Credit Card Netherlands

Looking for a credit card in the Netherlands? Whether you need a Visa or Mastercard, want no annual fee, travel perks, or a card that works well abroad, this page compares the top options. We cover standard credit cards, revolving credit, prepaid cards, and expat-friendly providers — all with key details in plain English.

Requirements for Getting a Credit Card in the Netherlands

Before you can apply for a credit card in the Netherlands, you’ll need to meet a few basic criteria. These requirements help banks assess your eligibility and creditworthiness — especially if you’re new to the country.

Key requirements:

• Dutch address
• Valid ID or passport
• BSN number (citizen service number)
• Dutch bank account
• Proof of income
• Minimum age (18+)
• Credit check (BKR registration)

Dutch address

You must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands. This is usually verified through municipal registration (BRP) and is necessary for receiving your physical card and contract.

Valid ID or passport

A valid government-issued photo ID is required — usually a passport or EU/EEA national ID card. Some banks may also ask for proof of residence status if you’re a non-EU citizen.

BSN number (citizen service number)

The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) is used to identify you in the Dutch administrative system. Without it, most financial institutions won’t open accounts or issue credit.

Dutch bank account

Most issuers require an active Dutch IBAN. This is needed for billing, automatic repayments, and linking the credit card to your daily banking.

Proof of income

You’ll typically need to provide salary slips, a work contract, or other income documentation. Some cards — especially with higher limits — require steady income over several months.

Minimum age (18+)

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. For some premium cards, the minimum age may be 21 or 25 depending on the issuer.

Credit check (BKR registration)

A check with BKR (Bureau Krediet Registratie) is standard. If you have negative listings or existing credit issues in the Netherlands, your application may be declined.

How to Apply for a Credit Card in the Netherlands

Applying for a credit card in the Netherlands is a straightforward process — but approval depends on your personal and financial situation. Most applications are done online and take just a few minutes.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a card – Compare features like fees, limits, perks, and acceptance (Visa or Mastercard).
2. Check eligibility – Make sure you meet the requirements (address, ID, BSN, income).
3. Fill out the application – Provide your personal details, income, and Dutch IBAN.
4. Submit documents – Upload ID, proof of income, and residence if requested.
5. Wait for approval – In most cases, you’ll get a decision within a few days.
6. Receive and activate your card – Once approved, your card is mailed to your Dutch address. You may need to activate it via the app or online banking.

Some banks offer instant virtual cards after approval, while others require manual activation and PIN setup. Always read the terms before accepting the agreement.

Types of Credit Cards in the Netherlands

Credit cards in the Netherlands come in several distinct forms — each with different repayment structures, approval requirements, and use cases. Below, we break down the most common card types available to both residents and expats.

Card Type	Repayment	Credit Check	Typical Use Case	Main Providers
Standard Credit Card	Full monthly payment	Yes (BKR)	Everyday spending with interest-free period	ICS, ABN AMRO, ING
Revolving Credit Card	Flexible, monthly minimums	Yes (BKR)	Ongoing credit, flexible repayment	ICS, Santander
Prepaid Credit Card	Preloaded balance only	No	Expats, students, no credit history	bunq, Viabuy, N26
Business Credit Card	Monthly billing or flexible	Yes (business)	Freelancers, entrepreneurs	ABN AMRO, Rabobank, ICS
Charge Card	Full payment, no set limit	Yes (BKR)	Premium users, frequent travelers	American Express

Standard Credit Cards (Deferred Monthly Payment)

These are the most typical credit cards in the Netherlands. You use the card throughout the month and receive a monthly bill which is paid in full by direct debit. There’s usually no interest as long as the balance is repaid on time.

Providers like ICS offer branded Visa and Mastercard options. Most of these cards come with fixed limits, optional purchase protection, and travel insurance. They are ideal for people with steady income and a clean BKR record.

Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards are designed for people who frequently travel abroad or make purchases in foreign currencies. They typically come in the form of standard credit cards or charge cards, but with added travel-specific perks.

