Best Credit Card Netherlands 2026: Which Ones Accept Expats

Short answer: American Express lists its Green Card as free in the first year and EUR 6.50 a month after that, with a Dutch address, no negative BKR registration and a gross income of EUR 30,000 as requirements. The ICS Visa World Card costs EUR 42.95 a year with a net income requirement of EUR 1,500 a month (both checked 30 October 2026). Until either lands, a Wise card bridges the gap for everyday and international spending.

A Dutch bank account is usually the first step after you arrive; a Dutch credit card often comes later. Dutch issuers set income and residence rules and check BKR, the Dutch credit register, and a new arrival does not always meet those rules yet.

Best Credit Card in the Netherlands 2026 at a Glance

The sections below explain the rules, fees and catches per card.

Which Credit Card Is Easiest to Get in the Netherlands as an Expat?

The easiest Dutch credit card to get is the one whose written entry rules you already meet. American Express lists four conditions for its Dutch cards: 18 or older, no negative BKR registration, a Dutch residential address and a gross annual income of at least EUR 30,000 (americanexpress.com, checked 30 October 2026). ICS tests BKR and asks for a net income of EUR 1,500 a month, and ABN AMRO’s English credit card page excludes applicants with a temporary residence permit (icscards.nl and abnamro.nl, checked 30 October 2026).

💡 Looking for a complete banking comparison? Read Best banking for expats in the Netherlands 2026 — covers ABN, ING, Bunq, Wise, Revolut & 5 others by expat use case.

The Dutch Credit Card Problem: Why It Is Hard for Expats

Dutch credit card issuers check BKR (Bureau Krediet Registratie) when you apply, alongside your income and residence. BKR registers loans and credit above EUR 250 that run longer than a month, and payment arrears. Issuers look at those registrations together with your income and residence.

If you have just arrived in the Netherlands, your BKR file is empty. Credit history from another country is not in BKR, so issuers decide on the income and residence rules below.

What BKR Registers

• A loan, credit card or overdraft above EUR 250 that runs longer than a month (a positive registration)
• Payment arrears on such credit (a negative registration)
• A phone subscription only when it includes a device worth more than EUR 250 on credit; a SIM-only plan is not registered

There is no fixed waiting period: issuers look at your income, residence and BKR file at the moment you apply.

Your Options: Ranked by Accessibility for New Expats

1. American Express Netherlands

American Express checks BKR as part of its assessment (cardholder agreement, art. 6.12). For its Dutch cards it lists these requirements: 18 or older, no negative BKR registration, a Dutch residential address and a gross annual income of at least EUR 30,000 (americanexpress.com, checked 30 October 2026).

Consumer cards include:

Prices and benefits as listed on americanexpress.com/nl-nl and in its fee schedule valid from 1 October 2026 (checked 30 October 2026). All four are charge cards: you pay the full balance every month. American Express also issues Flying Blue co-branded cards in the Netherlands.

Before you apply: American Express is a separate card network, so check whether the shops and sites you use accept it, and keep a debit card alongside it.

How to apply: Directly via americanexpress.com/nl.

2. ICS Visa and Mastercard

ICS (International Card Services) issues Visa and Mastercard credit cards, directly and on behalf of banks such as ABN AMRO. ICS collects the monthly bill from any European IBAN, so you do not need a specific Dutch bank.

Available cards:

Source: icscards.nl, checked 30 October 2026. ICS lists a 2 percent exchange-rate markup outside the euro and a net income requirement of EUR 1,500 a month for its regular cards.

For new expats: ICS checks BKR and income. ICS calculates whether the spending limit you ask for fits your financial situation and sets a lower one if it does not.

If you bank with ABN AMRO, its credit cards are issued with ICS. ABN AMRO’s Dutch credit card page asks for a net income of at least EUR 1,500 a month (or at least EUR 27,500 in box 3 assets over the past two years); its English page lists EUR 1,350 a month and says you cannot apply with a temporary residence permit (abnamro.nl, checked 30 October 2026).

3. bunq — Dutch bank with cards inside its plans

bunq no longer sells a separate Metal plan. Its personal plans are bunq Free (EUR 0), Core (EUR 3.99), Pro (EUR 9.99) and Elite (EUR 18.99 a month); bunq Pro “Includes 3 free Physical bunq Cards and 25 free Digital bunq Cards (Credit or Debit)” (bunq Help: What plans are available, checked 30 October 2026). bunq says approval for its credit card and the credit limit depend on its own assessment.

Key advantage for expats: bunq offers a Dutch bank account with app-based onboarding, so if you already use it as your main Dutch bank account the card comes from the same app.

