Travel Credit Card Netherlands

Flying often or booking hotels abroad? A regular credit card won’t cut it. Travel credit cards offer perks like free insurance, lounge access, and 0% foreign fees — but not all cards are worth the cost. In this guide, we break down the best travel credit cards in the Netherlands and how to pick one that actually saves you money.

What Is a Travel Credit Card?

A travel credit card is a type of credit card built for people who frequently travel — whether for business or leisure. It offers all the core functions of a regular credit card (delayed payment, global acceptance), but adds travel-specific benefits that make spending abroad more rewarding and cost-effective.

Common features include

• No foreign transaction fees – Save 1.5%–2.5% on every purchase outside the Eurozone.
• Travel insurance – Coverage for trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies.
• Air miles or rewards points – Earn points for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
• Airport lounge access – Entry to VIP lounges at major airports worldwide.
• Priority services – Such as fast-track security or concierge access.
• Multi-currency support – Some cards let you hold or pay in multiple currencies without conversion fees.
• Emergency services – Like card replacement, cash advances, or 24/7 support while abroad.

These features vary by provider and card type, but they’re designed to offer convenience, savings, and peace of mind when you’re away from home.

How to Apply for a Travel Credit Card in the Netherlands

Getting a travel credit card in the Netherlands is usually quick and straightforward — but approval depends on your credit history, income, and sometimes your travel habits. Choosing the right card involves more than just filling out a form. To get the best value, you need to match features with your real-life travel needs and ensure you qualify for the benefits.

Steps:

• Compare travel card providers
• Check eligibility criteria
• Prepare your documents
• Apply online or via app
• Wait for approval and activate the card

Compare Travel Card Providers

Start by identifying what you need most: no foreign fees, air miles, insurance, or lounge access. Some cards, like American Express Flying Blue, are geared toward frequent flyers, while others — like ICS World Card Travel — are better for all-round international use.

Compare not just benefits but also costs. Some travel cards charge an annual fee (€36–€100), while others waive it the first year. Also check the reward structure, redemption options, and whether benefits like insurance require minimum spending thresholds.

Check Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet the card’s requirements. Most travel cards require:

• Dutch address
• Valid ID or passport
• BSN number
• Dutch bank account
• Stable income (varies per provider)
• Positive BKR status

Premium cards may require higher income, sometimes over €2,000/month net, and a clean credit history. If you’re a student or freelancer, consider fintech alternatives like bunq Easy Green, which are more flexible but offer fewer perks.

Prepare Your Documents

Having your documents ready speeds up the process and increases approval chances. Standard requirements include:

• Proof of identity (passport or ID card)
• Proof of income (recent payslips or tax filings)
• Dutch IBAN
• KvK number if applying as a business user

Some providers may ask for bank statements, especially if you apply for a card with a high credit limit or premium benefits.

Apply Online or via App

Most travel cards can be applied for digitally. Visit the provider’s website or use their app. Fill in your personal details, income level, employment status, and travel frequency if requested. Some providers offer pre-approval checks, so you can see your chances before a full application.

Once submitted, you’ll typically need to verify your identity via a video call, document upload, or mobile verification system.

Wait for Approval and Activate the Card

Approval usually takes between 1–5 business days, depending on the provider. If approved, you’ll receive the physical card by post or a virtual card immediately. Follow the instructions to activate the card via app or web portal.

Be sure to review all card benefits and insurance conditions — some perks are only activated once you pay for the trip using the card. Once activated, your travel card is ready for global use with real-time notifications, currency conversions, and full app control.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Credit Card

A travel credit card only delivers real value if you use its features strategically. With the right habits, you can save hundreds of euros per year — not just on fees, but through smart rewards and built-in protections.

Use the card for all foreign transactions

Avoid using your regular debit card abroad, especially outside the Eurozone, as most banks charge 1.5%–2.5% in FX fees. Your travel credit card likely offers 0% foreign transaction fees, so always pay with it when traveling or shopping on international websites. This alone can save you significant money over time.

For physical purchases, make sure the terminal is set to charge you in local currency, not EUR. Choosing EUR at checkout may trigger dynamic currency conversion, which adds hidden fees.

Book flights and hotels directly with the card

To unlock travel insurance, trip delay protection, or purchase protection, many cards require that the travel expense is paid using the card itself. Booking through third-party services may disqualify you from coverage — check the fine print.

