Find the best credit card in The Netherlands (2024)

FAQs

What is the best card to use in the Netherlands? ›

Summing Up – Dutch Credit Cards

Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in the Dutch retail space. American Express tends to be accepted only by major retailers in the Netherlands who have an international client base – although Amex acceptance is growing.

The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back. Cardholders can also earn an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500...

Debit cards are the top payment method across the entire retail sector in the Netherlands, despite the high number of iDEAL transactions online.

Using credit cards and debit cards in the Netherlands

Major credit cards and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted in the Netherlands at restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations.

Most retailers in the Netherlands only accept a “chip and pin” card and will not accept a standard U.S. credit card containing only a magnetic strip. ATM and credit card users are advised to keep an eye on their cards at all times. If you feel uncomfortable using your card for any reason, use cash.

In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. We tend to pay with our debit card, but credit cards are still a good option for renting cars, booking rooms in hotels, or reserving airline tickets.

What is the most prestigious credit card? ›

What is the most prestigious credit card? One of the world's most prestigious credit cards is the Centurion® Card from American Express*. Though there may be other cards with more elaborate benefits, those cards are kept well under wraps.

What's considered a “good” credit limit depends on a few key factors. If you're just starting out, a good credit limit for your first card might be around $1,000.

If you are travelling to the Netherlands or returning to the Netherlands after a trip abroad, there is no limit on the amount of money you can take with you. However, you may need to submit a customs declaration.

In Amsterdam, as well as in all the Netherlands and many other countries of European Community the accepted currency is Euro (EUR, €), no other currencies are commonly accepted, so you will have to change your dollars, sterling, yens, etc to Euros.

This one is pretty simple to answer – the Dutch do not have a tipping culture as strongly-ingrained as much of the English-speaking world. In a bar, restaurant, or private boat tour in Amsterdam, provided the service was good, a tip of around 10% is appreciated but not automatically expected.

The Tourist Day Ticket is a tourist transport card Netherlands that solves this problem. For a fixed price of €14,50 you can use all of the participating public transport in South Holland. This enables you to carelessly enjoy your visit to the Netherlands!

If you are going to spend several days in the capital city and plan visiting other towns in the country, purchasing an OV-chipkaart is the best idea. You will be charged according to the distance of each journey. The smart card costs 7.50€ and it is rechargeable.