Check Bunq →

4. Revolut

Revolut lists five plans on its Dutch site: Standard (free), Plus (EUR 3.99 a month), Premium (EUR 10.99), Metal (EUR 19.99) and Ultra (EUR 65). It advertises a local IBAN, and its banking services in the Netherlands are provided by the Dutch branch of Revolut Bank UAB, authorised by the Bank of Lithuania and the ECB (revolut.com/en-NL, checked 30 October 2026). Revolut also says that opening an account does not guarantee access to all services in the app. This guide does not cover Revolut credit products, so treat a Revolut card as a debit card unless Revolut has approved you for credit in the app. See our Revolut review for the wider picture.

5. N26 Metal

N26 Metal costs EUR 16.90 a month and includes travel insurance and smartphone insurance (n26.com, checked 30 October 2026).

For credit: the N26 Metal card is a debit Mastercard, not a revolving credit card.

N26 Metal is aimed at people who want travel insurance bundled with their card. It is not a route to Dutch credit.

6. Debit Card Alternatives

When you cannot get a credit card yet, a debit card that works online and abroad covers much of the gap. The Wise debit card spends money in your Wise account in 40+ currencies. For residents of the Netherlands, Wise lists no subscription fee, a one-off EUR 7 card fee, and free ATM withdrawals up to EUR 250 a month, then 2.69% of the amount above that (wise.com, checked 30 October 2026).

In the EU, Wise is provided by Wise Europe SA, a payment institution authorised by the National Bank of Belgium. A Wise account is therefore not a Dutch bank account. Whether it works for your salary, rent or iDEAL payments depends on the other party; a Dutch bank account avoids that question.

Full Comparison Table

Applying for Dutch Credit Cards: Step-by-Step

If you do not yet meet the Dutch income or residence rules:

1. Check the American Express requirements (Dutch address, no negative BKR registration, EUR 30,000 gross income) and apply directly at americanexpress.com/nl-nl if you meet them
2. Use a debit card such as the Wise card for international spending in the meantime
3. If you bank with ABN AMRO or ING, ask about their credit card offering and when you become eligible

Once you meet the ICS income requirement:

1. Apply for an ICS card directly or through your Dutch bank (ICS asks for EUR 1,500 net a month; ABN AMRO’s Dutch page also EUR 1,500 net a month, or at least EUR 27,500 in box 3 assets; its English page lists EUR 1,350 and no temporary residence permit)
2. If rejected, ask the bank explicitly what you need to demonstrate and when to reapply
3. Continue with Amex if your spending pattern suits their rewards programme

Once you are settled:

1. Compare the ICS range (EUR 38.95 to EUR 175 a year for its Visa cards and Mastercard Classic) with your bank’s own card
2. Check your BKR file online at mijnkredietregistratie.nl (free) to see which registrations it holds
3. Compare all Dutch finance options before committing to a product

Credit Cards for Specific Needs

For online shopping in the Netherlands

ICS Visa World Card or Amex Green, where the webshop accepts them. Check the payment options at checkout: many Dutch webshops offer iDEAL, which runs through a Dutch bank account, so you still need one alongside any credit card.

For travel and airport lounges

Amex Gold (four free airport lounge visits a year, americanexpress.com, checked 30 October 2026) or the ICS Visa World Card Platinum (continuous travel insurance, EUR 175 a year). If you fly frequently from Amsterdam Schiphol, compare the cost-of-living calculator against your actual travel frequency to see whether a premium card pays off.

For car rentals

Car rental companies often ask for a credit card for the security deposit. Policies vary by company and country, so check before booking whether a debit card such as the Wise card is accepted.

For salary management

Credit cards have no bearing on salary accounts. A Dutch bank account is the simplest set-up for salary. Under EU rules, a counterpart that accepts SEPA transfers from domestic accounts may not refuse your account because it is held in another EU country (Your Europe, checked 30 October 2026). See the full guide to Dutch bank accounts for expats and the ING vs ABN AMRO comparison.

Fees Deep Dive: What You Actually Pay

Foreign transaction fees

ICS charges a 2% markup on transactions in non-euro EU countries and outside the EU (icscards.nl). American Express charges a 2.5% exchange-rate markup on non-euro transactions (Amex cardholder agreement, January 2025). bunq’s terms depend on the plan: bunq Core, Pro and Elite use the Mastercard rate plus a 0.5% markup while markets are open, while bunq Free allows spending at that rate up to EUR 1,000 a year, after which bunq charges 1.5% of the transaction amount (bunq ZeroFX page, checked 30 October 2026).

