Credit Cards in the Netherlands: Your Complete Guide

Hey there! If you're living in the Netherlands or planning to move here, you might be wondering about credit cards. Well, you've come to the right place! I've been using credit cards in this country for years, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about Dutch credit cards and how to find the best credit card in the Netherlands.

Introduction to credit cards in the Netherlands

First things first: credit cards aren't as popular here as they are in some other countries. The Dutch are pretty thrifty folks, and they prefer using cash or debit cards for most of their purchases. But that doesn't mean credit cards aren't useful! They can be super handy, especially if you travel a lot or shop online.

When I first moved here, I was surprised to find that many shops didn't accept credit cards. It took some getting used to, but I quickly learned that having a credit card is still important for certain situations. For example, when I needed to book a hotel for my parents" visit, having a Netherlands credit card made the process much smoother.

Top personal credit cards

Now, let's talk about some of the best credit cards you can get in the Netherlands. There are quite a few options, but I'll highlight the ones that I think are most useful for everyday life, including some great credit cards for foreigners.

ING Credit Card: This is a great all-rounder. It's perfect for your day-to-day expenses like groceries and shopping. The annual fee is pretty reasonable at €19.80, but keep in mind you'll need an ING Payment account and a monthly income of over €1000 to qualify.

bunq Credit Mastercard: Technically, this is a debit card, but you can use it like a credit card without getting into debt. What I love about this one is the cashback offers. You can get 1% back on bars and restaurants, and 2% on public transport, depending on your subscription.

ABN AMRO Credit Card: If you're on a tight budget, this might be the card for you. It only costs €1.70 per month, which is a steal! Plus, you get some nice perks like 8% off on rental cars and 4% cashback on hotels.

Openbank eCommerce Card: This is actually a virtual prepaid card, but it works great for online shopping. There are no fees for foreign currency purchases, and you have full control over how much money you put on the card.

Rabocard: If you're just starting out with credit cards, this could be a good option. It's one of the cheapest Dutch credit cards available, costing a maximum of €2 per month on the Rabo DirectPackage. The standard limit is €1000 per month, but they can raise it up to €10,000 depending on your income.

Best credit cards for travel

If you're a frequent flyer like me, you might want to consider a card that offers travel perks. Here are some top picks for the best credit card in the Netherlands for travelers:

American Express Platinum card: This is the cream of the crop for luxury travel. It gives you access to Schiphol's Privium Plus benefits, which include faster security checks, priority parking, and access to exclusive lounges. It's pricey at €65 per month, and you need a yearly income of €30,000 to apply, but the perks are amazing if you travel a lot.

Flying Blue Platinum American Express card: If you fly KLM often, this card is worth considering. It costs €55 per month and lets you earn Miles on flights, which you can use for upgrades, extra baggage, or even free tickets!

Mastercard Black: This is a cheaper alternative to the AMEX cards, but still offers great benefits. You get continuous travel insurance and access to over 1000 lounges in 75 countries. It costs €204 per year and lets you earn Air Miles for most airlines.

Credit card options for businesses and freelancers

If you're running a business or working as a freelancer in the Netherlands, you might want a card that caters to your specific needs. Here are some options:

N26 Business Mastercard: This is great for freelancers. It offers cashback features, detailed spending insights, and deposit protection. Depending on your N26 plan, you might even get travel insurance.

American Express Business Green Card: If you want an AMEX card for your business, this is a good affordable option. It costs €85 per year and gives you flexible spending limits, deferred payment plans, and a good overview of your business expenses.

Visa World Card Business: This is perfect for small businesses or startups. At €42 per year, it's pretty affordable. You get perks like flight delay insurance and 24/7 fraud protection.

Tips for maximizing credit card benefits

Now that we've covered the different types of cards, let's talk about how to make the most of your Netherlands credit card. Here are some tips I've learned over the years:

Use your card for travel discounts: Many cards offer discounts on flights, hotels, and car rentals. I once saved a bunch of money on a trip back home by using my credit card to book the flight.

Consider a prepaid credit card: These work like debit cards but offer many of the benefits of credit cards. They're a great option if you want to control your spending while still enjoying credit card perks.

Pay your balance in full each month: This is crucial! If you pay off your balance within the grace period, you won't have to pay any interest. It's a great way to build your credit score without incurring extra costs.

Take advantage of cashback offers: Some cards offer cashback on specific purchases. Keep an eye out for these offers and use them when you can.

Use your card for online purchases: Credit cards often offer better protection for online shopping than debit cards. I always use my credit card when buying stuff online.

Important considerations for Dutch credit cards

Before you rush out to apply for a credit card, there are a few things you should know about how credit and cards work in the Netherlands:

Credit checks are standard: Most card issuers will run a BKR assessment to check your credit history. If you have a negative BKR, you might have trouble getting approved.

Income requirements: Many cards have minimum income requirements. Don't worry if you don't meet them though - some banks might still offer you a card, just with a lower spending limit.

Chip and PIN system: Dutch credit cards use a chip and PIN system, not signatures. You'll need to remember your PIN for all transactions.

Limited acceptance: Remember, not all shops in the Netherlands accept credit cards. Always have a backup payment method handy.

Conclusion and next steps

Whew! That was a lot of information, wasn't it? But don't worry, you don't need to become a credit card expert overnight. The most important thing is to think about what you need from a credit card and choose one that fits your lifestyle.

If you're mostly using it for everyday purchases, a basic card with low fees might be perfect. If you travel a lot, consider one with travel perks. And if you're running a business, look for a card with features that will make your financial management easier.

Remember, having a credit card in the Netherlands can be really useful, but it's not absolutely necessary for everyday life. Take your time, do your research, and choose the card that's right for you.

Ready to take the next step? Why not make a list of your priorities for a credit card and start comparing the options we've discussed? And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the card issuers directly - they're usually happy to help!

Good luck with your credit card journey in the Netherlands. Before you know it, you'll be swiping (or tapping) like a pro! Whether you're looking for the best credit card in the Netherlands or just trying to understand how Dutch credit cards work, I hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, a good credit card can be a valuable tool when used responsibly, so take your time to find the one that's right for you.

This article was updated 19 August 2025.