OVpay

Use your contactless bank card, phone, or wearable to tap on and off public transport across the Netherlands.Easy, quick, and no separate OV-chipkaart needed.

What is OVpay?

OVpay is the national contactless system that lets you check in and check out with a contactless debit/credit card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay / Google Pay / wearables) instead of carrying an OV-chipkaart. Trips are billed to your card and appear on your bank statement.

How it works (step-by-step)

Check in: Hold the same contactless card, phone or wearable against the card reader when you board (tram, metro, bus) or enter the train platform.
Ride: Travel as usual.
Check out: Tap the same device/card on the card reader when you leave or exit.
Payment: The journey cost is automatically charged to your card (often shown next day). If you forget to check out you may be charged a default (higher) fare — use the OVpay app or website to correct missed taps.

What you can use to tap

Contactless debit or credit cards (most international cards supported)
Mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) on a phone or smartwatch
OVpay app + registered card (optional, useful to view trips, fix missed check-ins/out).

Where OVpay works

OVpay is accepted on most public transport in the Netherlands: trams, buses, metro, ferries and many trains, and is supported by the major operators (GVB in Amsterdam, NS on many domestic trains, etc.). Always check local operator info for any exceptions.

Important tips & tricks

Always use the same card/device for check-in AND check-out. Using different cards will result in separate (and likely more expensive) charges.
Missed check-out? You can often correct it in the OVpay app or on ovpay.nl, or contact customer service.
Multiple people: Each traveller must check in with their own card/device. One card cannot cover multiple people.
Keep an eye on your bank statement, charges appear as NLOV or similar the following day.
If a reader shows red or makes an error: ask the driver/conductor or try again, don’t assume you’re checked in until you see the green light/beep.

FAQs

Do I need the OVpay app?

No, you can travel immediately with a contactless card or mobile wallet. The app is useful for viewing trips, correcting missed taps, and managing OV-pas cards.

My foreign card didn’t work, why?

Some older or non-contactless cards, or cards blocked for international contactless transactions, will fail. Try another card or use your phone’s mobile wallet. If problems persist, buy a day ticket or use a paper ticket.

Can I use OVpay for group/family travel?

No, each person needs their own contactless card/phone or a separate ticket/pass.

Is it more expensive than an OV-chipkaart or day pass?

Per-trip charging may be more expensive if you travel many times in a day. Compare OVpay costs with daily/multi-day GVB passes or the I amsterdam City Card for heavy use.