Can you tap your credit card for bus in Amsterdam?

In the tram, bus or metro you simply check in and out with your debit card, credit card or mobile phone. You can check in and out with the following cards: contactless payment cards from ABN AMRO, ASN Bank, Bunq, Knab, ING, Rabobank, Regiobank or SNS; a Mastercard or Visa contactless credit card (a.o. issued by ICS);



Yes, as of 2026, you can easily tap your credit card for any bus, tram, or metro in Amsterdam thanks to the nationwide OVpay system. You no longer need to buy a specific "OV-chipkaart" or a paper ticket. You simply tap your contactless credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay) on the yellow card reader when you board the bus, and—this is crucial—tap out again when you exit. The system calculates the exact fare based on the distance traveled and charges your bank account in a single transaction the following day. This "tap-and-go" method is generally the cheapest and most convenient way for tourists to get around. However, if you plan on taking more than 4 or 5 trips in a single day, it may still be more cost-effective to buy a GVB Day Pass (valid for 24 to 168 hours) through the app or at a vending machine. Always ensure you use the same card to tap in and out to avoid a "missed check-out" penalty, which can result in a higher default fare being charged to your account.

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Pay with OVpay or your OV-chipkaart OVpay is the new and easy way of paying in public transport. In the tram, bus or metro you simply check in and out with your debit card, credit card or mobile phone.

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Paying for public transport is easy: simply use your contactless debit card, credit card or mobile phone to check in and out using OVpay or a public transport chip card (in Dutch: OV-chipkaart).

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The benefits You can now check in and out on the train, bus, tram and metro throughout the Netherlands with your debit card, credit card or mobile phone. Pay for your trip just as easily as your groceries in the store. Handy, because: you no longer need a separate OV-chipkaart.

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The Netherlands is a very modern country. You can pay with cash or a debit card, and often with your phone via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet. Not to mention the latest phenomenon, 'Tikkie', which is also being used more and more. We'll go through the options one by one.

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Dutch currency Many shops and restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill. Most shops and restaurants do not accept €200 or €500 notes.

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Tickets for the bus and tram can be purchased onboard from the driver. You can also use tickets obtained at metro stations to hop onto either a bus or tram as long as it is still valid. Metro tickets can be purchased either on-site at a metro station or online with a day pass.

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Your card may be or is due to expire and has been replaced by your card issuer. Your card may have recently been replaced by your card issuer but not yet activated. Your card may have been reported as lost or stolen and been cancelled by your card issuer.

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How it works...
  1. Ask your driver for the ticket of your choice when you board the bus.
  2. Tell the driver that you'd like to pay with contactless.
  3. Place your card or device on the card reader on the ticket machine - it's shown with a bright blue sticker.


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How can I pay for my ticket? Go Buses accepts payment via credit and debit cards. The quickest and easiest way to purchase tickets is through our website or mobile app. Dispatchers at Newton, MA, Manhattan, NYC, and our call center can assist with credit card processing.

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You can pay for bus, metro, and tram rides by purchasing a ticket from a ticket machine, drivers, or conductors, or you can use an OV-chipkaart or smartphone via OVpay. If you are travelling by tram or bus, don't forget to use the stop buttons, or else the driver may pass through your stop.

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That's because, in the Netherlands, there is no social or written requirement to tip a restaurant worker. However, if you received good service or thoroughly enjoyed the food, it's customary to give a small tip — around 5-10% of the bill. If your service was just average, round up the bill or leave some change.

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