ICS Mastercard Black vs N26 Mastercard
Two credit cards for expats in the Netherlands, figure by figure.
N26 Mastercard is the stronger pick for most expats.
- Monthly fee: €0 vs €18.75/mo
- Foreign transaction fee: 1.70% vs 2.00%
| Figure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | €18.75/mo | €0 (better) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.00% | 1.70% (better) |
| Card network | mastercard | mastercard |
| Travel insurance | Included (better) | Not included |
| Apple Pay | Supported | Supported |
| Card type | Charge card | Debit card |
| Minimum income | €1,500 net a month | Not stated by the issuer |
| BKR checked when you apply | Yes | Not stated |
| Card registered at BKR | No | Not stated |
| Rate check | Verified 29 October 2026 | Not yet verified |
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.
ICS Mastercard Black
What we like
- 4 Priority Pass lounge visits/year
- 4 airport fast-track passes/year
- Comprehensive AXA travel insurance
- 365-day purchase protection
What to consider
- High annual fee (€225)
- 2% foreign transaction fee
- Limited lounge visits vs Amex
N26 Mastercard
What we like
- No annual fee
- No fees in eurozone
- Excellent mobile app
- Instant notifications
- Free ATM withdrawals (limited)
What to consider
- Debit card, not true credit
- ATM withdrawal limits on free tier
- 1.7% fee outside eurozone
- No rewards program
Questions
Is ICS Mastercard Black or N26 Mastercard better for expats in the Netherlands?
N26 Mastercard is the stronger all-round pick for most expats. Monthly fee: €0 vs €18.75/mo
Which card has lower fees abroad, ICS Mastercard Black or N26 Mastercard?
N26 Mastercard is cheaper abroad, with a 1.70% foreign transaction fee.
Do ICS Mastercard Black and N26 Mastercard check or register you at BKR?
ICS Mastercard Black: BKR is checked when you apply; the card is not registered at BKR. N26 Mastercard: The issuer doesn’t say whether it checks BKR; it doesn’t say whether the card is registered.