Do I need an OV-pas to use public transport?

No. You can use a supported contactless debit or credit card for pay-as-you-go travel, but an OV-pas can be useful for products and account-based management.

Can I check in with my phone and out with my card?

No. Use the same physical card or the same device for check-in and check-out because each is treated as a separate payment method.

Public transport · reviewed July 2026

How to apply for an OV-pas in the Netherlands

The OV-pas is the new public-transport card within OVpay. It is not required for every trip: supported contactless debit and credit cards can also be used for pay-as-you-go travel.

OVpay accountRequest and manage the OV-pas through your account

One cardUse the same card or device to check in and out

No cash actionTravel costs are handled through the linked payment method or product

Before you apply

If you only need occasional pay-as-you-go travel, first test whether your contactless bank card works with OVpay. An OV-pas is more relevant when you want a dedicated travel card, account features or travel products that OVpay makes available for the pass. Product eligibility and rollout can change, so check the current OVpay page before ordering.

Application steps

1. Create or sign in to your OVpay account

Use the official OVpay website or app. Keep your account email accessible because delivery, activation and service messages may be sent there.

2. Request the OV-pas

Select the option to request an OV-pas and provide the requested delivery and payment information. Review any card cost, delivery estimate and supported products shown during the order.

3. Follow activation instructions

When the card arrives, complete any activation or linking step shown in your account. Do not assume the card is travel-ready until the account shows it correctly.

4. Check in and out consistently

Hold the same OV-pas against the reader at the start and end of the journey. A bank card, phone wallet and physical version of that bank card are treated as different payment methods.

Avoid duplicate fares: keep other contactless cards away from the reader and present only the card or device you intend to use. If you miss a check-in or check-out, use the official OVpay trip-correction service.

OV-pas, bank card or OV-chipkaart?

OV-pas

Dedicated OVpay card requested through an OVpay account. Check current product support before ordering.

Payment card

Convenient pay-as-you-go option using a supported contactless debit or credit card or wallet.

OV-chipkaart

Existing legacy card and product ecosystem. Migration timing depends on the product and transport operator.

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Official sources

OVpay: how to apply for the OV-pas OVpay: travel with an OV-pas or payment card OVpay: manage travel without an account

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