Could one modest annual fee change how a traveler pays for hotels or car hires in the Netherlands?
In the Dutch context, most everyday payments use debit or local bank transfers, and many shops still do not accept credit cards. That makes a travel-friendly Visa more of a booking and protection tool than a daily payment method.
The branded Visa issued via ICS costs €35 per year, often comes with a typical spending limit between €1,000 and €5,000, and applies a 2% markup on non-euro transactions. It also includes 180-day purchase protection useful for flights and online buys.
Applicants should expect a BKR check and know the product is only available to existing account holders. There is no English portal for managing this specific card, so Dutch-language account access matters.
This guide helps travelers and residents compare costs, consumer protection, and approval steps so they can decide if the card fits their banking and travel needs.
How credit cards fit into Dutch banking today
The Dutch payments scene centres on debit and instant transfers, with travel cards kept for reservations and emergencies. Debit cards, iDEAL and chip-and-PIN shape most payment methods in stores, so credit cards are less used for everyday purchases.
Card payments for hotels, car hires and high-value online purchases rely on a separate payment product that complements a dutch bank account. Many banks accept this setup, while standalone issuers supply visa cards, mastercard classic, visa world and world card options for wider travel acceptance.
American Express acceptance is narrower in Europe and often carries a 2.5% FX charge on local AMEX products. By contrast, Visa and Mastercard work at most international merchants.
Applications for issuer-branded products usually process in five to ten working days and require identity and account checks. Most providers offer an app and internet banking; some portals are available english while others remain Dutch only.
Money management is digital-first, so compare annual or monthly costs per year, merchant acceptance and the protections you value before choosing a card for travel or larger online purchases.
Meet the ASN Bank Visa credit card: what it is and who it’s for
Designed for current customers, this Visa focuses on travel bookings, deposits, and online purchase security.
The Visa costs €35 per year and is issued through ICS. It is available only to those with a bank account at the same institution.
Typical credit ranges fall between €1,000 and €5,000. The exact amount depends on income, repayment history, and the routine banking relationship.
A 2% foreign currency charge applies to non-euro spending. Frequent non-euro payments will raise the effective cost per transaction.
The card includes 180-day purchase protection, which helps on higher-value purchases and travel bookings where debit protections may be weaker.
Chip & PIN and contactless are standard, and the issuer’s app usually supports Apple Pay and Google Pay for mobile payments.
Management is not available english on the online portal, which matters for expats or users needing English support.
Payments post to a monthly creditcard statement; paying the full balance each month avoids interest and keeps money management simple.
This product suits account holders who value ethical banking, clear per year pricing, basic insurance, and predictable banking tools for travel and larger online purchases.
ASN Bank credit card Netherlands fees limits advantages
A modest annual charge can still deliver clear travel protections and everyday utility for many account holders.
The Visa costs €35 per year, placing it among low-cost entry-level options in Dutch banking. That per year price is simple to compare with other cards that add rewards or higher annual charges.
Typical credit ranges start between €1,000 and €5,000. ICS sets the starting amount based on income, repayment history, and the existing account relationship.
A 2% foreign currency markup applies to non-euro payments, which raises costs for frequent travellers who pay in other currencies. Small FX surcharges add up on long trips.
Purchase protection lasts 180 days and covers many online and travel purchases. Common exclusions and claim caps exist at this tier, so check policy details before relying on it for high-value buys.
Cash advances are costly, though ICS may lower withdrawal fees if the card shows a positive balance; positive balances do not earn interest for ASN holders.
Statement cycles are monthly. Paying the full balance on time avoids interest and keeps overall money costs low.
Fees decoded: annual costs, foreign currency, and cash withdrawals
Breaking down annual pricing, FX markups, and ATM charges reveals the real cost of using a travel card.
The branded Visa charges €35 per year and applies a 2% foreign exchange markup on non-euro payments. That per year rate sits with other entry-level options like an ANWB Visa or a Mastercard Classic, which may vary in price and purchase protection length.
Cash advances abroad are costly. ICS typically applies 4% plus 2% FX. Withdrawals can drop to 1% (capped at €1.50) plus 2% FX when taken against a positive balance, though those balances do not earn interest for account holders.
American Express often charges about 2.5% FX and different cash rules, so compare the total charge per withdrawal and per payment before travel.
To save money, prefer local-currency payments over dynamic currency conversion and avoid ATM cash with a credit balance. Remember monthly statements mean interest risk if the full balance is not paid.
Fee checklist: annual cost, FX rate, ATM charge, late fee, and optional insurance add-ons.
Limits, eligibility, and approvals
Approval for a travel-focused Visa often hinges on steady income, a clean payment history, and how long the applicant has held an account.
