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OVpay in public transport

OVpay allows public transport passengers to check in and out using their debit card, credit card or mobile phone. This makes travelling easier, without the need for a separate OV-chip card. OVpay works through contactless payment and is available with all carriers in the Netherlands.

What is OVpay?

OVpay(opens in new window) allows travellers to check in and out at gates and card readers, using their debit card, credit card or digital payment card on their smartphone. The system was developed by Translink(opens in new window) and public transport companies, in collaboration with banks, ICS, card brands and Betaalvereniging Nederland.

OVpay is the successor to the OV-chipkaart and uses existing means of payment. Travellers can immediately use the system without prior registration or balance top-up.

How does OVpay work?

When checking in and out, travellers briefly hold a payment card or mobile phone against the card reader. The payment is automatically processed through the traveller’s bank and all travel expenses are usually debited together in one go, at the end of the day. The system recognises both physical and digital payment cards of the card brands Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa.

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Growth of use

Since June 2023, it will be possible to check in and out with a debit card, credit card or mobile phone at all public transport companies in the Netherlands. This makes the Netherlands the first country in the world with a nationwide solution.

Since mid-2024, you can link age discounts to a debit card, only for bus, tram and metro. More possibilities will follow in the future, such as linking discount subscriptions. This will make the debit card a fully-fledged alternative to the OV-chipkaart.

Of all contactless passes used in public transport in December 2024, 41% were a debit or credit card, either physically or digitally on a smartphone or smartwatch. The remaining 59% was an OV chip card. Twelve months earlier, the share of payment cards was still at 33%.

Role of the Payments Association

OVpay is an important step towards future-proof and customer-friendly public transport. The Payments Association works with members and other stakeholders to create a reliable and accessible payment infrastructure on which OVpay can build.