Using a credit card in Belgium

Consider a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and save money when travelling to Belgium.

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As a member of the European Union, Belgium is a credit card-friendly country with acceptance of Visa, Mastercard and American Express branded cards. However, for places that only accept the local Belgian debit card, Bancontact or cash, you’ll likely have to make an ATM cash withdrawal using your debit card. Using a credit card for an ATM withdrawal will cost you big – and should be avoided at all costs.

Compare credit cards for use in Belgium

If you’re planning on applying for a new credit card before you head to Belgium, look into a card that charges no foreign transaction fees. Although the fees are relatively low, they can add up if you use your credit card frequently.
Name Product Welcome Offer Reward Purchase Interest Rate Cash Advance Rate Annual Fee
Earn up to 35,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points in your first year of card membership.
Earn 2 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit. Earn 1 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$139
Earn 2 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit. Earn 1 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Plus, an extra 10,000 points with a min. annual spend of $40,000 on your card.
Get up to 30,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points in your first year of card membership (up to $300 in rewards). Ends 30 December 2019.
Earn 5 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on groceries, dining and entertainment, 3 points on gas, transportation and streaming services.
19.99%
22.99%
$120
Earn 5 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on groceries, dining and entertainment, 3 points on gas, transportation and streaming services.

Compare up to 4 providers

Canadian Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted overseas. Check with your bank before travelling to Belgium to confirm whether or not you’ll be able to use your credit card during your trip.

Name Product Welcome Offer Reward Purchase Interest Rate Cash Advance Rate Annual Fee
Get up to 40,000 Aeroplan Miles and pay no Annual Fee for the first year. Conditions apply. Ends 1 December 2019.
Earn 1.5 miles for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, drugstore and aircanada.com purchases and 1 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere. T&C's apply.
19.99%
22.99%
$120
Apply by December 1, 2019 to get an Annual Fee Rebate for the Primary Cardholder for the first year and earn up to 40,000 Aeroplan Miles (equivalent to 2 premium economy short-haul roundtrip flight rewards).
Offers 35,000 BMO Rewards bonus points with minimum spend of $3,000 in the first three months of card membership. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 3 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on dining, travel and entertainment purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)
Offers 35,000 BMO Rewards bonus points upon minimum spend of $3,000 in the first three months of card membership. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn up to 35,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points in your first year of card membership.
Earn 2 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit. Earn 1 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$139
Earn 2 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit. Earn 1 Scotia Rewards points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Plus, an extra 10,000 points with a min. annual spend of $40,000 on your card.
Get up to 90,000 TD Points and pay no Annual Fee for the first year. Conditions apply. Ends 1 December 2019.
Earn 9 TD Points per $1 in travel booked online through Expedia for TD, and 3 points/$1 spent elsewhere.
19.99%
22.99%
$120
Apply by December 1, 2019 to get an Annual Fee Rebate for the Primary Cardholder for the first year and earn up to 90,000 TD Points (a travel value of $450 when you book travel purchases through ExpediaForTD.com).
Get 5% cash back in the first three months of card membership with first year annual fee waiver. Ends 30 November 2019.
Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. No cap and no limit.
19.99%
22.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Get 5% cash back in the first three months of card membership with a first year annual fee waiver. Ends 30 November 2019.
Offers a 7.99% introductory interest rate on all spend for the first 6 months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Receive 1% cash back on payments made at petrol stations, supermarkets, pharmacies and recurring bill payments.
7.99% intro APR for the first 6 months, 19.99% thereafter
22.99%
$0
Receive 1% cash back on payments made at petrol stations, supermarkets, pharmacies and recurring bill payments.
Get up to 800 bonus AIR MILES reward miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 2x AIR MILES reward miles per $20 spent at eligible partners and 1 mile per $20 spent for all other purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Get up to 800 bonus AIR MILES reward miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
N/A
Earn 1.25 AIR MILES reward miles at Shell stations in Canada.
19.99%
22.99%
$99
Earn 1.25x Miles on card purchases at participating Shell stations in Canada.
Get 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first six months. Valid within the first 30 days of account opening.
Earn 4% Money-Back Rewards in three categories of your choice such as groceries, dining, petrol and more. Ends 31 October 2019.
19.95%
19.95%
$0
Earn 4% Money-Back Rewards in three categories of your choice such as groceries, dining, petrol and more. Ends 31 October 2019.
Get $50 limited bonus cash back upon first spend. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 1.5% cash back per $1 spent at Shell stations in Canada
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Get $50 limited bonus cash back upon first spend. Ends 31 October 2019.
Get 2,500 bonus SCENE points with min. spend of $500 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 1 SCENE point per $1 spent on all purchases, plus 5 SCENE points for every $1 spent at Cineplex Entertainment theatres or cineplex.com.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Save with no annual fee and earn 1 SCENE point for every $1 spent on all purchases.
Offers up to 20,000 BMO Rewards welcome points upon minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 1 BMO Rewards point for every $1 spent.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Offers a 1.99% balance transfer intro rate for the first nine months to new cardmembers.
Get up to 800 bonus AIR MILES reward miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months.
Earn 2x AIR MILES reward miles per $20 spent at eligible partners and IGA stores and 1 miles for all other purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Get up to 800 bonus AIR MILES reward miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months.
Receive an annual fee rebate when you spend a minimum of US$1,000 in a year.
Annual fee rebate with minimum spend of US$1,000 per year.
19.99%
22.99%
$35 USD
Receive an annual fee rebate when you spend a minimum of US$1,000 in a year.
Offers a 3.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers with 0% transfer fee for the first 6 months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Save with a low interest rate and no annual fee
16.99%
16.99%
$0
Save with a low interest rate and no annual fee.
Receive a 7.99% introductory interest rate on all spend for the first six months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Get 1% cash back on payments made at gas stations, grocery stores and pharmacies, including recurring payments, plus an additional 0.5% cash back on all other spend.
7.99% intro APR for the first 6 months, 19.99% thereafter
22.99%
$0
Get 1% cash back on payments made at gas stations, grocery stores and pharmacies, including recurring payments.
Get 5% cash back with minimum spend of $2,000 in the first three months of card membership. Ends 30 November 2019.
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. No caps, no limit.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Offers a 1.99% balance transfer intro rate for nine months to new cardmembers.
First year annual fee waived for new cardholders. Ends 31 October 2019.

