Albert Heijn is the biggest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, and a huge chunk of their weekly deals only apply if you scan a Bonuskaart. It's free, takes two minutes, and most new arrivals don't bother — which means they're quietly paying more for groceries every week.
What it actually is
The Bonuskaart is Albert Heijn's loyalty card. Prices in Dutch supermarkets are often shown two ways: a normal price and a lower "Bonus" price — the Bonus price only applies if you scan the card (or the app) at checkout. Without it, you're paying full price on items that are sometimes 30–50% cheaper for cardholders that week.
How to get one
Download the Albert Heijn app (iOS or Android) — this is the easiest route and gives you a digital card immediately, no physical card needed.
Sign up with your email and a Dutch or foreign phone number — you don't need a BSN or Dutch bank account to create an account.
Your digital Bonuskaart appears in the app right away. Scan it at any self-checkout or hand it to the cashier before they total your order.
Optional: request a physical card in-store at the service desk if you prefer not to use the app every time.
Good to know
You don't need to be a resident or have a BSN to sign up — this works from day one, even before your official registration is complete.
A few more supermarket tips while you're at it
Jumbo (the other major chain) has a similar loyalty app with its own weekly deals — worth having both if you shop at either.
The AH app also shows personalized coupons ("Persoonlijke Bonus") that activate automatically once scanned a few times — no need to hunt for them.
Most Dutch supermarkets are cash-light — a Dutch debit card (or a card from a bank that supports Maestro/V PAY, like bunq or ING) makes checkout much smoother than a foreign credit card.
Recommended: a Dutch bank account
bunq
Fast signup
A fully digital Dutch bank that you can open remotely, often before you've even landed — useful for getting a debit card that works smoothly at Dutch checkouts and for things like AH, public transport, and rent.
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