Find the best credit card in The Netherlands (2024)

FAQs

What is the best card to use in the Netherlands? ›

Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in the Dutch retail space.

Most retailers in the Netherlands only accept a “chip and pin” card and will not accept a standard U.S. credit card containing only a magnetic strip. ATM and credit card users are advised to keep an eye on their cards at all times. If you feel uncomfortable using your card for any reason, use cash.

Visa and MasterCard (also known as Eurocard in Europe) are the most widely used cards in Holland. American Express is often accepted, mostly in the middle- and upper-bracket category. Diners Club is not as commonly accepted as American Express. Beware of hidden credit card fees while traveling.

Major credit cards and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted in the Netherlands at restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations. If you only have a credit card, be advised that some Dutch supermarkets do not accept them at all.

Costly credit card fees

Since the Dutch like to avoid unnecessary spending, it should come as no surprise that many businesses in the Netherlands prefer to avoid those transaction fees and ask you to pay with a Dutch debit card or cash instead.

Be sure to carry cash

In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. Instead, payments are often made with debit cards. Please make sure to bring cash and ask personnel in advance whether you can pay by credit card.

You must carry valid identification at all times if you are over 14. Local authorities may give you a fine if you fail to show them appropriate identification upon request. The following documents, if valid, are acceptable identification: passports.

Usually, Visa and Mastercards are accepted internationally. However, being a domestic payment network, cardholders can use RuPay credit cards only for domestic transactions.

In Amsterdam, as well as in all the Netherlands and many other countries of European Community the accepted currency is Euro (EUR, €), no other currencies are commonly accepted, so you will have to change your dollars, sterling, yens, etc to Euros.

How to pay in the Netherlands? ›

The Netherlands is a very modern country. You can pay with cash or a debit card, and often with your phone via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet. Not to mention the latest phenomenon, 'Tikkie', which is also being used more and more.

What credit cards are accepted in the Netherlands? Credit cards are not yet widely accepted in the Netherlands. However, you will have better luck with Mastercard and Visa compared to cards like American Express or Diner's Club.

Also, since several companies are active in the Dutch public transport system, buying the right travel cards can be a hassle. The Tourist Day Ticket solves these problems for you, as it is valid with all transporters and has a fixed price. This makes the Tourist Day Ticket the ideal travel card Netherlands.

The Tourist Day Ticket is a tourist transport card Netherlands that solves this problem. For a fixed price of €14,50 you can use all of the participating public transport in South Holland. This enables you to carelessly enjoy your visit to the Netherlands!

Be sure to carry cash

In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. Instead, payments are often made with debit cards.

If you are going to spend several days in the capital city and plan visiting other towns in the country, purchasing an OV-chipkaart is the best idea. You will be charged according to the distance of each journey. The smart card costs 7.50€ and it is rechargeable.

The Netherlands is a very modern country. You can pay with cash or a debit card, and often with your phone via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet. Not to mention the latest phenomenon, 'Tikkie', which is also being used more and more.