Business Credit Cards

Business Credit Cards Netherlands

Compare Dutch business credit card fees and limits

For owners of small and medium-sized businesses

Understand eligibility and application requirements

Loan Amount:

EUR

Loan Amount Range:

Loan term (years):

- +

Monthly Payment: 0

Business credit cards in the Netherlands give companies a flexible way to manage payments, improve liquidity, and track expenses with clearer financial control. They are widely used by SMEs and freelancers who need short-term credit, easy employee spending management, and transparent accounting.

What Are Business Credit Cards in the Netherlands?

Business credit cards are financial tools issued to Dutch companies for operational spending, covering purchases such as supplies, travel, software, and recurring business costs. The card is linked to the company rather than the owner, and repayments follow a monthly billing cycle.

Dutch banks and financial institutions offer cards with varying limits, fees, and reward structures. Most cards integrate with accounting software, enabling streamlined expense reporting and VAT documentation.

Key Benefits for Dutch Businesses

Business credit cards help companies manage cash flow by offering a short repayment window before interest applies. They separate personal and business expenses, reducing accounting complexity and improving financial oversight. Many Dutch cards include rewards, cashback on business categories, or travel perks tailored to corporate use.

Companies can also issue employee cards with individual spending limits, making it easier to track and control team expenses. Additionally, business cards often come with purchase protection, travel insurance, and digital tools for real-time monitoring of transactions.

Common Eligibility Requirements for Dutch Companies

Lenders assess business credit card applications based on the company’s financial stability, identity, and operational structure. Most Dutch providers follow similar baseline criteria before issuing a card.

Typical requirements:

• Registered Dutch business
• Valid Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number
• Business bank account
• Financial statements or revenue proof
• Positive credit check
• Owner identification
• Minimum operating history

Dutch companies must be officially registered in the Netherlands and have an active KvK number so the issuer can verify the business structure and legal status. A dedicated business bank account is required because repayments and card billing must run through corporate banking channels.

Most providers request recent financial statements, revenue figures, or cash flow documentation to evaluate the business’s ability to handle credit responsibly. A positive credit check is standard, covering both the company and, in some cases, the owner if the business is small or newly formed.

Identification of the business owner or authorised signatory is mandatory to comply with Dutch KYC and anti-fraud regulations. Finally, many issuers require a minimum operating history, often ranging from several months to one year, to ensure the company has stable activity before extending credit.

How to Apply for a Business Credit Card in the Netherlands

Applying for a business credit card in the Netherlands is a straightforward process, but providers require specific documents and checks before approving an application.

Application requirements (keyword format):

1. KvK registration details
2. Business bank account
3. Financial statements
4. Credit check approval
5. Owner or director ID
6. Expected monthly spending
7. Signed application form

Lenders first verify the company’s KvK registration to confirm legal status, ownership, and activity. A business bank account is required because all repayments, billing cycles, and card transactions must be linked to a corporate account rather than a personal one.

Financial statements support the assessment of revenue, cash flow, and stability. Even simplified statements help providers estimate suitable credit limits and assess repayment capacity. A credit check is then performed on the business and, in some cases, the owner—especially for smaller companies or sole proprietorships.

Identification of the owner or director is mandatory to meet Dutch KYC standards. Applicants must also provide an estimate of monthly spending so the issuer can set a realistic credit limit aligned with operational needs.

Finally, the signed application form authorises the lender to complete all checks and issue the card once approved.

How Business Credit Card Limits Are Determined

Credit limits for Dutch business cards are based on a simple assessment of the company’s financial strength and ability to repay. Providers look at a few core factors and use them to set a limit that matches the business’s spending profile.

Banks first evaluate the company’s revenue and cash flow because these indicate how much short-term credit the business can handle safely. Strong, predictable income usually results in higher limits, while newer businesses may receive more conservative amounts.

Financial stability also matters. Lenders review existing debts, payment history, and how the company manages its current obligations. A clean repayment record signals low risk and supports a higher limit.

Some issuers also consider business type and typical expenses. Companies with frequent purchases, travel needs, or operational costs may qualify for a limit aligned with those patterns.

Finally, the creditworthiness of the business – and sometimes the owner – helps define the upper range. A solid credit profile allows the provider to extend more trust, while weaker credit may reduce the available limit.

