Losing your Dutch bank card — or having it stolen — can be inconvenient at best and financially risky at worst. Fortunately, Dutch banks have clear procedures in place to minimise damage and get you a replacement quickly.
Fraud involving stolen bank cards or account information is increasing in the Netherlands, with over 110,000 reported incidents in 2023. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and know what to do if it happens to you.
So, whether your card has gone missing on a night out or vanished somewhere between the sofa cushions and the grocery checkout, here’s what to do next.
Before you jump to blocking your Dutch bank card, take a moment to double-check whether someone has found it and reported it.
In the Netherlands, there are online lost and found platforms like verlorenofgevonden.nl and ilost.nl. It’s worth searching there to see if your card has been handed in. If you spot it, you might be able to save yourself the hassle of reordering it altogether.
Did you lose it while travelling?
- For Schiphol Airport, check Schiphol’s lost and found page.
- For the train, visit NS’s lost and found page.
1. Block your card immediately
The most important step is to block your card as soon as you notice it’s missing. This helps prevent unauthorised transactions and limits your liability.
Most Dutch banks allow you to do this instantly through their mobile app or online banking environment. Just look for options like “block card,” “freeze,” or “report lost card.”
If you can’t access your account, it’s best to call your bank’s emergency line:
- ING: +31 20 22 888 88
- ABN AMRO: +31 26 400 23 45
- Rabobank: 088 722 66 00
- bunq: +31 20 80 836 66 (or via in-app support)
- Knab: 020 303 1659
- SNS Bank: 030 633 30 00
- RegioBank: +31 8838 55 372
Tip: If you’re not sure whether the card is lost or simply misplaced, most apps also offer a temporary “freeze” function.
2. Report the theft (if it’s actually stolen)
If you’re confident your card was stolen, and especially if it was taken along with other valuables like your wallet, ID, or residence permit, it’s wise to report the incident to the Dutch police.
Filing a report helps protect you in case of identity theft and may be required by your bank during a fraud investigation.
You can file a report online at politie.nl or just head to your local police station.
Lost the rest of your wallet too? For Dutch-issued IDs, report the loss to your local gemeente (municipality) — you can often do this online. They’ll cancel the document and help you apply for a new one.
For foreign-issued IDs (like a passport), contact your embassy or consulate in the Netherlands as soon as possible to report the loss and arrange a replacement or emergency document.
Also don’t forget to replace or cancel any other membership cards you may have, like your OV-chipkaart or your gym membership.
3. Order a replacement card
Once your card is blocked, you’ll need to order a new one.Most banks allow this through their mobile app or website, and some banks even offer a “lost card” workflow that handles blocking and replacing in one go.
Delivery time
Most banks will post your new Dutch card within three to five working days, though this can vary depending on your bank and location.
Online-only banks like bunq and Knab may deliver faster, especially in major cities.
Replacement costs
Some banks charge a small fee (typically between €5 and €10) to replace a lost or stolen bank card. Others may waive the fee if your card was stolen or if it’s your first replacement.
How to keep paying without your bank card
If you rely on your bank card for nearly every purchase (same here), its absence can be a real headache. Thankfully, Dutch banks offer several workarounds.
Use mobile payments
If you’ve added your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or your bank’s mobile payment system, you can still use your phone to make contactless purchases.
However, this only works if the digital wallet was set up before the card was blocked.
Withdraw cash in-branch
At some banks, you can withdraw cash directly at a branch with a valid ID. Not all branches provide this service, and queues can be long — so your best bet is to call ahead to confirm.
Other cards and emergency services
If you have a different bank card that you rarely use, now’s the time to dust it off.
Some banks also offer emergency cash withdrawal services or digital-only cards you can activate while you wait for the physical one.
When to contact your bank (and what they’ll ask)
If you haven’t already spoken to your bank, you should reach out to them if:
- You see unauthorised transactions being made
- You’re unsure whether you successfully blocked your card
- You need help ordering a replacement
- You lost both your card and phone
Your bank may ask for identification or security checks before taking action.
If fraudulent payments occurred, your bank will usually open a brief investigation. In most cases, you’ll be refunded for unauthorised transactions as long as you didn’t share your PIN with anyone and reported the issue promptly.
Want to switch banks instead?
Maybe this experience has made you rethink your bank altogether. If you’re looking for a fresh start, you might like these articles: :
- How to switch bank accounts in the Netherlands
- Compare Dutch bank accounts
- Open a savings account in the Netherlands
Losing your Dutch bank card is never convenient, but taking the right steps can help you regain control quickly.
Block your card as soon as possible, file a police report if it’s stolen, and order a replacement. Until you receive a new card, mobile payments are your best friend.
Lastly, it’s good to keep your bank’s emergency contact details somewhere safe — but not in your wallet.
FAQ: What to do if your Dutch bank card is lost or stolen
How do I block my Dutch bank card quickly?
Most banks in the Netherlands let you block your card instantly through their mobile app, usually under “Card Settings” or “Security.”
If that’s not an option, call your bank’s emergency line. They’ll freeze the card and help prevent any sneaky transactions.
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
It typically takes between three and five business days to receive your replacement bank card in the Netherlands.
Some online-only banks like bunq or Knab may be even faster. Traditional banks (like ABN AMRO or Rabobank) might be a touch slower. The delivery depends on your location too, and rural addresses may take a day longer.
Will I be refunded for fraudulent charges?
Yes, if you report the loss promptly and didn’t share your PIN with anyone. Dutch banks have strong fraud protections, and they’re usually pretty quick about investigating suspicious activity.
You might need to file a police report if large sums were taken — especially if identity theft is involved or suspected.
Can I access online banking after my card is blocked?
Yes, because your card and online banking are separate systems.
You’ll still be able to log in using your username and passcode, or a mobile verification method (like a code or fingerprint).
Can I still use mobile payments without my physical card?
Absolutely. If your card was already linked to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or your bank’s mobile wallet before it was lost, you’re good to go.
Even if the physical card is gone, the digital version will normally keep working until the bank says otherwise. Some banks will disable both automatically, so keep an eye on your app or double-check with your bank.
Do I need to report the loss of my card to the police?
Only if you suspect theft, or if your personal identification (like your residence permit or passport) was taken too. It’s optional for just a lost card, but useful for protecting yourself against fraud. You can file a report online at politie.nl or at your local police station.
