The Netherlands Have Successfully Integrated Visa and Mastercard Debit

After a lengthy period of time, the Dutch Payments Association has finally completed the Debit Card Acceptance project. The DCA project will allow Dutch customers and visitors to the country to utilize debit cards like Visa and Master Card to make payments.

The Dutch Payments Association Project

Before the approval of the DCA project, paying with Visa Debit and Debit Mastercards was not possible in the Netherlands. The project aimed to adapt or replace the majority of payment terminals in the Netherlands to accept these debit cards. Gijs Boudewijn, general manager of the DCA stated that in most Ditch shops, customers can now successfully use Visa and Mastercard.

Furthermore, this option is also now available for foreign visitors. This will boost tourism as well as Dutch customers who will get these new debit cards in the coming years. According to the official announcement, 425.000 terminals have been successfully modified. Dutch retailers are now able to accept digital payments with one of the 2.8 billion Visa cards issued globally.

The Future

As per the detailed official press release coming from the DPA, most of the POS terminals are ready and the rest are soon to follow. Upwards of 30 million Dutch Maestro and V Pay cards are gradually being replaced and will continue to be in the next few years. Speculations are that by 2028, all Dutch payment cards will carry the Visa Debit or the Debit Mastercard brand.

While this development takes place, card users can still utilize V Pay or Maestro debit cards to continue paying and withdrawing anywhere in Europe. The flexibility to play through multiple channels is definitely a boon. Especially when the Visa Debit links directly to your current account as opposed to a regular credit card. Visa Debit card holders are provided with complete control over costs and a clear overview of their expenses. This day-to-day quality of life improvement is what the DCA project is striving towards for Dutch citizens.