If you live in the Netherlands or you’re planning a visit, picking the right credit card can actually save you some money—on fees, travel, and even daily spending. Dutch consumers mostly use debit cards or iDEAL for regular purchases, so a credit card here fills a pretty specific role.
You’ll find it especially useful for international travel, online shopping, and getting that extra layer of purchase protection you just won’t get with a debit card.
After digging into annual fees, foreign transaction costs, acceptance, and perks, four cards really stand out for 2026: the ICS Visa World Card, ING Credit Card, American Express Gold Card, and ANWB Visa Classic Card.
Each card fits different needs—from no-frills and budget-friendly to premium travel rewards. Here’s a closer look at each one, plus some practical tips for figuring out which card actually matches your lifestyle.
1) ICS Visa World Card
The ICS Visa World Card pops up as one of the most popular choices in the Netherlands, and honestly, it makes sense. The annual fee is just €42.95, so it’s not going to break the bank for most people.
ICS runs independently from Dutch banks, so you don’t need to be tied to any particular bank to get started.
With this card, you get 180-day purchase insurance, a delivery guarantee for online orders, and you can grab travel insurance at a discounted rate if you want. The Visa network means you’ll have strong acceptance both in the Netherlands and pretty much anywhere you travel.
Fraud prevention works 24/7, and you can use Apple Pay for contactless payments.
Foreign transaction fees are 2% on non-euro purchases, which is pretty reasonable for this price range. You get a 21-day interest-free period to pay off your balance, so if you’re organized, you won’t pay extra.
If you’re after a reliable, affordable Visa card for travel or online shopping, this one’s a solid pick.
2) ING Credit Card
The ING Credit Card, especially the ING Platinum Card, stands out because of how it handles foreign exchange fees. For your first €1,000 spent in non-euro currencies each month, you won’t pay any currency conversion fees.
After that, it’s a 2% markup. If you travel a bit but not constantly, this setup could actually save you more than the typical flat-fee cards.
The annual fee is €52.20, and ING requires you to pay off your balance in full every month—so you don’t risk piling up interest. Benefits include 365-day purchase protection, up to €1,500 car rental excess cover, and travel delay insurance.
Both Apple Pay and Google Pay are available, and you’ll earn points for regular spending.
You do need an ING bank account to get this card. If you already bank with ING, adding the Platinum Card is pretty straightforward. For travelers who want good protection without a huge annual fee, it’s a practical option.
3) American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is definitely the premium pick here, and it doesn’t really try to hide it. You’ll pay €20 per month, or €240 a year—quite a bit more than the other cards, but the perks can be worth it if you use them.
You’ll earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every €1 you spend, and you can use those points for flights, hotels, or gift cards. The card comes with four Priority Pass lounge visits each year and two Lounge On-the-go visits per month.
There’s also a Dining for 2 perk worth up to €100 a year, plus comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance, and 180-day purchase protection.
Here’s the catch: acceptance. As mentioned in a complete guide to Dutch credit cards, American Express just isn’t as widely accepted in the Netherlands as Visa or Mastercard.
Many small shops, restaurants, and supermarkets only take debit cards. The foreign exchange fee is 2.99% on non-euro transactions, which is higher than the other cards here.
This card works best as your “extras” card—great for travel, rewards, and lounges, but you’ll want a Visa or Mastercard for daily use.
4) ANWB Visa Classic Card
The ANWB Visa Classic Card is the cheapest option in this list, with an annual fee of just €29.95. It’s aimed at ANWB members (the Dutch road assistance and travel folks), but honestly, anyone looking for a simple card can apply.
You get 180-day purchase insurance on things you buy with the card, a delivery guarantee for online orders, and an emergency cash service—up to €1,000 if your card is lost or stolen abroad.
The card runs on the Visa network, so you’ll have no trouble using it worldwide.
Foreign transaction fees are 2% on non-euro purchases. There’s no option to pay in installments, so you have to settle your balance in full every month.
It doesn’t offer travel insurance, lounge access, or a rewards program, but it covers the basics at a low price. If you want a straightforward credit card for occasional travel or online shopping—and don’t care about extras—the ANWB Visa Classic Card is tough to beat for value.
