Loans provided by banks are the most common method of lending money in the Netherlands. There are, however, a number of credit agencies and, if the amount you need to borrow is not so large, you can always use a credit card.

How much you receive (or even if you are granted the loan at all) will depend on several factors such as your age, financial assets, income and residency status.

There are a number of comparison websites which you can use to assess your options when it comes to taking out a loan in the Netherlands. Alternatively, you can simply walk into your bank and speak with an advisor.

Credit cards in the Netherlands
Credit cards are not widely used in the Netherlands, mainly thanks to the popularity of the online debit card payment system iDeal. However, it is possible to get your hands on one.

Most of the major Dutch banks will be able to offer you a credit card as long as you earn a minimum amount of net income per month which can be proven by way of an employment contract. The net amounts required differ from bank to bank. Cards with different limits can be offered depending on your net monthly income and whether or not you are studying in the Netherlands.

Repayment of credit card debt in the Netherlands is commonly done on a monthly basis, via a direct debit from your regular account. If you want to delay a payment longer than this then you may be subject to a much higher interest rate.

It is also possible to get a credit card directly from an international supplier such as American Express. You can compare different credit cards in English on Creditcard.nl.