit card.

In different parts of the Netherlands, particularly supermarkets, credit cards may not always be accepted. Instead, the commonly used payment method is Maestro. However, starting from 2024, Mastercard and Visa will also be supported. Notably, in Amsterdam City Center, which attracts a significant number of tourists, credit cards are widely accepted, allowing you to make payments almost anywhere with ease.

When using a Dutch Credit Card in the Netherlands, you will typically enjoy free or commission-free transactions. However, it’s important to understand how Credit Card companies in the Netherlands generate revenue. To learn more about charges and fees, you can refer to the ICS website.

Monthly costs for Dutch Credit Cards are generally either zero or very low (around €3). However, be aware that additional fees may apply when making transactions in different currencies or when withdrawing cash. In such cases, it may be more cost-effective to obtain a Credit Card that is linked to the Dutch payment system. For transactions within the Netherlands, we recommend using your Debit Card, which is always free.

Using your Dutch Credit Card for payments outside the Netherlands often incurs extra charges. The same applies if you use a foreign Credit Card while in the Netherlands, as it may result in additional fees. Lastly, ensure that you pay your Credit Card bill in full at the end of each month to avoid any extra fees. Visa World Card is known in the Netherlands for offering low-cost currency transactions.

What kind of Credit Card does the Netherlands offer?

In the Netherlands we have a variety of different Credit Cards, but due to strict regulations it’s most common to get a Credit Card that charges you monthly. For Dutch usage, this is the most convenient way and won’t charge you anything extra if you pay on time.

Charge: Also known as the most common credit card in the Netherlands. You get a bill every month and just pay the amount that you own the credit card company. Most Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards are usually a charge card. Our recommendations on top of this page are all charge cards.

Prepaid: a less known Credit Card in the Netherlands are Prepaid Credit Cards. You can use the card to buy basically everything and you can buy them online or in store. They come preloaded with the amount you desire and often you find them as well as Prepaid Debit Cards. It’s also an anonymous way of paying. Check our best Prepaid & Go Card here.

Special Credit cards

In the Netherlands we have some popular Credit Cards that are a bit different than your Standard Credit Card. Most of those Credit Cards in the Netherlands come with different programs from companies that don’t specialise in Credit Cards. I will give you some example when it would make sense to apply for a combination deal:

ANWB Creditcard
ANWB (the Royal Dutch Touring Association) is a travelers’ organisation in the Netherlands. They will help you when you have problems with your car and help you follow the way. They offer their subscription model combined with a Credit Card that can give you extra benefits and you collect points for discounts on family trips or travel necessities. Check here for more information.

Charity Credit Cards
You can also choose a Credit Card that doesn’t give you any loyalty programs, but supports a charity or NGO that helps with creating a better world, a well known Credit Card for this is VISA that offers a card that supports the WWF. Find more information here.

Taking a Package deal for your Dutch Banking

In the Netherlands, several traditional banks provide comprehensive banking packages that include a range of services. These packages typically encompass a ‘local’ Debit Card, Credit Card, and the option to add additional features such as investment accounts or retirement plans. While most banks offer package deals, the specific products they include may vary. Our preferred choice, and one that is straightforward to understand, is the combined Debit Card and Credit Card package offered by ABN AMRO.

A cheap Dutch Credit Card is not a bad idea. If you’re on a smaller budget, it makes sense to choose the ‘cleanest’ Credit Card that has the lowest fees and also doesn’t have any point programmes. After reading a the small letters and understanding how much the fee is, we found a Cheap Dutch Credit Cards that is the best fit:

ABN AMRO Credit Card – around 21 euro per year(Mastercard)

Credit check for Dutch Credit Cards

In the Netherlands, we don’t have a Credit Score that we know in the United States. Having a ‘good score’ is not impacting the price for a Credit Card or any other financial services. Although we don’t have a score, the Netherlands has an institution called ‘BKR’ that will check if you are paying your bills on time, or can appoint you as fraudulent. If you just pay you as an agreement prescribes, you won’t get into any trouble. If you don’t pay, banks are less willing to offer you a mortgage, loan or other financial services. You can check your BKR status via: https://www.bkr.nl/jouw-situatie/ (Dutch)