5) How To Choose The Right Card
Think honestly about how you’ll actually use a credit card in the Netherlands. Most people here use debit cards or iDEAL for daily stuff, so your credit card is probably for travel, online shopping, or emergencies.
Ask yourself: how often do you travel outside the eurozone? If you spend a lot in other currencies, you’ll want a card with low or zero foreign transaction fees.
The ING Platinum Card’s 0% rate on your first €1,000 in monthly non-euro spending can save you more than a card with a flat 2% fee.
Do you care about rewards and perks, or do you just want to keep costs down? Premium cards like the American Express Gold Card give you lounge access, insurance, and points, but they cost more.
A no-fuss card like the ANWB Visa Classic keeps things simple and cheap.
Also, consider which payment network you’ll actually use. According to a Netherlands card comparison, Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere that accepts credit cards in the Netherlands, while American Express is much less common.
If you want to use your card at shops, restaurants, or gas stations, Visa or Mastercard is usually the safer bet.
Check if the card requires a specific bank account. Some, like the ING Platinum, need you to bank with ING, while ICS cards don’t care who you bank with.
6) Credit Card Fees And Acceptance In The Netherlands
Credit card acceptance in the Netherlands can surprise people from the US or UK. Lots of supermarkets, cafes, and small businesses here only take Dutch debit cards (Maestro or V Pay).
Bigger retailers, hotels, and online shops usually accept Visa and Mastercard, though.
Foreign transaction fees for Dutch credit cards usually fall between 2% and 3%. These fees hit whenever you pay in a currency other than euros.
ATM withdrawals abroad get expensive fast—you’ll face both a fixed fee and immediate interest on cash advances. If you want to save money, just avoid using your credit card for ATM cash withdrawals.
Annual fees for these cards range from €29.95 for the ANWB Visa Classic Card up to €240 for the American Express Gold Card. Some cards throw in insurance and purchase protection, which can make the fee worth it if you actually use those benefits.
As shown in an overview of Dutch credit cards, looking at the total cost of ownership—not just the annual fee—gives you a better idea of each card’s real value.
One more thing: dynamic currency conversion can sneak up on you. If a terminal abroad asks if you want to pay in euros instead of the local currency, always say no and pay in the local currency. Otherwise, you’ll get hit with a lousy exchange rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit cards are most widely accepted in the Netherlands for everyday purchases?
Visa and Mastercard work at the most Dutch merchants, but plenty of smaller shops still only take debit cards. American Express is accepted at fewer places, so it’s better as a backup for travel or certain stores.
What are the key differences between Mastercard, Visa, and American Express in the Netherlands?
Mastercard and Visa both have wide acceptance and most Dutch retailers who take credit cards will accept them. American Express has better rewards and travel perks, but a smaller acceptance network and higher foreign exchange fees in the Netherlands.
Which credit cards in the Netherlands offer the best travel benefits, insurance, and airport perks?
The American Express Gold Card leads for perks: lounge access, travel insurance, and cancellation coverage. The ING Platinum Card also gives you travel delay insurance and car rental excess cover, so it’s a good mid-range choice for frequent travelers.
Are there any good low-fee or no-fee credit card options available to residents in the Netherlands?
True no-fee credit cards are rare in the Netherlands. The ANWB Visa Classic Card at €29.95 per year and ICS Visa World Card at €42.95 per year are two of the most affordable cards that still include basic purchase protection.
What eligibility requirements and income checks are typical when applying for a Dutch credit card?
Most issuers want you to be at least 18 and registered as a resident in the Netherlands. You’ll usually need a Dutch bank account, proof of income, and a clean record with the Bureau Krediet Registratie, the national credit registry.
How do Revolut and other fintech cards compare to traditional bank credit cards in the Netherlands?
Fintech cards from Revolut, Wise, and N26 work as debit cards, not credit cards, so you won’t build credit history with them.
They usually come with lower—or sometimes zero—foreign transaction fees. You also get real-time spending controls, which feels pretty handy if you’re traveling or shopping online.
Honestly, they make a useful addition to a regular Dutch credit card, especially for international purchases.