Earn 4% cash back on groceries & recurring bill payments, 2% on gas & public transit and 1% on all other spend.
20.99%
22.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Save with no annual fee for the first year. Ends 31 October 2019.
N/A
Get 3% cash back per $1 spent at Shells stations, 1.25% cash back on all other spend
19.99%
22.99%
$79
Earn 3% cash back at Shell stations in Canada, plus 1.25% cash back on all other spend.
No available introductory offer.
Take advantage of a low annual fee, with no credit check and guaranteed approval once you secure your credit card with some funds.
17.99%
N/A
$12.95
Take advantage of a low annual fee, with guaranteed approval and no credit check.
No available introductory offer.
Get up to 5% in GM Earnings on your initial spend of $5,000 in the first year.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Get up to 5% in GM Earnings on your initial spend of $5,000 in the first year.
Offers a 3.99% balance transfer intro rate in the first nine months to new cardmembers.
Low interest rates of 12.99% on purchases and cash advances.
12.99%
12.99%
$20
Offers a 3.99% balance transfer intro rate for nine months to new cardmembers.
Earn up to 800 AIR MILES bonus miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 2x AIR MILES reward miles per $20 spend at eligible AIR MILES partners.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Earn up to 800 AIR MILES bonus miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Waived annual fee for the first year of card membership. Ends 31 October 2019.
Get up to 5% in GM Earnings upon initial spend of $10,000 in the first year and 2% subsequently
19.99%
22.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($79 thereafter)
Get up to 5% in GM Earnings upon initial spend of $10,000 in the first year and 2% subsequently.
Get up to 800 bonus AIR MILES reward miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 2x AIR MILES reward miles per $20 spent at Sobeys stores and 1 miles for all other purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Get up to 800 bonus AIR MILES reward miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Receive 5,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points upon first eligible purchase within the first 2 months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Get 5% cash back on travel purchases via Scotia Rewards Travel Service and earn 1 Scotia Rewards point for every $1 spent on daily purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$110
Get 5% cash back on travel purchases via Scotia Rewards Travel Service and earn 1 Scotia Rewards point for every $1 spent on daily purchases.
Offers a 2.99% introductory balance transfer rate for the first 6 months. Ends 31 October 2019.
2% cash back on eligible gas stations, grocery and drug store purchases including recurring payments. T&C's apply.
19.99%
22.99%
$39
2% cash back on eligible gas stations, grocery and drug store purchases including recurring payments. T&C's apply.
Get up to 25,000 Aeroplan Miles (equivalent to 1 long-haul roundtrip flight reward) and pay no annual fee for the first year. Conditions apply. Ends 1 December 2019.
Earn 1 Aeroplan Mile for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas and drugstore purchases and 1 mile for every $1.50 spent on other purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$89
Earn 1 Aeroplan Mile for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas and drugstore purchases and 1 mile for every $1.50 spent on other purchases.
N/A
Get the same low interest rates on all purchases and cash advances.
TD Prime¹ + 4.5% up to TD Prime + 12.75%
TD Prime¹ + 4.5% up to TD Prime + 12.75%
$25
Get the same low variable interest rates on all purchases and cash advances. Excludes Quebec residents.
N/A
Make purchases in U.S. Dollars without credit card foreign currency conversion rates.
