How the Bijcard Works and What You Need to Know

What the Bijcard is and who can use it

The Bijcard is a debit card issued by the Dutch government to people who receive a means-tested benefit. Instead of receiving cash or a bank transfer, your benefit payment goes directly onto the card, and you use it like any other debit card to pay for purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs.

The card is managed by a private company under contract with the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. You do not choose whether to receive a Bijcard — if you are on certain benefits, the government decides which payment method you use. The card itself is free; there is no monthly fee or activation cost.

The Bijcard is used for benefits including unemployment support (werkloosheidsuitkering), disability support (arbeidsongeschiktheidsuitkering), and social assistance (bijstand). Not all benefit types use the Bijcard system, so check with your benefit administrator about which payment method applies to your situation.

Key Takeaways

• The Bijcard is a debit card that holds your benefit payment and works like a regular bank card for spending and cash withdrawal.
• You cannot choose the Bijcard — the government assigns it to you based on which benefit you receive.
• The card has no monthly fee, but you may be charged for certain transactions like cash withdrawals or balance inquiries at some ATMs.
• If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the card provider immediately; a replacement usually arrives within five to ten working days.
• Your benefit payment arrives on a set day each month, and you can check your balance and transaction history through the card provider's website or app.

How to use your Bijcard for everyday spending

Once your card arrives, you can use it at any shop, petrol station, or online retailer that accepts debit cards. You will need to enter your PIN at the checkout or tap the card if contactless payment is available. The money comes directly from your benefit balance, so you can only spend what you have received.

You can also withdraw cash at ATMs that display the card provider's logo. Some ATMs charge a fee for withdrawal — this varies by bank and location. Check the ATM screen before you confirm the transaction; it will show you the fee amount if one applies.

Keep your PIN private and never share it with anyone, including staff at shops or the card provider. If someone asks for your PIN, it is a sign of fraud. Change your PIN regularly through the card provider's app or website if you suspect it has been compromised.

Checking your balance and transaction history

You can check how much money is on your card at any time by logging into the card provider's online portal or mobile app. You will need your card number and a password to set up your account. The app also shows you every transaction — when you spent money, where, and how much — so you can track your spending.

You can also check your balance at any ATM that accepts your card, though some ATMs charge a small fee for a balance inquiry. Your benefit payment date is fixed each month, so you can plan your spending around when the money arrives.

If you notice a transaction you did not make, report it to the card provider immediately. They have a fraud team that can investigate and, if the transaction was unauthorised, reverse the charge and issue you a new card.

What happens if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your card goes missing or is stolen, contact the card provider's customer service line right away. You can usually find the number on the back of your card or on their website. Tell them your card is lost or stolen, and they will block it immediately so no one else can use it.

A replacement card is usually sent to your registered address within five to ten working days. While you wait, you can still receive your benefit payment — it will sit on your blocked card until the new one arrives and you activate it. Some card providers offer emergency cash access if you need money before the replacement arrives; ask when you call to report the loss.

If your card is damaged — cracked, bent, or the chip no longer works — you can request a replacement through the app or by calling customer service. Damage from normal wear and tear is usually replaced at no cost.

Fees and charges you might encounter

The Bijcard itself has no monthly fee or annual cost. However, you may be charged for certain transactions depending on which ATM or service you use. Cash withdrawals at ATMs outside the card provider's network often cost between 1 and 3 euros, though this varies. Some ATMs charge for balance inquiries as well.

If you use your card abroad — for example, to pay in a shop or withdraw cash in another country — you will usually be charged a foreign transaction fee. This is typically a percentage of the amount, often between 2 and 4 percent. Check the card provider's website for their exact rates before you travel.

If your card is used fraudulently and you report it promptly, you are not responsible for those charges. The card provider covers the loss. If you report fraud late, your liability may be limited to a small amount, usually around 50 euros, depending on the provider's terms.

How your benefit payment arrives on the card

Your benefit payment is transferred to your Bijcard automatically on a set day each month. The exact date depends on your benefit type and your local authority, but it is always the same day each month. You will receive a letter or email telling you when to expect your first payment.

The money is available to spend immediately once it arrives. There is no waiting period or hold. If you have questions about when your payment should arrive, contact your benefit administrator (your gemeente or UWV office), not the card provider — they handle the payment schedule.

If your payment does not arrive on the expected day, wait until the next business day and check your balance again. If it still has not arrived after two business days, contact your benefit administrator to report the delay. Keep a record of the date you reported it in case you need to follow up.

Switching payment methods or closing your card

You cannot close your Bijcard yourself while you are receiving a benefit that requires it. The card is tied to your benefit, and the government decides which payment method you use. If your circumstances change — for example, you stop receiving the benefit or move to a different benefit type — your benefit administrator will tell you what happens to your card.

If you are no longer receiving a benefit, your card will stop working once your benefit ends. Any money remaining on the card at that point stays there, and you can continue to use it to spend or withdraw cash. The card itself does not expire, but you will not receive any new benefit payments on it.

If you want to change how you receive your benefit — for example, to a bank transfer instead of a card — you must contact your benefit administrator. They will tell you whether a change is possible and what steps you need to take. Some benefit types allow you to choose your payment method; others do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Bijcard abroad?

Yes, you can use your Bijcard to pay in shops and withdraw cash at ATMs in other countries. However, you will be charged a foreign transaction fee, usually between 2 and 4 percent of the amount. Check the card provider's website for their exact rates before you travel, and let them know you will be using the card abroad so they do not block it for security reasons.

What if I forget my PIN?

You can reset your PIN through the card provider's app or website, or by calling their customer service line. You will need to verify your identity — usually by providing your card number and personal details. A new PIN will be sent to you by post or set up immediately through the app, depending on the provider.

Can someone else use my Bijcard?

No. Your Bijcard is personal to you and should never be given to anyone else to use. If someone uses your card without permission, that is fraud, and you should report it to the card provider immediately. You are not responsible for unauthorised transactions if you report them promptly.

What happens if my benefit payment is late?

Contact your benefit administrator (your gemeente or UWV office) to report the delay. They handle the payment schedule and can tell you why it is late and when you can expect it. The card provider cannot speed up a payment or tell you why it is delayed — only your benefit administrator can do that.

Can I transfer money from my Bijcard to another account?

This depends on the card provider. Some allow transfers through their app or website; others do not. Check the card provider's website or app to see what options are available. If transfers are allowed, you may be charged a fee. If you need to move money regularly, ask your benefit administrator whether you can switch to a bank transfer instead.