Wondering if your foreign credit card will work in the Netherlands? Whether you’re visiting for a few days or settling in for the long term, it’s always a great idea to be informed about Dutch credit acceptance (and valid alternatives).
This guide explains everything you need to know about using foreign credit cards in the Netherlands and what to do if yours isn’t accepted.
Are international credit cards accepted in the Netherlands?
Unfortunately, foreign credit cards aren’t widely accepted in the Netherlands. Even in major cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, you’ll encounter some shops, supermarkets, and restaurants that don’t take them.
While credit card usage is growing and you likely won’t have too many issues paying with one in major tourist areas, the overall acceptance rate drops the further away from Amsterdam you get.
In general, debit cards are king, with either Maestro or VPay cards being some of the most popular options.
Both Visa Debit and Debit Mastercards were rolled out in 2023 to replace the outdated Maestro and VPay payment systems. While many payment terminals have been updated to accept them, it’s worth noting that cities outside of the Randstad (and smaller shops within it) may not have made the switch yet.
Credit cards remain the least popular option, with research by Statista noting that there were just 0.03 credit cards per person in the Netherlands in 2021. By contrast, debit card use shot up to two cards per person in 2023, and that figure has only grown since.
Tip: Avoid relying on just one banking card or payment method
If you’re travelling outside of the Netherlands’ major cities, the chances of your foreign credit card being accepted at smaller shops and restaurants decrease significantly. To get around the issue, it’s handy to carry a backup card from a different bank and some euro notes, just in case.
Will my bank card be accepted in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, not all payment systems are readily accepted. Here’s a simple breakdown of how various cards are received in the country:
Maestro
Maestro remains one of the most widely accepted payment options in the Netherlands. While Dutch banks stopped issuing new Maestro cards in 2023, the vast majority of retailers still support them for everyday transactions.
Vpay
Like Maestro, Dutch banks stopped issuing V Pay cards in 2023. Most retailers will still accept them for daily transactions, however.
Visa Debit
This is still in the process of being rolled out, but is generally well-accepted within the Randstad.
Debit Mastercard
Similar to Visa Debit, this is also in the process of being rolled out and is typically well-accepted within the Randstad.
Mastercard
Although standard Mastercards enjoy some acceptance, they aren’t a reliable payment option for everyday purchases. You may be able to use them at large chains or certain hotels, but only in the most popular tourist spots.
American Express
This remains one of the least-popular payment options. Typically, it is only accepted at certain large hotels that cater primarily to internationals, luxury retailers, or foreign chains.
3 alternatives to credit cards in the Netherlands
Opt for an international debit card
Certain financial institutions like Wise, N26, and Revolut offer free or reasonably priced international debit cards, and these are accepted wherever Visa Debit or Debit Mastercards can be used. Not sure where to start? Begin by comparing bank accounts to find a good fit for you.
They support multiple currencies, work with Apple/Google Pay, and usually have lower fees than traditional credit cards. Just remember that even these can be rejected at physical stores, so link them to your phone’s wallet whenever possible.
Choose tap-to-pay on your devices
In the Netherlands, contactless payments via smartphone or smartwatch tend to be very popular.
Many shops accept services like Apple Pay and Google Pay, so opting to bank with a financial institution that provides virtual Visa Debit or Debit Mastercards is another alternative.
However, while this is a handy option in a pinch, certain transactions may require a physical card (such as booking hotel rooms or renting a car).
Carry some cash with you
Even though the Netherlands is one of the most cashless countries in the world and most places don’t accept physical money, it never hurts to have a few euro notes in your wallet for emergencies.
If you’re looking to make a withdrawal, Dutch ATMs (called “geldautomaten“) are generally found at most train stations, near major shopping areas, and outside bank branches.
It’s also worth double-checking what your current banking plan provides, as some banks offer a limited number of free ATM withdrawals abroad or within the Eurozone.
Tips for a stress-free banking experience in the Netherlands
✅ Enable contactless payments on your mobile phone
Contactless payment options are growing in popularity across the Netherlands, so it’s a good idea to set up Apple Pay or Google Pay on your devices before your trip.
These are typically used for small purchases like train tickets, restaurant bills, or groceries. However, depending on your payment limit, you may also be able to use contactless options to check into your hotel or book a taxi.
✅ Look into foreign transaction fees before you travel
Depending on your bank, foreign transaction fees hover around 1 to 3% of your total bill, but it’s not unheard of to receive fees that are upwards of 4%.
If you’re using your bank card to book accommodation, buy train tickets, and pay for your meals, these costs can add up quite quickly.
To avoid facing an unexpectedly steep credit card bill, it’s always a smart choice to check your bank’s fee structure before hopping on a flight.
✅ Notify your bank that you’re going overseas
Banks are always on the lookout for potential fraud, so a series of transactions made in a foreign country may cause them to grow suspicious and freeze your account.
By letting your bank know you’re visiting the Netherlands, you’re effectively reducing the risk of them freezing your bank account. Plus, being aware of your travel plans puts them in a better position to help you if you do require banking assistance while abroad.
✅ Always have a backup card handy
Travelling can often be a “expect the best, but prepare for the worst” kind of situation. Plenty of things could go wrong, from your main credit card getting lost or stolen to your bank deciding to freeze your account at an entirely inconvenient time.
Having a spare bank card in your purse gives you an excellent safety net, so you’re not stuck cancelling plans or begging a shopkeeper to accept your crisp €50 bill.
✅ Invest in a travel-friendly banking card
If you’re visiting the Netherlands from a foreign country, a travel-friendly banking card will offer you a whole host of practical benefits.
These cards tend to offer relatively low ATM withdrawal and foreign transaction fees, plus it’s quite common for travel-friendly credit cards to give you a limited amount of free international cash withdrawals.
In addition, the financial institutions offering these cards often provide other features to make paying in euros even easier, like multi-currency bank accounts and fast currency conversions.
And, in terms of safety, many international cards allow you to instantly freeze your card if it goes missing. This way, you’re not stuck waiting around for customer support while your money is being stolen.
✅ Activate transaction alerts via SMS or app
As annoying as it might be to receive notifications whenever you make a purchase, don’t discount the valuable insight these alerts give you.
If you’re sticking to a set budget, regular updates on your spending ensure that you don’t end up in the red halfway through your trip.
You’ll also want to spot unfamiliar payments as soon as possible, especially if your bank is in a different time zone, because disputing a charge or unlocking a frozen account could take hours longer than expected.
Using foreign credit cards in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
Can I use my Visa or Mastercard in the Netherlands?
Yes, Visa or Mastercard credit cards are usually accepted in major Dutch cities.
However, certain supermarkets, cafés, and smaller retailers may not be able to process these cards, so it’s always a good idea to bring cash with you or allow contactless payments on your devices.
Is American Express accepted in the Netherlands?
Yes, but not everywhere.
American Express credit cards tend to be accepted in tourist-heavy parts of the Netherlands, but you’re better off bringing another card with you to be safe.
Do the Dutch use credit cards?
Although the use of traditional credit cards is slowly growing in popularity, the Dutch far prefer debit or prepaid credit cards.
You’ll most often see locals using debit cards like Maestro or VPay for everyday purchases. Visa Debit cards and Debit Mastercards are also growing in popularity, as the outdated Maestro and VPay systems are being phased out.
Are contactless payments available in the Netherlands?
Yes, a variety of contactless payment options are available in the Netherlands.
As long as your mobile or smartwatch has NFC capabilities and your bank allows contactless payments, you’re good to go.