As a newcomer to the Netherlands, it can be shocking to find that you can’t buy as much as frikandelbroodje at your local Albert Heijn with a credit card.
So if you’re thinking of ditching any of these bad boys: MasterCard, AMEX and Diner’s Club cards, I’m sorry, but you’re going to have a pretty hard time paying in any Dutch store. ?
What is?
Research shows that around 55% of Dutch people currently own a credit card. Although this is more than half of the Dutch population, you won’t see them using these shiny plastic cards for anything more than holidays abroad or shopping on international sites.
Flat dwellers prefer the humble pin card, which actually comes in the form of something called “iDeal.”
If you’ve ever tried to shop online in the Netherlands, then you’ve probably come across an iDeal payment option – and you’ve probably wondered what the heck it is. ?
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Basically, iDeal is an online payment system that takes you directly to your personal banking site when you make a purchase. This method allows you to transfer that moolah in one fell swoop instead of putting in all your tedious card information.
So, in other words, it completely surpasses the use of credit cards, which is why the Dutch love it so much. ?
Why do they do it?
Call it what you will: stingy or stubborn, but the Dutch actually have a pretty good reason for saying “uh-huh” on credit cards.
In short, using their valuable PIN card is just a lot easier and cheaper. ?
Shop owners in the Netherlands are charged a certain percentage for a credit card transaction – and it can even take a week or so to transfer that money.
Although debit card payments aren’t exactly free, they do have a fixed rate and that’s it erg fast when it comes to money transfers. ?
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In addition, 30% of the Dutch believe that credit cards are not the most secure and reliable means of payment.
With a debit card, your transaction data is more secure because it doesn’t go through a third-party source. Instead, it remains between you and your bank.
We might even go so far as to say that the Dutch’s aversion to credit cards is related to their thrifty ways. The Dutch are experts when it comes to saving some dollars, and they’ve learned how to “go without” for a long time.
So when they are given a chance to save some extra, unnecessary payments, they are sure to take it. If you ask us, we could all learn a thing or two from the Dutch. ?
Why is it weird?
Simply put, it’s weird because the whole world, from the United States to Timbuktu, accepts credit cards, and the Dutch would rather die than stick one in their wallets.
You’ll see all the Dutch riding in bicycle helmets and agree that Zwarte Piet is racist before they give in to the credit card industry. ?
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Should you join?
All in all, to achieve a 100% success rate, it’s good to know that your trusty credit card won’t get you very far.
Even in the smallest mom and dad stores in the Netherlands, you’ll have a better chance of paying for your goodies with a PIN card.
So, say sayonara to your credit card and get a debit card! ?
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Let us know in the comments below!