Issuers review BKR entries, employment status, and verified income to set an initial credit range. Typical starting figures for ICS products sit between €1,000 and €5,000 and many require net monthly income near €1,150.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days. Applicants should have ID, proof of address, and recent payslips or bank statements ready to speed approval.
Tenure with a bank and on-time payments help secure future increases. Conversely, temporary contracts or variable income can mean smaller starting amounts.
New-to-country applicants improve chances with a stable address, steady income, and verified identity documents. Annual reviews let issuers reassess risk and adjust a credit amount or terms.
Budget to clear the full balance each month to avoid interest. Responsible use — timely payments and low utilization — supports a healthier credit profile and smoother banking relations.
Protections and travel perks you actually use
The right mix of insurance and dispute tools makes a big difference when online purchases go wrong. The Visa offers 180 days of purchase protection for many buys, helping with theft, accidental damage, and non-delivery. Typical exclusions include merchant returns, pre-existing defects, and high-value caps on single claims.
Chargeback lets holders dispute fraud, non-delivery, or failed services through the card network. It is not universal: some issuers exclude bankruptcy claims or add narrow timelines. Keep receipts and order confirmations to strengthen any dispute.
Higher-tier products often bundle baggage, flight delay, and rental car insurance, but those covers usually require the entire trip payment on the card to activate. At entry level, expect basic travel perks rather than full-suite protection.
PSD2 strong customer authentication adds a checkout step for safer payments. Tokenization in mobile wallets like apple pay keeps contactless transactions secure abroad. Save documentation, set alerts in internet banking or apps, and review policy terms each year or month to catch changes.
Applying and managing your ASN credit card
The application and day-to-day management are tied to the holder’s existing online banking relationship.
Eligibility requires opening and keeping a bank account with the provider before requesting the card. Applicants should have ID, proof of address and recent payslips ready to upload.
ICS processes applications in about 5–10 working days. Expect an identity check and a review of income and payment history before approval.
The issuer’s portal is not available english for this product. Use your browser’s translate feature or the provider’s app to navigate menus and settings.
First-time setup steps: activate the card, set a PIN, enable contactless, then add the card to a mobile wallet via the app. The app also lets users enable alerts and payment reminders.
Configure monthly statement alerts in online banking or the app to avoid missed payments. Paying the full balance each month keeps interest and extra money charges low.
Avoid cash advances, choose local currency when offered, and store the card securely. After several on-time payments the holder can request a credit review to increase the amount.
If the card is lost or stolen, call the issuer immediately to block it and begin a dispute for unauthorized payments. Download statements from internet banking for expense tracking and records.
*You will stay on the same site.
How ASN stacks up: alternatives in the Netherlands
A straight comparison of yearly charges, insurance windows, and mobile banking features helps shortlist options.
ABN AMRO offers branded Mastercards from €25.80 to €53.40 per year, with English information and the amro app. Some tiers include travel delay insurance. ING ranges €22.80–€52.20 per year; its Platinum card can waive FX up to €1,000 on a billing cycle.
Rabobank provides RaboCard and Gold products with similar 2% forex. Its portal lacks full available english materials. Knab’s Mastercard sits at about €24 per year and lists a typical income threshold near €1,150 net per month.
ANWB Visa ranges €24.95–€46.95 per year and boosts purchase protection to 180–365 days on higher tiers, plus extra car rental cover at premium levels. ICS-issued Visa World and Mastercard options mirror ASN’s protections in many cases and process applications in 5–10 working days.
American Express has narrower acceptance but stronger travel perks. FX is typically 2.5% and annual prices span Green (€78), Gold (€240), and Platinum (€780). Apple Pay and mobile banking support vary by issuer, though many Visa and Mastercard products enable tokenized wallets.
Overall, compare per year pricing, purchase protection length, app and online banking language, FX policy, and income requirements when choosing between banks and cards. For domestic daily spending, debit cards remain primary; credit products help with deposits, online purchases, and travel bookings.
Making a confident decision for your wallet and trips
A clear checklist helps decide whether a low per year price or richer perks suit trips. Check annual cost per year, typical FX markup (2% for Visa/Mastercard, ~2.5% for AMEX), cash withdrawal rules, purchase protection days, and any included insurance.
Match the choice to travel frequency. Confirm the issuer’s portal language and that the app works with a dutch bank account. Plan to use a debit account for daily spending and the card for bookings and deposits.
Pay the statement in full each month, enable alerts in the app, and keep documents ready when you apply. Compare two to three options side‑by‑side. If one values low‑fee simplicity and core protections, ASN fits; for richer perks, consider higher‑fee competitors.