19.99%
22.99%
$39 USD
Make purchases in U.S. Dollars without credit card foreign currency conversion rates.
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to a total spend of $2,000). Ends 1 December 2019.
Get 3% cash back on eligible groceries, gas and bill payments and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
20.99%
22.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Get 3% cash back on eligible groceries, gas and bill payments and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Get up to 60,000 Aeroplan Miles (equivalent to 2 business class short-haul roundtrip flight rewards) Conditions apply. Ends 1 December 2019.
Get 1.5 miles for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, drugstore and Air Canada purchases and 1.25 miles for every $1 spent elsewhere.
19.99%
22.99%
$399
Get 1.5 miles for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, drugstore and Air Canada purchases and 1.25 miles for every $1 spent elsewhere.
Get 2x TD Rewards Points on all purchases up to a total of 10,000 TD Rewards Points when your account is active and in good standing for 90 days after account opening (excluding Quebec residents). Ends 1 December 2019.
Earn 3 TD Rewards Points per $1 spent on travel booking via ExpediaForTD.com, 2 points when you book via phone, 2 points on grocery dining and bill payments and 1 point on all other spend.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Get 2x TD Rewards Points on all purchases up to a total of 10,000 TD Rewards Points when your account is active and in good standing for 90 days after account opening (excluding Quebec residents). Ends 1 December 2019.
N/A
Earn 1% in cash back on eligible groceries, gas, and bill payments and 0.5% in cash back on all other purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Earn 1% in cash back on eligible groceries, gas, and bill payments and 0.5% in cash back on all other purchases.
Get up to 70,000 TD Rewards Points and pay no Annual Fee for the first year. Conditions apply. Ends 1 December 2019.
Earn 5 TD Points per $1 in travel booked online through Expedia for TD, 3/$1 in grocery purchases and regularly recurring bill payments.
19.99%
22.99%
$89
Apply by December 1, 2019 to get an Annual Fee Rebate for the Primary Cardholder for the first year and earn up to 70,000 TD Rewards Points (a travel value of $350 when you book travel purchases through ExpediaForTD.com).
Earn up to 800 AIR MILES bonus miles with minimum spend of $1,000 in the first three months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 2x AIR MILES reward miles per $20 spend at eligible AIR MILES partners.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Enjoy AIR MILES on your every dollar spent and build a healthy credit history.
Get up to 5% cash back with minimum spend of $2,000 in the first three months of card membership. Ends 30 November 2019.
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. No caps, no limit.
19.99%
22.99%
$0
Enjoy cash back on your every dollar spent and build a healthy credit history.
Get up to 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles with minimum spend of $3,000 in the first three months, plus a first year annual fee waiver. Ends 31 October 2019.
Earn 1 mile per $10 spend in purchases.
19.99%
22.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Get up to 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles with minimum spend of $3,000 in the first three months, plus a first year annual fee waiver. Ends 31 October 2019.
Offers a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers with 0% transfer fee for the first 6 months. Ends 31 October 2019.
Save on interest by consolidating your higher-rate balances and get a low 12.99% purchase interest rate.
12.99%
12.99%
$29
Save on interest by consolidating your higher-rate balances and get a low 12.99% purchase interest rate.

