Amex Blue Card vs ICS Visa World Card Gold
Two credit cards for expats in the Netherlands, figure by figure.
ICS Visa World Card Gold is the stronger pick for most expats.
- Foreign transaction fee: 2.00% vs 2.50%
- Travel insurance: Included vs Not included
| Figure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | €3.00/mo (better) | €4.96/mo |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.50% | 2.00% (better) |
| Card network | amex | visa |
| Travel insurance | Not included | Included (better) |
| Apple Pay | Supported | Supported |
| Card type | Charge card | Charge card |
| Minimum income | €30,000 gross a year | €1,500 net a month |
| BKR checked when you apply | Yes | Yes |
| Card registered at BKR | No | No |
| Rate check | Verified 20 October 2026 | Verified 29 October 2026 |
Bold marks the better value in a row. Figures are checked daily against provider sources; each product page shows when its figures were last confirmed.
Amex Blue Card
What we like
- 54 interest-free days
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Basic insurance included
- Lower fee than Green Card
What to consider
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee
- No rewards program
- Limited Amex acceptance in NL
- Basic coverage only
ICS Visa World Card Gold
What we like
- 365-day purchase protection
- Travel insurance included
- Interest on positive balance (bonus 0.5% until May 2026)
- Higher coverage limits
What to consider
- 2% foreign transaction fee
- Higher annual fee than basic card
- Same credit limit as basic card
Questions
Is Amex Blue Card or ICS Visa World Card Gold better for expats in the Netherlands?
ICS Visa World Card Gold is the stronger all-round pick for most expats. Foreign transaction fee: 2.00% vs 2.50%
Which card has lower fees abroad, Amex Blue Card or ICS Visa World Card Gold?
ICS Visa World Card Gold is cheaper abroad, with a 2.00% foreign transaction fee.
Do Amex Blue Card and ICS Visa World Card Gold check or register you at BKR?
Amex Blue Card: BKR is checked when you apply; the card is not registered at BKR. ICS Visa World Card Gold: BKR is checked when you apply; the card is not registered at BKR.