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Free prepaid credit cards in the Netherlands
Use these prepaid cards for easy money management with no monthly fees.
Free prepaid cards are a convenient way to manage your money and control your budget without the price tag. With a free prepaid credit card you will not be charged ongoing fees to spend your money and enjoy the benefits offered by your prepaid card. Explore your options, learn about the benefits and understand the potential drawbacks below.
What is a free prepaid credit card?
A prepaid credit card allows you to load your own funds onto it to spend just like you would a normal credit card. A free prepaid credit card is simply one that comes with no ongoing fees. You will not be charged any monthly or annual ongoing fees with a free prepaid credit card but you will still be able to load your funds onto the card to spend them online and in-store.
Keep in mind that there still be some fees that apply with a free prepaid credit card. These can include ATM fees, foreign currency fees and more.
Compare free prepaid credit cards in the Netherlands
How do you compare free prepaid credit cards?
Keep in mind the following when you’re comparing free prepaid cards:
- Fees. While free prepaid credit cards come with no ongoing fees, there may be some other fees that apply. This can include ATM fees or foreign currency fees. Check what fees apply.
- Features. Check which credit card carries the feature that you are looking for. From online card top-ups to fee-free transactions, each card has its own perks. Find the right card that suits your specific needs.
- Funding. Before you buy yourself a prepaid credit card, make sure that you are able to easily fund the card through a method that is convenient for you.
What are the pros and cons of free prepaid credit cards?
Pros
- Widely available. Prepaid cards come in useful when you have a poor credit score or live far away from a local bank branch. Prepaid cards are easy to qualify for, and may be used for a range of day-to-day purchases.
- Budget control. Prepaid credit cards offer many budgeting tools that cost nothing! Your spending will be automatically categorised in a handy mobile app, you will receive spending notifications and you can see what you are spending and where.
- Privacy. Though it has become more difficult to get an anonymous prepaid card, there are still many outlets in the Netherlands that allow you to get a prepaid credit card without any proof of identity. This way, you can remain anonymous and avoid revealing too much personal information.
- Youth account. Most credit cards come with a minimum age requirement, which is usually 18 and older in the Netherlands. However some prepaid cards allow those under 18 to sign up or offer a companion youth account, such as Revolut Junior.
Cons
- Fewer features. Free prepaid accounts may not offer all the features available at a particular bank or provider. You often need to sign up for a paid account to unlock more features.
- Not all providers offer protection. Most bank accounts in the Netherlands are insured up to a maximum of €100,000 per depositor by the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS) in case of a bank failure. However, this does not apply to all prepaid cards. Check with the provider to ensure your funds will be protected.
Are there are any fees to look out for?
Free prepaid cards still may come with some fees. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Initial purchase fee. Some prepaid credit cards might require you to pay nominal onboarding feed. You may easily avoid this cost by opting for a prepaid card with neo-digital banks, who usually do not charge onboarding fees.
- Top-up fee. Some card providers charge a small percentage-based fee for card top-ups.
- ATM withdrawal fee. If you exceed your bank’s free withdrawal limit, you may be charged a small ATM fee for every transaction that you make.
- Hard-copy account statement. Checking your prepaid credit card balance online tends to be free. Paying for a hard-copy statement, on the other hand, might cost you slightly.
How do you get a free prepaid credit card?
- Find the right card. Most prepaid cards from digital banks come with a slew of useful features, from built-in budgeting tools to lounge pass perks. Alternatively, if you would like to buy it in person, many traditional brick-and-mortar banks also offer linked prepaid cards in retailers such as supermarkets and grocery stores.
- Sign up for the card. Registering for a prepaid credit card is easier than it sounds. You might not even need to provide proof of income or your address. The necessary details can vary from card to card.
- Add funds to the card. Most users might prefer to directly top up their cards by linking it to existing savings or deposit account. Alternatively, you may transfer money into your card through its banking app or at select retailers.
- Start using your card. Keep an eye on your balance and start spending with your prepaid credit card. As long as there is sufficient money in your account, you need not have any worries.
Frequently asked questions about free prepaid credit cards
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