Amex Flying Blue Gold Card vs ICS MasterCard Classic
Two credit cards for expats in the Netherlands, figure by figure.
ICS MasterCard Classic is the stronger pick for most expats.
- Monthly fee: €3.25/mo vs €16.50/mo
- Foreign transaction fee: 2.00% vs 2.50%
| Figure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | €16.50/mo | €3.25/mo (better) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.50% | 2.00% (better) |
| Card network | amex | mastercard |
| Travel insurance | Included | Included |
| Apple Pay | Supported | Supported |
| Card type | Charge card | Charge card |
| Minimum income | €30,000 gross a year | €1,500 net a month |
| BKR checked when you apply | Yes | Yes |
| Card registered at BKR | No | No |
| Rate check | Verified 19 October 2026 | Verified 19 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 Flying Blue Gold Card
What we like
- 1 mile per €1 (1.5 miles at KLM/AF)
- 30 XP points toward elite status
- Basic travel insurance
What to consider
- €198/year annual fee
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee
- Limited Amex acceptance
- XP points expire if not flying
ICS MasterCard Classic
What we like
- Lowest ICS annual fee
- True credit card with credit line
- Worldwide Mastercard acceptance
- Purchase protection
What to consider
- 2% foreign transaction fee
- No rewards
- Basic coverage only
- Requires Dutch income proof
Questions
Is Amex Flying Blue Gold Card or ICS MasterCard Classic better for expats in the Netherlands?
ICS MasterCard Classic is the stronger all-round pick for most expats. Monthly fee: €3.25/mo vs €16.50/mo
Which card has lower fees abroad, Amex Flying Blue Gold Card or ICS MasterCard Classic?
ICS MasterCard Classic is cheaper abroad, with a 2.00% foreign transaction fee.
Do Amex Flying Blue Gold Card and ICS MasterCard Classic check or register you at BKR?
Amex Flying Blue Gold Card: BKR is checked when you apply; the card is not registered at BKR. ICS MasterCard Classic: BKR is checked when you apply; the card is not registered at BKR.