Netherlands Stores: Why No Visa or Mastercard?

In the Netherlands, some stores may not accept Visa and Mastercard due to the following reasons:

1. Transaction Fees: Credit card companies like Visa and Mastercard charge high processing fees to merchants, which some businesses prefer to avoid by using other payment methods.

2. Popularity of Other Payment Methods: Payment systems like IDEAL, which are more commonly used in the Netherlands, are preferred because they have lower transaction costs and are more widely adopted.

3. Security Concerns: Some merchants opt for local payment systems to reduce the risk of fraud or chargebacks that are often associated with international credit cards.

4. Merchant Preferences: Small businesses and independent stores may choose to use payment methods that are more convenient or affordable for their operations.

Overall, while Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in the Netherlands, it's advisable to carry local payment options like debit cards or IDEAL when shopping.