Also, some cards offer bonus points or miles for travel-related purchases. Booking your trip with the card ensures you both earn rewards and activate coverage in case something goes wrong.

Redeem rewards smartly

If your card offers air miles, points, or cashback, make sure to use them before expiry. Some programs allow you to redeem for free flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, or even gift cards.

Watch for point multipliers or bonus categories — for example, 2x points on travel, 3x on dining. Align your spending with these to get maximum value.

Enable alerts and monitor usage

When abroad, fraud risk increases. Enable real-time push notifications through your provider’s app to track every transaction. This helps you react instantly to suspicious activity.

Also, some apps let you freeze the card or disable international payments with one click — useful if your card is lost or stolen while traveling.

Don’t forget the benefits

Many users overlook built-in features like car rental insurance, priority boarding, or concierge services. Review your benefits list and learn what’s available — especially before long trips.

For frequent travelers, these perks can save both time and money — and turn a basic trip into a smoother experience.

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

Not all travel credit cards offer the same value — and choosing the wrong one can mean missed perks or unexpected fees. The best card for you depends on where and how you travel, how much you spend, and which features you’ll actually use. Below are the key factors to guide your decision.

1. Check foreign transaction fees

If you frequently travel outside the Eurozone or shop from international websites, 0% foreign transaction fees should be non-negotiable. Some cards waive this completely, while others charge 1.5–2.5% per purchase, which adds up fast.

Be sure to check the fine print — some banks advertise “low fees” but only waive them for certain currencies or premium plans.

2. Consider insurance and protections

Most travel cards offer basic travel insurance, but coverage varies. Look for cards that include trip cancellation, baggage delay, medical expenses, and rental car insurance. Also confirm whether the insurance is activated automatically or only when the trip is booked with the card.

If you travel often, having solid coverage can save you hundreds of euros — and serious hassle — in the event of disruptions or emergencies.

3. Look at reward structures

Some cards offer air miles (e.g. Flying Blue), while others offer points, cashback, or partner discounts. Choose a card with rewards that match your actual travel behavior — not just flashy programs you’ll never use.

Also check for bonus categories (e.g. 2x points on flights, 3x on hotels) and whether points can be redeemed easily for flights, upgrades, or statement credits.

4. Evaluate annual fees vs. value

Premium travel cards often charge €75–€150 per year, but include perks like lounge access, priority services, and comprehensive insurance. If you travel several times per year, these benefits can outweigh the fee.

If you only travel occasionally, a no-fee card with basic features may be a better fit. Do the math: estimate what you’d save through perks vs. what you’d pay annually.

5. App and user experience

Travel involves a lot of on-the-go spending. Choose a card with a modern mobile app that allows you to track transactions in real time, freeze the card instantly, and access support quickly.

Providers like bunq, Revolut, and American Express excel in app-based control, which is especially useful when traveling across time zones or in case of fraud.

Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards

Pros

• No foreign transaction fees: Save up to 2.5% on every purchase made outside the Eurozone. Essential for frequent travelers.
• Built-in travel insurance: Coverage for medical emergencies, delays, lost luggage, and cancellations — often included at no extra cost.
• Reward programs: Earn miles, points, or cashback on travel-related purchases and sometimes everyday spending.
• Airport perks: Many cards offer lounge access, priority boarding, or fast-track security.
• Global acceptance: Most travel cards are issued via Visa, Mastercard, or Amex, making them usable in nearly every country.
• Real-time control: Modern travel cards offer apps with spending alerts, currency conversion, and card freezing for added security.

Cons

• Annual fees: Premium cards often come with €75–€150/year, which only pays off if you travel regularly.
• Complex reward systems: Points and miles may expire, have blackout dates, or offer poor conversion value if not redeemed carefully.
• Insurance limitations: Some travel insurance only applies if the trip is paid for using the card — and coverage levels can vary widely.
• Limited acceptance of Amex: American Express cards may be declined at some European merchants, especially smaller shops or local businesses.
• Potential for overspending: Travel perks can tempt users to spend more than necessary, especially when chasing reward points.
• Extra FX fees if misused: If the merchant charges you in EUR abroad (via dynamic currency conversion), you may still incur hidden fees.