Find the best credit card in The Netherlands (2024)

FAQs

What is the best card to use 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.

Visa and MasterCard (also known as Eurocard in Europe) are the most widely used cards in Holland. American Express is often accepted, mostly in the middle- and upper-bracket category. Diners Club is not as commonly accepted as American Express. Beware of hidden credit card fees while traveling.

Be sure to carry cash

In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. Instead, payments are often made with debit cards.

The Netherlands is a very modern country. You can pay with cash or a debit card, and often with your phone via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet. Not to mention the latest phenomenon, 'Tikkie', which is also being used more and more.

Costly credit card fees

Since the Dutch like to avoid unnecessary spending, it should come as no surprise that many businesses in the Netherlands prefer to avoid those transaction fees and ask you to pay with a Dutch debit card or cash instead.

You must carry valid identification at all times if you are over 14. Local authorities may give you a fine if you fail to show them appropriate identification upon request. The following documents, if valid, are acceptable identification: passports.

To answer the question, cash STILL has a place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Europe in general, so it is best to have some on hand, but don't expect to NEED it very often.

Is there tipping in Amsterdam? ›

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 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.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, as both types can be used at 100+ million locations in 200+ countries and territories.

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!

Check with your bank about foreign transaction fees before using Mastercard abroad in the Netherlands. Visa is widely used for payments in the Netherlands, accepted at retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and online merchants. Dutch banks issue Visa debit and credit cards, making it convenient for locals and tourists.

Cards used in the Netherlands are usually Maestro and/or VPay. Let op! MasterCard, AMEX, and Diner's Club cards are rarely accepted, no matter what your overseas bank tells you. Cash payments are also becoming increasingly rare in the Netherlands, so a handy debit card is the way to go for sure.

OV-chipkaart is a contactless card used to pay the various transport systems in Holland. 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.