Amex Blue Card vs N26 Mastercard
Two credit cards for expats in the Netherlands, figure by figure.
N26 Mastercard is the stronger pick for most expats.
- Monthly fee: €0 vs €3.00/mo
- Foreign transaction fee: 1.70% vs 2.50%
| Figure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | €3.00/mo | €0 (better) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.50% | 1.70% (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 | Not stated |
| Card registered at BKR | No | Not stated |
| Rate check | Verified 19 October 2026 | Not yet verified |
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
N26 Mastercard
What we like
- No annual fee
- No fees in eurozone
- Excellent mobile app
- Instant notifications
- Free ATM withdrawals (limited)
What to consider
- Debit card, not true credit
- ATM withdrawal limits on free tier
- 1.7% fee outside eurozone
- No rewards program
Questions
Is Amex Blue Card or N26 Mastercard better for expats in the Netherlands?
N26 Mastercard 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 N26 Mastercard?
N26 Mastercard is cheaper abroad, with a 1.70% foreign transaction fee.
Do Amex Blue Card and N26 Mastercard check or register you at BKR?
Amex Blue Card: BKR is checked when you apply; the card is not registered at BKR. N26 Mastercard: The issuer doesn’t say whether it checks BKR; it doesn’t say whether the card is registered.