Business Credit Card Netherlands

Running a business means keeping costs clear and cash flow smooth — and the right business credit card can help you do both. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or established SME, Dutch business cards offer tailored features like expense tracking, employee cards, and travel perks. But not all cards are created equal — and choosing the wrong one can cost you more than it saves.

How to Apply for a Business Credit Card in the Netherlands

Applying for a business credit card in the Netherlands is more involved than a personal card — but it also unlocks greater flexibility, tools, and spending power. Whether you’re a ZZP’er (freelancer) or run a BV (private limited company), card issuers will assess your business setup and financials before approval.

• Choose a business credit card
• Register your business
• Gather financial documents
• Complete the online application
• Identity & business verification
• Wait for approval and receive the card

Choose a Business Credit Card

Start by comparing available business credit cards in the Dutch market. Focus on features like monthly limits, employee card options, online dashboards, and foreign transaction fees. Large banks like ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and ING offer robust corporate options, while ICS and fintechs like bunq provide flexible alternatives for freelancers and small businesses.

You should also evaluate the fee structure — some cards charge monthly or annual fees but offer additional value through travel insurance, rewards programs, or expense management tools. Determine what aligns best with your business type and monthly spending.

Register Your Business

To be eligible, you must have a registered business with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel), the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. This applies to all legal forms, including sole proprietors, BVs, VOFs, and more.

Without a KvK number, most banks will reject your application, even if you have business income. Make sure your business details — address, owner identity, sector code — are correctly listed and up to date before you apply.

Gather Financial Documents

Card issuers will ask for financial documentation to assess income stability and creditworthiness. The required documents vary depending on your business type and card provider but typically include:

Common requirements:

• Recent bank statements (business account)
• Annual turnover or profit & loss reports
• Valid KvK extract
• Proof of VAT registration (if applicable)
• Recent tax filings or accountant statement

If your business is newly established, some issuers may still approve your application based on personal credit history or by requiring a deposit or spending cap.

Complete the Online Application

Most providers let you apply online via their website or banking app. The application will request business info (KvK number, legal form), contact details, and expected monthly card usage.

You’ll also be asked to select preferences like number of employee cards, spending limits, billing date, and linked bank account for repayment. Fill everything out accurately to avoid delays.

Identity & Business Verification

Once the application is submitted, you’ll go through an identification process. This usually includes uploading a photo ID, verifying your residential address, and confirming your role in the company (e.g. director or owner).

Some providers use automated ID checks, while others may request a video verification or additional documentation. They may also verify your business’s financial activity using PSD2-enabled open banking if permitted.

Wait for Approval and Receive the Card

If everything checks out, approval usually takes 2–5 business days. Once approved, your business credit card will be sent to the registered address. Some fintechs, like bunq, also issue virtual cards immediately upon approval.

Once received, you may need to activate the card online or via the mobile app. After that, you’re ready to use it for business expenses, travel bookings, or employee purchases — all tracked in your business account.

Requirements and Eligibility for Business Credit Cards in the Netherlands

Before applying for a business credit card, it’s important to understand who qualifies — and what documentation is required. Although the application process is relatively streamlined, approval depends on your business structure, financial status, and legal registration.

Most Dutch providers have clear eligibility rules.

Basic requirements

• Registered business (KvK number)
• Valid business bank account (IBAN)
• Business owner or director status
• Dutch address (business and/or personal)
• Personal or business ID (passport or Dutch ID)
• Proof of income or financial activity

Registered Business with KvK

Your business must be officially registered with the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK). This applies to all legal structures, including ZZP, BV, VOF, and stichtingen. Most banks will verify your KvK details automatically during the application.

Startups or newly formed entities can apply, but they may face lower credit limits, higher scrutiny, or need to provide personal financial guarantees.

Business Bank Account

A valid Dutch business bank account (not personal IBAN) is mandatory. Repayments, fees, and spending activity are linked to this account. It also helps issuers assess your cash flow and income consistency.

Financial Documentation

While some providers offer no-doc or light-check products, most require proof of financial stability. This could be your VAT filings, P&L reports, or simply monthly account statements. For self-employed applicants, recent invoices or tax returns may be sufficient.

Credit Checks

For larger credit limits or revolving business cards, issuers may perform a BKR check or assess your business credit rating (if applicable). If you apply through a fintech or get a prepaid-style business card, you can often skip this step entirely.

Types of Business Credit Cards in the Netherlands

Business credit cards in the Netherlands come in several forms — each tailored to different company sizes, spending habits, and risk profiles. Choosing the right type depends on whether you want flexibility, control, or simply a clear way to separate business and personal expenses.

Standard Business Credit Cards

These work much like personal credit cards but are linked to a business account. You get a monthly limit, and the balance is repaid in full or in part. Ideal for small businesses or freelancers with stable cash flow.

Key features:

• Monthly statements
• Optional employee cards
• Linked to one business IBAN
• May include travel or purchase insurance

Charge Cards

Charge cards must be paid in full every month, with no option to carry a balance. They offer high spending limits and are often used by companies that want to avoid interest and keep accounting clean.

Typical perks:

• No preset limit (flexible credit line)
• Premium benefits (e.g. lounge access, insurance)
• Widely used by established SMEs and BVs

Revolving Business Cards

These allow you to repay in flexible monthly installments, with interest on the unpaid balance. Best suited for companies that want short-term financing or to smooth out cash flow.

Considerations:

• Interest rates apply (10%–15% APR)
• Can be risky if not managed carefully
• Requires credit checks and proof of income

Prepaid Business Cards

No credit line — just load funds and spend. These are ideal for startups, freelancers, or companies with poor or no credit history. Also useful for budget control among employees.

