Prepaid Credit Card Netherlands

Prepaid credit cards give you the freedom to shop online, book travel, and pay securely — all without BKR checks or income proof. They’re ideal for expats, students, and anyone who wants spending control without taking on debt.

What Is a Prepaid Credit Card?

A prepaid credit card works like a debit card — but looks and functions like a credit card. You load funds onto the card in advance and can only spend the amount you’ve added. There is no credit line, no interest, and no risk of going into debt.

Unlike traditional credit cards, prepaid cards do not require a credit check (no BKR), income verification, or a Dutch bank account in some cases. That makes them accessible to non-residents, students, or users with poor credit history.

They’re accepted anywhere Visa or Mastercard is, including online stores, travel bookings, and contactless terminals. However, they often come with top-up fees, monthly maintenance fees, or ATM withdrawal limits, depending on the provider.

How to Apply for a Prepaid Credit Card

Getting a prepaid credit card in the Netherlands is fast and simple — with no paperwork, no BKR check, and often no need to visit a bank. Most applications can be completed online in just a few minutes.

Step-by-step:

1. Choose a provider – Compare options like bunq, Viabuy, N26, or Wise. Look at fees, top-up methods, and supported currencies.
2. Register online – Provide basic personal details such as name, email, and ID (passport or EU ID).
3. Verify your identity – Most providers require a quick identity check via video or document upload.
4. Fund your card – Add money using iDEAL, bank transfer, or another payment method.
5. Receive your card – For physical cards, delivery usually takes 3–7 business days. Virtual cards are often available instantly.
6. Start using it – Once funded, the card can be used online, in stores, or while traveling.

No Dutch bank account is required with many prepaid providers, making it ideal for expats, freelancers, or international students.

Prepaid or Debit Card – What’s the Difference?

At first glance, prepaid and debit cards may seem similar — both let you spend only what you have. But they function differently behind the scenes.

Feature	Prepaid Credit Card	Debit Card (Pinpas)
Linked to bank account	No	Yes
Spending limit	Only what you preload	Your bank account balance
Accepted online	Yes, widely (with CVV, expiry, etc.)	Sometimes limited
Accepted abroad	Yes, like a regular credit card	Often limited to EU / specific networks
BKR check required	No	No
Ideal for	Expats, students, online shopping, travel	Local daily purchases
Security	Safer for online use (not linked to main account)	Risk of account exposure if compromised
Common fees	Top-up fees, monthly fees	Usually free with bank account
Recurring payments	Sometimes not supported	Fully supported

A debit card (pinpas) is directly linked to your Dutch bank account. Every time you make a purchase, the money is instantly deducted from your account balance. It’s ideal for everyday use in the Netherlands, but less useful for online shopping or international bookings, where credit-style cards are preferred.

A prepaid credit card, on the other hand, is not tied to a bank account. You load money manually, and spend from that balance. It behaves more like a credit card: it has a card number, expiration date, and CVV, making it widely accepted on international websites, car rentals, and flights.

Different Types of Prepaid Credit Cards

Not all prepaid cards are the same. In the Netherlands and across Europe, you’ll find several categories — each designed for specific needs, users, and levels of flexibility.

1Reloadable Prepaid Cards

These are the most common. You can add funds multiple times, either via bank transfer, iDEAL, credit card, or SEPA. They’re ideal for regular use, budgeting, and even international travel. Popular options include bunq EasyMoney, Viabuy, and Wise.

One-Time (Non-reloadable) Prepaid Cards

These cards come preloaded with a fixed amount and cannot be topped up. They’re often used as gift cards, for online purchases, or short-term use. Once the balance is gone, the card is deactivated.

Virtual Prepaid Cards

Virtual cards exist only online — no plastic issued. You receive a card number, expiry date, and CVV, just like with physical cards. Perfect for secure online shopping, subscriptions, or travel bookings. Offered by services like N26, Revolut, and bunq.

Branded Prepaid Cards

Some cards are branded (e.g. ANWB, gaming, or crypto-related) and come with added features like rewards, discounts, or support for niche platforms. They’re useful if you want specific perks or spend in a focused category.

Each type offers different levels of flexibility, acceptance, and fee structure — so it’s important to choose based on how and where you plan to use it.

Costs of Prepaid Credit Cards

While prepaid cards avoid interest and overdraft fees, they often come with service-based charges that can add up over time. It’s important to compare fee structures before choosing a provider.

Typical costs

• Card issuance fee: Some providers charge a one-time fee (e.g. €5–€15) for issuing the physical card.
• Monthly or annual fee: A flat rate for keeping the card active. Ranges from €0 to €10/month, depending on the plan.
• Top-up fees: Depending on the funding method (credit card, bank transfer, etc.), you may pay 1%–3% per transaction.
• ATM withdrawal fees: Often €1–€2 per withdrawal within the EU, and higher outside. Some cards offer a limited number of free withdrawals.
• Currency conversion fees: Usually 1.5%–3% when spending in non-euro currencies.
• Inactivity fees: If the card isn’t used for several months, a small monthly fee may apply.

Some premium cards (e.g. bunq Easy Green) reduce or waive certain fees in exchange for a monthly subscription. If you plan to use the card frequently — especially for travel or online purchases — paying for a plan with lower usage fees may be cheaper long-term.

Pros and Cons of Prepaid Credit Cards

Prepaid credit cards offer flexibility without the risks of traditional credit, but they’re not perfect for everyone. Here’s a quick look at the main advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Pros

• No BKR check: You don’t need a credit history or Dutch credit score to get approved.
• No risk of debt: Since you can’t spend more than you load, there’s no overdraft or interest.
• Easy approval: No income verification, no permanent address needed in some cases.
• Accepted like credit cards: Works with most online retailers, airline bookings, and global merchants (Visa/Mastercard).
• Good for budgeting: Ideal for controlling spending, gifting, or setting a fixed limit for children or teens.

Cons

• Fees: Many prepaid cards charge top-up fees, monthly fees, or ATM withdrawal fees.
• No credit building: Using a prepaid card won’t improve your credit score or history.
• Limited features: Often lacks extras like insurance, cashback, or loyalty points.
• May be declined by some merchants: Especially for recurring payments, hotel deposits, or car rentals.
• Manual top-ups required: Can be inconvenient if you forget to reload the balance in time.

Prepaid cards are best seen as tools of convenience and control — not a replacement for full credit functionality.