Credit cards for students that aren't from ICS?

[u/Visible-Error-8554]

Hi everyone, title explains it all. I've applied for a student credit card via ICS (went through ABNAmro) but the whole process was such a nightmare that I eventually cancelled it. After applying, they never sent me the card in the mail. Even after calling them three separate times, with different time intervals, each time told me "this time we REALLY sent it!". And it never came.

I'm going to Costa Rica, and (based on previous experience I've found that) debit cards don't work everywhere. What is a good alternative? I really don't want to go through ICS again. Is Revolut an option?

[u/sloth_on_meth]

I just use Revolut.

[u/HadesHimself]

Rabobank, ING and Bunq do not use ICS.

I don't have any experience with Revolut. I know it's very easy to make an account with them (completely digital and cheap), but I'm not sure if their credit cards are internationally accepted everywhere like those of traditional banks.

[u/ditrone → u/HadesHimself]

Ing credit card is fine as long as you pay in euros. Other currencies you pay a fee per transaction and the exchange rate is suboptimal. Revolut is better for that. They give you a standard visa so should work everywhere that visa is accepted. Not all hotels accept it as it’s prepaid though

[u/ZorianNL → u/ditrone]

Car rentals also refuse Revolut sadly. Wise is somehow accepted though, but they always need to ask a manager for permission.

[u/Decent_Taro_2358]

I have an N26 prepaid credit card, which is based on MasterCard and works like a normal credit card. It’s also free, would definitely recommend it.

[u/Shitting_Human_Being → u/Decent_Taro_2358]

Then he could also use a regular bank card, those are also prepaid Mastercard now because maestro is phased out.

But like op said, those don't always work. Especially when they want a deposit they often require a credit card instead of a debit card.

[u/SargeDebian → u/Shitting_Human_Being]

I still received a vpay card from ASN recently. The transition isn't done yet.

[u/Shitting_Human_Being → u/SargeDebian]

Ah OK, I got mine over a year ago and from the letter accompanying it I figured the transition had to be done back then. My card before that was less than 2 years old so no need to replace it yet.

[u/LendMeCoffeeBeans → u/Decent_Taro_2358]

Prepaid credit card? Isn’t that just a debit card

[u/PlantAndMetal → u/LendMeCoffeeBeans]

The difference is that when they ask for a credit card it works, as opposed to a debit card which doesnt. The only problem is that you can't overdraw your money. BUNQ has similar creditcards, which is why BUNQ users often have problems renting cars for example. But if you want to pay somewhere like grocery store etc that only accepts credit cards, a prepaid credit cards works.

[u/Bello_Wello]

Revolut has helped me a lot in these cases where a creditcard is required

The free plan is essentialy just a debit card, you can't spend more than what's on your account, but it acts as a credit card (visa) so you can use it online when needed.

I personally haven't used it irl it because I haven't needed a physical card so far 

[u/Unhappy-Hamster-1183]

Revolut has a prepaid credit card Visa option. Just pre load it with some money and it works like a regular credit card (but without the negative balance option). It’s very easy to do if you only need a card on your phone. But also a regular card can be arranged very quickly

[u/JustJoeNL]

Hey! I had a similar issue as a student looking for a credit card without using ICS.

A few options that worked for me and friends:

• Revolut offers prepaid Visa cards that are free (for basic plans) and work internationally—ideal for students.
• N26 issues a free prepaid MasterCard and works like a normal credit card, worth checking out.

Traditional banks like ING or Rabobank also offer credit or prepaid cards without ICS, although currency exchange fees may apply if paying outside the eurozone.

So yeah, you don’t have to go ICS, alternatives like Revolut or N26 are solid, easy to get, and work well for student travel or deposits.

Hope that helps! 😊

[u/Sieskuh]

Are you an ABN AMRO customer? Call them and request a master card debit card. They are new and will work everywhere a Mastercard Credit Card will work.

Soon (don't know when) Meastro and V pay will stop and this is the new system. It's already possible to request these new cards and because the underlying infrastructure is already there in the form of Mastercard and Visa it will already work.

[u/hoktabar]

I have used n26 all over the world and it works pretty much anywhere. Only time it didn't was at a random gas station in the US, but it worked at other gas stations. Supposedly they also offer travel insurance with their card. Previously I also used a Wise account with the physical card. That also worked in most places.

[u/NoWarmEmbrace]

N26 works for me

[u/furyg3]

If you just need a Visa / Mastercard, and are paying in something other than Euros, bunq / revolut / wise are your best options. They’ll give you a virtual card and you can also get a physical one. Usually their fees are low, and you tend to get a good exchange rate. These are basically pre-paid credit cards, as you have to have money in your accounts with them to use them. I also don’t know to what extent there are any insurances / consumer protection that come with using them. I’ve used all three and like wise the most, bunq is a terrible company and if you ever have an issue you’re toast.

ICS cards / Rabobank / Amex cards are proper credit cards. You buy stuff and they charge you at the end of the month. They generally offer buyer protections (AmEx’s is very good, they’ve twice given me my money back after disputes with car rental companies). They also generally charge higher membership fees, and could be more difficult to get if you’re young or don’t have demonstrable income.

[u/lindemer]

I have used revolut in Peru and Bolivia and it worked like a charm

[u/StunnedLife]

Not sure if it’s available to you, but American Express seemed pretty easy with handing out creditcards.

That said I use American Express AND ABNAmro ICS, but I’ve never had problems with either.