Advantages:

• No BKR check or debt risk
• Real-time expense limits
• Available from fintechs like bunq, Wise, and Pleo

Each type of card serves a different purpose. Larger companies may prefer charge cards with integrated expense systems, while solo entrepreneurs benefit from the simplicity of prepaid cards or standard cards.

Benefits of Using a Business Credit Card

A business credit card isn’t just about convenience — it’s a powerful tool for managing finances, separating personal and business expenses, and unlocking benefits tailored to your company’s needs. Here’s what makes them valuable:

1. Expense Separation
Using a dedicated card for business transactions keeps your accounting clean. It simplifies bookkeeping, tax filing, and makes it easier to identify deductible costs.

2. Cash Flow Management
Business credit cards offer short-term liquidity by letting you defer payments until the billing cycle ends. Some even allow revolving credit or flexible repayment, which can help cover expenses during slower revenue periods.

3. Expense Tracking & Reporting
Many cards include access to online dashboards, monthly reports, and exportable data, making it easy to monitor employee spending, set budgets, and control usage across teams.

4. Employee Cards with Custom Limits
Most providers allow multiple user cards linked to the main account. You can assign individual spending limits, restrict usage types, and get real-time transaction notifications.

5. Added Perks and Insurance
Business cards often come with travel insurance, purchase protection, car rental coverage, and even discount programs or air miles. These benefits can offer substantial savings, especially for travel-heavy businesses.

6. International Acceptance
Most business cards are branded with Visa or Mastercard, ensuring they work worldwide. This is crucial if you deal with international vendors, travel for work, or use SaaS platforms abroad.

How to Choose the Best Business Credit Card

Not all business credit cards are created equal. The right card depends on your company’s structure, spending habits, and growth plans. Below are the most important factors to consider — each with real business impact.

Business Type and Legal Structure

Are you a sole trader (ZZP), a BV, or a growing startup with employees? Some cards are designed for freelancers with limited income documentation, while others are tailored for incorporated companies with larger turnovers. For example, many banks won’t approve standard business credit cards for sole traders unless they’ve been in business for 12+ months.

If you’re a startup or newly registered entity, you may be limited to prepaid or fintech-based cards. These often offer fewer requirements but also fewer benefits — so make sure the card matches your legal setup and stage of growth.

Spending Habits and Monthly Volume

How much do you spend each month — and on what? If your business regularly books flights, hotels, or SaaS tools, you may benefit from a card with travel perks or foreign transaction fee waivers. On the other hand, if your spending is local and predictable, a simple card with no annual fee and basic tracking may be sufficient.

Review your typical expense categories. Cards that offer cashback, discounts, or points for those categories can deliver real returns — but only if they align with how you actually spend.

Credit Terms and Flexibility

Some businesses prefer charge cards that must be paid off monthly, while others need revolving credit with more repayment flexibility. Choosing the wrong structure can lead to unnecessary fees or — worse — cash flow problems.

Also check whether the card offers grace periods, installment options, or adjustable credit limits. Businesses with irregular income cycles (like seasonal sales) may need more room to maneuver without penalty.

Fees and Interest Rates

Look beyond the headline interest rate. Some cards come with low or zero APR, but hide costs in monthly service fees, ATM charges, or currency conversion fees. Others have higher annual fees, but offer insurance, multi-user access, and rewards that offset the cost.

Always evaluate the total cost of ownership — not just the obvious charges. Run a projection over 12 months based on your typical usage. A free card with high FX fees might end up more expensive than a premium card with no hidden costs.

Tools and Integrations

Modern business credit cards often include digital tools for expense management, budget control, and even automated bookkeeping. If you use accounting platforms like Exact, Moneybird, or QuickBooks, check whether the card can integrate directly.

Cards from fintechs like bunq or Pleo offer advanced dashboards, real-time categorization, and export features that save hours of admin. For teams or growing companies, these features may be more valuable than traditional perks like insurance.

Tips for Managing Business Credit Cards Effectively

Getting a business credit card is just the first step — using it responsibly is what unlocks its real value. Mismanagement can lead to overspending, accounting issues, or even damaged credit. These tips help you stay in control and get the most out of your card.

Set Clear Spending Limits

Assign individual limits to employee cards based on roles and needs. A marketing manager may need a higher cap for ad spend, while an intern should be limited to office supplies. Many providers allow real-time adjustments via app or dashboard.

By keeping limits tight and aligned with responsibilities, you reduce the risk of misuse and simplify expense tracking. It also avoids surprises at the end of the month.

Automate Payments

Set up automatic full-balance payments from your business bank account to avoid late fees and interest. For cards with revolving credit, at least automate the minimum repayment to protect your credit standing.

Automation also reduces administrative overhead and ensures you never miss a due date — especially helpful for busy founders juggling multiple tasks.

Track and Categorize Expenses

Use your card’s digital tools or link it with accounting software to categorize every transaction. This allows you to monitor spending trends, spot anomalies, and keep your books organized.

Consistent categorization also makes VAT reporting and tax deductions far easier — and can highlight areas where the company can reduce unnecessary costs.

Review Statements Monthly

Even if you automate payments, always review monthly statements. Check for unauthorized charges, employee errors, or duplicate payments.

If discrepancies are found, most card issuers have fraud protection policies and allow chargebacks. But these are time-sensitive, so prompt review is critical.

Reevaluate Card Performance Annually

As your business grows, so do your needs. Review your card’s costs, features, and limits once per year to see if it still fits your spending profile.

If you’ve scaled up, switching to a card with higher limits, team controls, or better rewards might save you money — or make your operations more efficient.