If you earn in euros and spend in euros, foreign transaction fees are irrelevant. If you send money home, receive money from abroad, or travel frequently, these fees compound. A Wise account alongside your Dutch credit card is one option for international transfers; compare its fee with your bank’s before each large transfer.

Cash advance fees

Credit cards charge a fee when you withdraw cash: ICS lists 4% of the amount, American Express 3.5% with a minimum of EUR 4.50 (icscards.nl and the Amex cardholder agreement). Use a credit card for cash only in an emergency.

Late payment fees

ICS charges no interest if you pay the full balance within 21 days of the statement. If you do not, ICS blocks the card and can charge late-payment interest at the statutory rate; a payment arrear of four months must be reported to BKR (ICS general card terms, art. 15). American Express reports arrears of more than four months and over EUR 250 to BKR (cardholder agreement, art. 6.12). Set up automatic direct debit repayment on every credit card you open.

The Bank Account Chooser Tool

If you are still deciding between Dutch banking options, the bank account chooser tool on this site filters by English app and support, international transfers, joint and business accounts, and traditional or digital bank, and shows which banks need a BSN to open an account.

Credit Card Consumer Protections in the Netherlands

One practical reason to have a credit card, beyond credit itself, is the insurance that comes with it.

Purchase Insurance

ICS insures purchases made with its cards for 180 days (Visa World Card) or 365 days (Gold and Platinum), according to icscards.nl. Check the policy conditions before a large purchase: they set what is covered and what is not.

Amex Additional Protections

American Express lists purchase insurance and travel cover on its Dutch cards, for example purchase insurance plus travel accident and inconvenience insurance on the Green Card. The specific terms for Netherlands-issued cards differ from US Amex cards — review the current policy document before relying on these benefits.

Managing Credit in the Netherlands Long-Term

Increasing Your Credit Limit

ICS lets you request a higher spending limit in Mijn ICS. As with a new application, ICS checks whether the limit you ask for fits your financial situation and consults BKR.

Closing a Credit Card Correctly

When you close a Dutch credit card, BKR records the closure. The account history remains in your BKR file for up to 5 years after closure, which continues to inform future credit assessments. This is positive if your repayment history was good — the record of responsible credit use stays on file.

Close accounts in writing (email or registered letter) and confirm a zero balance before requesting closure. Keep the written confirmation.

What Happens When You Leave the Netherlands

If you leave the Netherlands, you should close Dutch credit card accounts before departure or convert them to a different status with the issuer. An active card stays your responsibility, including repayment and any BKR registration, so agree the next step with the issuer before you leave.

Credit Cards vs Debit Cards vs Wise: What Actually Covers Each Need

Once you have a Dutch bank account and a debit card, you may need a credit card less often than expected. Here is how each need is usually covered:

For card spending abroad, a Wise account is an alternative to a credit card, and a Dutch bank account handles local spending. A credit card is mainly useful for the uses in the table above, particularly car rentals, hotel deposits and purchase insurance.

If those use cases apply to you, Amex Green is the accessible entry point. If they do not, you may never need a Dutch credit card at all.

Which Credit Card Should You Get, Depending on How Long You Have Been Here?

The right Dutch credit card depends mainly on whether you meet the issuers’ income and residence rules yet. A new arrival with a gross income of EUR 30,000 and a Dutch address can apply for the American Express Green Card, free in year one and EUR 6.50 a month after that; others bridge with a Wise card. Once your net income is EUR 1,500 a month, the ICS Visa World Card at EUR 42.95 a year is a common Dutch option (prices checked 30 October 2026).

Just arrived: Apply for Amex Green (free in year one, then EUR 6.50 a month) if you meet its requirements and want genuine credit. Use a debit card such as the Wise card for everything else. Apply for ICS only once you meet its EUR 1,500 net monthly income requirement.

Settled in (6-18 months): Apply for ICS Visa World Card through your Dutch bank. Keep Amex if the rewards work for you. If you spend a lot abroad, compare the finance apps — the right choice depends on whether you need a Dutch NL IBAN or prioritise travel features.

Long-term (18+ months): Compare your bank’s own card with the ICS range; ABN AMRO’s credit cards, for example, are issued with ICS. Revisit annually whether your premium fintech subscription still earns its keep.

At every stage, the Wise debit card needs no BKR check: it spends money you have added to your Wise account. It is provided by Wise Europe SA, a payment institution authorised by the National Bank of Belgium, so it works alongside a Dutch bank account rather than replacing one.

