Getting a credit card in the Netherlands is not as straightforward as in many other countries. The Dutch payment culture is heavily debit-focused, and the credit card application process has some unique requirements that can trip up expats. Here is what you need to know.
Why Credit Cards Are Different in the Netherlands
In the US, credit cards are a daily payment tool. In the Netherlands, they are more of a secondary product. Most Dutch residents pay for everything with their debit card (betaalpas) or via iDEAL (now becoming Wero). Credit cards are mainly used for international travel, car rentals, and online purchases from foreign websites.
This cultural difference means that the credit card market here is smaller, approval criteria can be stricter, and the rewards programs are less generous than what you might be used to. Most Dutch credit cards are also charge cards, which you repay in full every month: see charge card or credit card.
Requirements for Getting a Credit Card
To apply for a credit card in the Netherlands, you will generally need:
- A BSN number — Dutch banks are required by law to have it, so you will need one for your bank account
- A bank account in your own name — ICS, for example, asks for a personal account, not a joint or business one, and can collect your monthly bill from it by direct debit
- Proof of income — Usually your employment contract or recent payslips
- Dutch residency — You need to live at a Dutch address
- A clean BKR record — No negative registrations (more on this below)
Students and anyone on a temporary residence permit face extra limits at some issuers: see credit cards for students and temporary permits.
Understanding the BKR Check
The BKR (Bureau Krediet Registratie) is the Dutch credit registration bureau. Loans, overdrafts and other credit of more than €250 that run longer than a month are registered here. Standard credit cards you pay off in full each month, such as ICS cards, are not. When you apply for a credit card, the issuer will check your BKR record.
New to the Netherlands? You will have no BKR history at all. That is not a negative mark: issuers such as ICS ask that you have no negative registration, which a blank record meets. They also ask that you live in the Netherlands and earn a minimum income, which differs per issuer and is stated gross or net, by month or by year; the credit card table shows each one as the issuer states it.
Tips for a successful application:
- Start with a basic credit card rather than a premium one
- Consider getting a credit card through your bank if you already have a current account with them
Best Credit Card Options for Expats
Easiest to Get Approved
bunq Credit Card: If you already have a bunq account, you can add bunq's Credit Card in the app. By default it spends the money in your bunq account, so there is no credit to approve. bunq has started offering a real credit line on it to a limited number of users, and for Dutch users that involves a BKR check.
ICS Visa World Card: One of the most popular credit cards in the Netherlands. ICS (International Card Services) is the largest credit card issuer in the country. See our credit card comparison for the Visa World Card's current fee, or the cards sorted by fee for the cheapest.
Best for Travel
American Express Gold or Platinum: Amex cards come with excellent travel benefits including lounge access, travel insurance, and rewards points. Approval can be tougher.
Flying Blue Credit Cards: If you fly KLM or Air France frequently, the Flying Blue credit cards earn miles directly. They are issued by American Express and come in Entry, Silver, Gold and Platinum versions, with more benefits and higher fees at the higher tiers.
Best for Everyday Spending
Revolut or N26: While technically debit products rather than traditional credit cards, both Revolut and N26 offer Visa or Mastercard-branded cards that work in many places credit cards are accepted. They are easy to get and have no credit check.
What to Do If You Get Rejected
If you are rejected, here is what to do:
- Request your BKR report — You can check your BKR record for free online at mijnkredietregistratie.nl to make sure there are no errors
- Wait and reapply — for example once your income has changed
- Try a different issuer — Different banks have different risk appetites; a rejection from one does not mean rejection from all
- Consider alternatives — Revolut and bunq debit cards with Mastercard/Visa branding can cover many situations where you would need a credit card
The key takeaway: getting a credit card as an expat in the Netherlands requires patience. Start with realistic expectations, build your Dutch financial history, and the options will open up over time. Check our full credit card comparison to find the best match for your situation.