Overall, limits are set to match real spending needs while keeping risk controlled and repayment manageable.

Typical Fees and Interest Rates in the Netherlands

Business credit card costs in the Netherlands follow a clear structure made up of annual fees, interest rates, and specific service charges. Banks keep pricing predictable, but the exact amounts vary depending on limits, rewards, and included insurance.

Fee Type	Typical Range (Netherlands)
Annual card fee	€30–€120 per card
Interest rate on unpaid balance	10–14 percent APR
Foreign transaction fees	1.5–2.5 percent
Cash withdrawal fees	3–4 percent of amount
Late payment fees	€20–€40

Annual fees apply to most cards, with higher-tier options costing more due to added insurance, travel benefits, or reward programs. If the monthly balance is not paid in full, interest starts accumulating, usually within the 10–14 percent range.

Foreign transaction fees are standard when making payments outside the eurozone, and they can add up for businesses with international clients or suppliers. Cash withdrawals are discouraged due to higher charges, making them useful only in rare situations.

Late fees are applied if the company misses a repayment deadline, and consistent delays can reduce the available limit. Understanding these costs helps Dutch businesses choose a card that fits their spending habits and keeps overall expenses under control.

Business Credit Card Rewards and Cashback Options

Dutch business credit cards often include reward structures designed to support typical company spending. These benefits help reduce operational costs and provide value on everyday transactions.

Most providers offer cashback on key business categories such as fuel, office supplies, travel, and online payments. Cashback rates are usually modest but consistent, giving companies measurable savings over time. Some cards use tiered systems where higher monthly spending unlocks better rewards.

Many cards also include point-based reward programs. Points can be redeemed for travel, hotel stays, gift cards, or business-related expenses. Travel-focused cards may offer extras like lounge access, airline points, or insurance coverage, which suit companies with frequent travel activity.

The best rewards depend on how the business spends money. Cards that match actual expense patterns deliver the strongest financial return.

How to Compare Business Credit Cards Effectively

Evaluating business credit cards in the Netherlands requires focusing on core features that influence real costs and usability. The first step is to compare annual fees and interest rates, ensuring that the pricing aligns with the company’s spending behavior and repayment habits.

Next, businesses should examine credit limits and how flexible they are. Companies with higher operational expenses may need scalable limits that increase as revenue grows. It is also important to review reward structures, choosing cards that offer cashback or points in categories where the business spends most.

Additional features matter as well. Integration with accounting tools, the ability to issue employee cards with individual limits, and digital dashboard controls all make daily management easier. Insurance benefits, purchase protection, and travel coverage should also be considered if they match company needs.

Finally, always compare eligibility requirements and approval timeframes. Some lenders cater to established companies, while others accept newer businesses or sole proprietors. Choosing a card that fits the company’s profile ensures faster approval and smoother onboarding.

Alternatives to Business Credit Cards (Overdrafts, Lines of Credit)

Some Dutch businesses prefer flexible financing tools that work alongside – or instead of – business credit cards. These options offer different repayment structures and may suit companies with fluctuating cash flow or larger credit needs.

Business Overdraft

A business overdraft is linked directly to the company’s bank account and allows spending beyond the available balance up to a set limit. Interest is charged only on the amount used, making it suitable for short-term liquidity gaps, unexpected expenses, or seasonal fluctuations. It is more flexible than a credit card but typically comes with higher interest rates.

Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit provides a revolving credit facility that companies can draw from whenever needed. It is ideal for ongoing operational expenses or projects requiring flexible access to funds. Lines of credit often offer higher limits than credit cards and allow businesses to repay and reuse the credit repeatedly, but they require stronger financial documentation and creditworthiness.

Business Loan

A business loan is a fixed financing option used for larger investments that fall outside the scope of a credit card or overdraft. Companies receive a lump-sum amount and repay it through scheduled monthly installments over an agreed term. This structure offers predictability, making it suitable for funding equipment, vehicles, renovations, hiring, or expansion projects.

Business loans often come with lower interest rates than credit cards, especially for established Dutch companies with solid financial history. However, they require more documentation, such as detailed financial statements and a clear funding purpose. For long-term financing or significant one-time expenses, a business loan is often the most stable and cost-efficient alternative.