Compare up to 4 providers

Which credit cards are accepted in Belgium?

Mastercard and Visa branded credit cards are widely accepted in Belgium. Some large hotels, restaurants and shops will likely accept American Express cards as well, but it’s best to travel with a Visa or Mastercard just in case.

If you’re looking to pay for small costs like transportation or a coffee, cash is your best bet. Several small businesses and shops may not accept credit cards at all.

Which credit card issuers are accepted in Belgium?

Merchant acceptance
ATM acceptance
Visa
High
High
Mastercard
High
High
American Express
Medium
Medium

Do taxis in Belgium accept credit cards?

Some do, but not all of them. Make sure you ask the driver before you take the trip.

Alternatively, you could consider using a rideshare app such as Uber and pay with your credit card.

Common credit card fees to watch out for

When using your credit card overseas, watch out for the following fees:

  • Foreign transaction fees. Typically costing 2.5% of the total transaction, this fee is charged when you use your credit card overseas. If you’re looking to avoid this fee, it is possible to find a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees.
  • Currency conversion fees. If a merchant offers to charge your card in Canadian dollars, politely decline – always choose to pay in the local currency. If you end up paying for a purchase in Canadian dollars, the transaction will be subject to what is known as a dynamic currency conversion (DCC). You will face a currency conversion fee and a less competitive exchange rate.

Can I incur both fees?

Yes. Avoid this by getting a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and decline paying in Canadian dollars if offered.

Should I use my credit card to get cash?

Avoid using your credit card to get cash – unless it’s an absolute emergency. Withdrawing cash using your credit card will leave you on the hook for a cash advance fee as well as the cash advance interest rate. This interest rate is typically charged from the day you withdraw the cash – there is no grace period – and will increase daily until you pay back the withdrawn amount in full.

So, how do I get cash?

Use your debit card to withdraw money from an ATM. Although you’ll likely incur an ATM fee of around $2.50 to $5, you can avoid the excruciatingly high interest rates that come with using a credit card to withdraw cash.

If you’re looking to avoid ATM fees altogether, look for a debit card that belongs to an international ATM alliance such as those offered by Scotiabank. You can use your debit card at specific brands of ATMs and withdraw cash free of charge.

ATMs in Belgium

ATMs are easy to find in Belgium, especially in big cities like Brussels and Antwerp. You can find ATMs in small towns, however they might be more difficult to come across. While most payments are made with debit and credit cards, its best to travel with at least some cash (euros) on you at all times. When paying for small purchases like a coffee or public transportation, it’s best to have cash handy.

Pickpockets in Europe are quite common, so look for well-lit ATMs and those located in public places. Carefully store your cash away and don’t carry too much on you at one time.

Is it safe to use my credit card in Belgium?

Using a credit card in Belgium is safe, however like anywhere, it comes with its fair share of risks. Here are some tips to help keep your money safe.

  • Safeguard your PIN. When entering your PIN, use the other hand to hide the numbers from cameras and prying eyes.
  • Safety first. Avoid using ATMs in isolated streets or dark areas. Even when you’re using a well-used ATM, try to limit withdrawals to the daytime only for safety. It’s best to stick to ATMs in banks and avoid using ones on the street altogether.
  • Watch out for skimmers. Credit card skimming does occasionally happen in Belgium. If something appears amiss or suspicious, go with your gut. Cancel your transaction, and look for another ATM instead.
  • Be aware of fraud. Credit card fraud can be common in Europe, so it’s important to remain vigilant even when using your card at popular stores and supermarkets.

How should I prepare for my trip to Belgium?

Before heading to Belgium, consider the following tips:

  • Look for a card with no foreign transaction fees. Before you go, consider applying for a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees. This will save you a great deal of money, especially if you use your credit card often as most cards have a fee of 2.5%.
  • Go with Visa or Mastercard. While a few merchants may accept American Express, you’ll likely have a much easier time using Visa and Mastercard products. It’s also a good idea to take at least two credit cards with you, so you have a backup as you never know when your card may get declined or stuck in an ATM.
  • Inform your bank. Banks and credit card providers will temporarily block cards if they detect unusual activity, like an unexpected transaction from Belgium. Getting your card unblocked can be a hassle, so contact your bank or credit card company before you head to Belgium to inform them of your travels.
  • Keep important phone numbers close. Always have your bank or credit card providers number on hand – you never know when you might need to report a lost or stolen card.
  • Know where you’ll get cash. You can use your debit card to withdraw money from an ATM or convert Canadian dollars at a bank or foreign exchange kiosk.

Using a credit card in …

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