Common features:

• Complimentary travel insurance
• Lounge access at airports
• Air miles or reward points for every euro spent
• 0% foreign transaction fees
• Emergency card replacement and global support

These cards often come with an annual fee, but for regular travelers, the value can easily outweigh the cost.

Revolving Credit Cards (Flexible Repayment)

With a revolving credit card, you don’t need to repay the full balance each month. Instead, you can pay a minimum monthly amount and roll the rest over. This provides more flexibility but comes with higher interest costs (often 10–15% APR).

These cards are better suited for users who need ongoing liquidity or can’t always pay off the balance in full. However, they are less common in the Netherlands and sometimes seen as higher risk by issuers.

Prepaid Credit Cards (No Credit Check)

Prepaid cards are not technically credit cards — but they look and function similarly. You preload money onto the card and can only spend what you’ve added.

No BKR check is required, and no income proof is needed. These cards are ideal for non-residents, expats without Dutch credit history, students, or anyone wanting to control spending. Examples include bunq EasyMoney, Viabuy, and N26’s prepaid offerings.

Business Credit Cards (For Freelancers & Companies)

Business cards are tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and SMEs. They often include features like expense management, multi-user access, tax reporting, and corporate travel insurance.

To qualify, you’ll typically need a registered business (KvK), a Dutch business account, and financial documentation. ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and ICS Business are among the most used providers. These cards often come with higher limits and dedicated customer support.

Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards are simplified products aimed at young adults (18+) with little to no credit history. They are often available with lower limits and fewer documentation requirements.

Key characteristics:

• Low credit limits (typically €500–€1,000)
• May not require full-time employment
• Often linked to a Dutch student bank account
• Some banks waive annual fees for students
• Ideal for building credit and online purchases

Alternatively, many students opt for prepaid cards from providers like bunq or N26, which require no BKR check and offer greater control over spending.

Charge Cards (No Pre-set Limit, Full Monthly Payment)

Charge cards don’t have a fixed credit limit — instead, your spending power adjusts based on your income and repayment history. However, the entire balance must be paid in full each month.

They’re typically used by professionals and frequent travelers who want flexibility without incurring interest. American Express is the most well-known provider of charge cards in the Netherlands, with additional perks like air miles, lounge access, and premium travel protection.

Understanding Credit Card Interest in the Netherlands

Credit card interest in the Netherlands depends on how you repay your balance. While many standard cards allow interest-free periods, failing to pay on time or using revolving credit can lead to high costs. Below, we explain the main components of credit card interest and fees — and show you how they add up.

Interest-Free Period

Most standard credit cards in the Netherlands offer an interest-free period of 21 to 30 days. This applies only when you pay the full statement balance by the due date. If you do, you won’t pay any interest on purchases made during that billing cycle.

This makes the interest-free feature ideal for short-term borrowing or planned expenses. For example, if you buy a €500 item on the 1st of the month and your statement is issued on the 30th, you might have until the 20th of the next month to pay — giving you up to 50 days interest-free. However, if you miss the payment deadline or carry over any amount, interest applies retroactively from the transaction date, not just from the due date.

Key points:

• Does not apply to cash withdrawals or revolving balances
• Works only if you pay the full monthly balance
• Skipping or delaying payment voids the interest-free benefit

Revolving Interest

Revolving credit cards let you carry a balance and repay in smaller monthly installments. Instead of paying off your entire debt, you’re only required to pay a minimum amount, often around 2–5% of the balance. The unpaid portion then accrues interest, typically between 10%–15% APR, charged monthly.

This model offers flexibility, especially in tight months — but it’s also where users incur the most cost. The longer the balance is unpaid, the more you’ll pay in compound interest. Many Dutch consumers avoid this by choosing cards that enforce full monthly payment. Still, revolving cards remain popular among users who value flexible repayment options.

Cash Withdrawal Fees

Credit cards are not ideal for ATM cash withdrawals in the Netherlands. When you use your credit card to withdraw cash, interest usually starts immediately, without any grace period. In addition, providers charge a cash advance fee, typically around 1.5% to 4% of the withdrawn amount, with a fixed minimum (e.g. €4–€5).