Get a Wise debit card →

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying to several issuers at once. Every application triggers a BKR check and a separate assessment. Apply to one at a time, wait for the decision, then decide next steps.

Treating a debit card as a credit card. If you book a hotel or rental car with a debit card, you may not get the purchase insurance that comes with a credit card, and the deposit may be refused. Check the terms for each booking.

Ignoring daily and monthly spending costs. Premium subscriptions at EUR 15-20 a month add EUR 180-240 a year. If you are not using the travel and insurance benefits, a basic ICS Visa World Card at EUR 42.95 a year (icscards.nl, checked 30 October 2026) is usually better value.

Not setting up automatic repayment. Dutch cards from ICS collect the full balance each month; if you do not pay it within 21 days, ICS blocks the card and can charge late-payment interest. Set up automatic full repayment via direct debit on the day you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does applying for a credit card affect my credit score in the Netherlands?

Dutch issuers work with your BKR file. Every application triggers a BKR check: ICS always tests BKR, and American Express is required to consult it. BKR registers the credit itself once you have it (above EUR 250 and longer than a month). As a rule: apply to one card at a time, wait for the outcome, then decide whether to apply elsewhere.

What is the credit limit I can expect as an expat?

ICS lets you choose a monthly spending limit between EUR 1,000 and EUR 5,000 on its Visa cards and sets a lower limit if the requested one does not fit your financial situation; the total limit of all your ICS cards together is at most EUR 10,000 (icscards.nl, checked 30 October 2026). ABN AMRO’s Student Credit Card has a limit of EUR 500 to EUR 2,500 depending on income (abnamro.nl, checked 30 October 2026). bunq says the credit limit on its card depends on its own assessment.

Is the Wise card accepted for car rentals in the Netherlands?

Policies vary by rental company. Some accept a debit card such as the Wise card; others ask for a credit card for the security hold. Check with the rental company before booking.

What Dutch government benefits affect expat finances?

Beyond credit cards, your overall Dutch financial situation as an expat is shaped by the 30% ruling tax advantage (if eligible), zorgtoeslag for healthcare costs, and potentially huurtoeslag for housing. These are separate from credit access but affect how much disposable income you have — relevant when lenders assess your affordability.

Credit Cards for ZZP (Freelance) Expats

Freelancers in the Netherlands face a specific challenge with credit cards: irregular income makes it harder to satisfy the income verification requirements of traditional issuers. Here is what works:

Business credit cards: Dutch banks set their own conditions for business credit cards; check your bank’s business pages, and have your KVK (Chamber of Commerce) registration ready.

Bunq business plans: bunq’s business plans (Core, Pro and Elite Business) include business cards; whether a credit card is offered depends on bunq’s own assessment.

Amex for ZZP: American Express offers business cards in the Netherlands, including the Business Gold Card.

Tax deductibility note: If you use a business credit card exclusively for business expenses, the annual fee may be deductible as a business cost. Discuss this with your boekhouder. Personal credit cards used for mixed personal and business spending are not cleanly deductible.

Related Guides

• Best bank accounts for expats in the Netherlands — where to start before you apply for a credit card
• Wise review for expats in the Netherlands — a debit alternative for international spending
• Revolut review for expats in the Netherlands — features and limitations in the Dutch context

Making the Most of Your Dutch Credit Card: Practical Strategies

Once you have a credit card in the Netherlands, a few habits make a real difference to how much value you extract.

Use it where purchase insurance matters. ICS and American Express list purchase insurance on their cards; check the policy before a large online purchase.

Pay the balance in full every month. ICS collects the full balance each month, and arrears lead to late-payment interest and eventually a blocked card. Set up an automatic full payment from your Dutch bank account on the monthly due date.

Use debit for everyday spending. For everyday Dutch spending a debit card is the usual choice; a credit card is mainly useful for large online purchases, travel bookings, rental car deposits and hotel pre-authorisations.

Report any Dutch address changes promptly. Update your address with your credit card issuer after any move within the Netherlands.

How Dutch Credit Card Usage Differs from Your Home Country

If you are moving from a country with a credit score, such as the US or the UK, note how the Dutch system works.

What BKR registers. BKR registers every loan or credit above EUR 250 that runs longer than a month (a positive registration) and payment arrears (a negative one). Issuers look at those registrations together with your income and residence.

• Best finance apps for expats — the full toolkit for managing money in the Netherlands
• Best savings accounts in the Netherlands for expats — where to park the money you are not spending on credit
• Best way to send money from the Netherlands — because credit cards are not the cheapest way to transfer
• Wise vs Revolut vs Bunq three-way comparison — decide between the digital alternatives