Amex Blue Card vs bunq Credit Card
Two credit cards for expats in the Netherlands, figure by figure.
bunq Credit Card is the stronger pick for most expats.
- Monthly fee: €0 vs €3.00/mo
- Foreign transaction fee: 0.50% vs 2.50%
- BKR checked when you apply: No vs Yes
| Figure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | €3.00/mo | €0 (better) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.50% | 0.50% (better) |
| Card network | amex | mastercard |
| Travel insurance | Not included | Not included |
| Apple Pay | Supported | Supported |
| Card type | Charge card | Debit card |
| Minimum income | €30,000 gross a year | Not stated by the issuer |
| BKR checked when you apply | Yes | No (better) |
| Card registered at BKR | No | Not stated |
| Rate check | Verified 20 October 2026 | Verified 27 October 2026 |
Bold marks the better value in a row. Figures are checked daily against provider sources; each product page shows when its figures were last confirmed.
Amex Blue Card
What we like
- 54 interest-free days
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Basic insurance included
- Lower fee than Green Card
What to consider
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee
- No rewards program
- Limited Amex acceptance in NL
- Basic coverage only
bunq Credit Card
What we like
- No foreign transaction fees (ZeroFX)
- Excellent mobile app
- Instant notifications
- Create instantly in app
What to consider
- Requires bunq subscription (€2.99-18.99/mo)
- No actual credit line (prepaid)
- Must top up before use
- Lower acceptance than Visa/MC
Questions
Is Amex Blue Card or bunq Credit Card better for expats in the Netherlands?
bunq Credit Card is the stronger all-round pick for most expats. Monthly fee: €0 vs €3.00/mo
Which card has lower fees abroad, Amex Blue Card or bunq Credit Card?
bunq Credit Card is cheaper abroad, with a 0.50% foreign transaction fee.
Do Amex Blue Card and bunq Credit Card check or register you at BKR?
Amex Blue Card: BKR is checked when you apply; the card is not registered at BKR. bunq Credit Card: BKR is not checked when you apply; it doesn’t say whether the card is registered.