This means a €200 withdrawal could cost you up to €8 in fees plus interest — even if repaid within a few days. Cash advances are seen as high-risk by banks and should be used only in emergencies.

Foreign Transaction Fees

If you use your Dutch credit card abroad or shop online in currencies like USD or GBP, you’ll likely face foreign transaction fees. These are usually calculated as a percentage of the purchase amount, often between 1.5% and 2.5%.

Some premium cards — especially travel-focused options — waive this fee entirely or offer free currency conversion. If you travel often or shop online internationally, choosing a card without this fee can lead to major savings over time.

What to consider:

• Fee applies to all non-euro purchases
• Some cards offer 0% FX fees (e.g. bunq Easy Green)
• Exchange rates are set by Visa/Mastercard, but banks may add a markup

Example: Revolving Interest Calculation

Amount Spent	Monthly Interest Rate	Monthly Payment	Interest Paid (1st Month)	Balance Remaining
€1,000	1.25% (≈15% APR)	€100	€12.50	€912.50

In this example, if you repay only €100 in the first month on a €1,000 balance, you’ll pay €12.50 in interest and carry over €912.50 to the next month. As the balance rolls over, the cost compounds.

How to Avoid Paying Credit Card Interest

Used wisely, a credit card can be a cost-free tool. But if you’re not careful, even small mistakes can lead to significant interest charges. Here’s how to keep your costs at zero:

1. Always Pay the Full Balance Each Month
The most effective strategy is to repay your entire statement balance by the due date. This ensures you benefit from the interest-free grace period and avoid retroactive charges.

2. Set Up Automatic Payments
Link your card to your Dutch bank account (IBAN) and activate automatic monthly payments. You can often choose to pay either the minimum amount or the full balance. Select the full balance to avoid missed payments.

3. Avoid Revolving Credit Cards (if possible)
Unless you absolutely need the flexibility, choose cards that enforce full monthly repayment. These are more common in the Netherlands and safer for long-term financial health.

4. Never Use Credit Cards for Cash Withdrawals
Use your debit card or bank account for cash. Credit card ATM usage leads to immediate fees and interest, even if paid back quickly.

5. Choose Cards with 0% Foreign Fees (if You Travel Often)
If you frequently spend in other currencies, get a card that offers free currency conversion. This avoids unnecessary costs and improves value abroad.

6. Track Spending with the Mobile App
Most Dutch credit card providers have user-friendly apps where you can track purchases, set limits, and receive payment reminders. Staying on top of your usage helps prevent surprises.

Credit Score and BKR Registration in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, your creditworthiness is assessed through a centralized system known as BKR (Bureau Krediet Registratie). Unlike credit scoring models in other countries, such as FICO in the US, BKR focuses more on your active credit agreements and payment history than on a numerical score.

What Is BKR?

BKR is a private credit registry based in Tiel. Dutch financial institutions are legally required to report all credit agreements over €250 with a term of more than one month to BKR. This includes credit cards, personal loans, phone contracts, and even some overdraft facilities. When you apply for a credit card, the issuer performs a BKR check to see if you have other loans and whether you’ve met your obligations on time.

Key elements BKR tracks:

• Number and type of active loans or credit
• Payment behavior (on-time vs. late)
• Negative registrations (defaults, arrears, collections)
• Closed credit accounts (retained for up to 5 years)

A negative BKR listing significantly reduces your chances of credit card approval and can impact mortgage or loan eligibility. Even minor delays — such as missing two payments — can lead to a registration.

How to Get a Credit Card Without BKR

If you’re an expat, a new resident, or have a negative BKR status, you still have options:

• Prepaid credit cards require no BKR check and can be topped up manually.
• Foreign-issued cards from providers like Revolut or N26 may not require BKR access.
• Some fintech providers assess affordability using bank transaction data instead of credit history.

These alternatives are especially useful for students, freelancers, or those new to the Dutch financial system.

Tip: You can request a copy of your BKR file for free via BKR.nl, allowing you to check your status before applying.