Expat Money Guide
Credit card comparison

Best Credit Cards for Expats in the Netherlands

Compare the best credit cards for expats in the Netherlands: Dutch credit card fees, FX fees, rewards, insurance and eligibility, plus an estimator for your annual card costs. Credit cards are less common in the Netherlands than in the US or UK, so most expats pair one with an everyday expat bank account.

Product records last reviewed: September 2026Confirm current terms with the provider

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Figures are a dated snapshot from the linked provider pages; values not verified in that review are marked for a provider check. Promotions are listed separately from permanent terms. Records last reviewed: September 2026.

ProviderAnnual feeFX feeWithdrawal feeRewards / points / milesReward caps / conditionsCurrent promotion (temporary)InsuranceKey expat benefitEligibilityLast verified
ICS Visa World Card €42,95 / year2% on non-euro payments4%, minimum €1,5None statedNo rewardsNone recordedPurchase insurance 180 days; delivery guaranteeWidely accepted for car rental and hotel depositsDutch address, income, BKR check2026-09
American Express Green Card €78 / yearProvider check requiredProvider check required1 Membership Rewards point per €1Value depends on redemption or is not quantifiableTemporary offer; check provider page (listed expiry 2026-12-31)Purchase insurance; travel accident & inconvenience coverRewards for frequent travellers; lower NL acceptanceMin. gross income €30,000; BKR check2026-09
ING Creditcard €24 / year2% on non-euro payments4%, minimum €4,5None statedNo rewardsNone recordedProvider check requiredLinked to your ING account; easiest route if you already bank with INGING current account, income, BKR check2026-09
Rabobank RaboCard Provider check required2% on non-euro paymentsProvider check requiredNone statedNo rewardsNone recordedProvider check requiredLinked to your Rabobank accountRabobank current account, BKR check2026-09

Credit card cost estimator

Net annual cost = annual fee + (FX fee × foreign-currency spend) − (rewards × total spend). The fee, FX and reward values come automatically from the verified comparison data above (permanent terms only — temporary promotions such as a free first year are excluded). Travel spending counts as foreign-currency spend. Where a value could not be verified, no estimate is shown.

Total annual spend: €14,000 · of which foreign-currency: €4,400

CardAnnual feeFX costRewardsEst. net annual costVerified
ICS Visa World Card€43€88 (2% × €4,400)€0 (no rewards)€1312026-09 · source
American Express Green Card€78Unavailable — check issuer Value not verified Not calculable — missing verified value2026-09 · source
ING Creditcard€24€88 (2% × €4,400)€0 (no rewards)€1122026-09 · source
Rabobank RaboCardUnavailable — check issuer €88 (2% × €4,400)€0 (no rewards)Not calculable — missing verified value2026-09 · source

Estimate only. Excludes interest on unpaid balances, cash-withdrawal fees and reward caps.

Credit card fees in the Netherlands are small next to FX costs if you spend abroad often. Sending money instead of spending it? See international money transfers; parking cash? Compare high-yield savings.

Which card fits which use case?

Travel and car rentals: a physical Visa or Mastercard credit card is the safest choice for deposits.

International and online spending: compare the foreign-currency surcharge; a low-FX debit card can be cheaper for non-euro purchases.

Low cost: a basic bank card or a debit card with virtual cards avoids annual fees and BKR registration.

Planning to buy a home? A registered credit limit can reduce your borrowing capacity — check your net income and the mortgage eligibility calculator first.

How We Rate & Compare

Every provider on this page is reviewed against the same criteria below. These are editorial comparison factors, not a live feed or a quantitative score. Commercial relationships do not change the terms shown.

Total cost
Annual/monthly fee plus FX and withdrawal costs for your spending pattern.
FX cost
Surcharge on non-euro payments and cash withdrawals.
Rewards
Points, cashback or miles, including caps and conditions.
Insurance/benefits
Purchase, travel and rental cover included with the card.
Expat accessibility
Income, residency, bank-account and BKR requirements for newcomers.

Credit card FAQs

Do I need a credit card in the Netherlands?
For daily life, rarely. Most Dutch shops and supermarkets accept debit cards (Maestro/V PAY replacements such as Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard) and many smaller shops do not accept credit cards. A credit card is mainly useful for car rentals, hotel deposits, some airlines and online purchases where a debit card is refused.
Can I get a Dutch credit card as a new expat?
Usually you need a Dutch address, a BSN, a Dutch bank account and a regular income. Issuers check your record with the Dutch credit registration bureau (BKR), and a card with a spending limit above a set threshold is registered at BKR. Without Dutch credit history, some applicants start with a card from their own bank or a charge card with a lower limit.
Does a credit card affect my Dutch mortgage application?
Yes, it can. Lenders take the spending limit of a BKR-registered credit card into account as a monthly obligation, even if you never use it, which can reduce the mortgage you qualify for. Consider lowering or cancelling unused limits before applying.
Is a debit card with virtual cards enough for car rentals?
Not always. Many rental companies require a physical credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit, and some refuse debit or prepaid cards. Check the rental terms before booking.
What fees should I compare?
Compare the annual fee, the foreign currency surcharge on non-euro spending, cash withdrawal fees, the interest rate on unpaid balances, and whether the balance is automatically debited in full each month. Figures change regularly, so always check the issuer's current tariff page.

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