Belfius credit card: which Mastercard to choose?

Belfius is Belgium's second-largest bank with 3.8 million customers. Its credit card range consists of three Mastercards — New, Star and Platinum — each linked to a banking pack. The model differs from ING or BNP Paribas Fortis: at Belfius, the credit card is part of a monthly subscription that also includes the current account and insurance. The question is whether this pack system is worth it compared to a standalone card or a neobank.

Belfius does not offer Visa: the entire range is Mastercard. No cashback either. Belfius's main selling points are its integrated insurance and its mobile app, consistently rated among the best in Belgium.

Which Belfius credit cards are available?

Belfius offers three Mastercard tiers, each linked to a banking pack. The table below summarises the differences.

The Mastercard New is the entry level. It covers everyday payments in Belgium and the eurozone. The Star adds trip cancellation insurance, making it relevant if you travel at least once a year. The Platinum targets frequent travellers and higher budgets.

Flex cards: revolving credit on top

Belfius used to offer Flex versions of its cards (Flex New and Flex Star), with instalment repayment instead of full monthly settlement. These cards are no longer open to new applicants since 2013, but existing holders keep them.

The Mastercard Flex New costs 1.66 EUR/month with a debtor interest rate of 9.13%. The Flex Star is 3.75 EUR/month. The credit facility ranges from 1,900 to 12,500 EUR. This type of product is rarely a good deal: interest accumulates on the unpaid balance each month. Our guide to credit card interest rates explains the mechanics.

What does a Belfius card cost per year, all in?

The advertised price is monthly, which makes comparison harder. Here is the actual annual cost of the three packs.

The Beats Star at 70.80 EUR/year is the best value in the range. A standalone trip cancellation policy costs 40 to 80 EUR from an independent insurer. By bundling it into a pack at 5.90 EUR/month (with account and card), Belfius offers competitive pricing for occasional travellers.

Should you get the pack or the card alone?

The standalone Mastercard New costs 23.16 EUR/year. The Beats New pack costs 66 EUR/year but includes the current account. If you already have a Belfius current account (Beats Pulse, free), adding the card alone is cheaper. If you do not have an account yet, the pack makes more sense.

For the Platinum, the standalone card at 170.28 EUR/year is cheaper than the 216 EUR/year pack. But you lose the Platinum account and its perks (concierge, 24/7 assistance).

What insurance is included with Belfius cards?

Since 1 January 2026, the insurer for Belfius cards is Zurich Insurance Europe AG (via Cover-More Blue Insurance Services), replacing AIG. Coverage by tier:

For the cancellation insurance to apply, you must have paid at least 50% of the trip with your Belfius card or from a Belfius account. This detail is often overlooked and renders the coverage useless if you book through another payment method.

For a cross-bank insurance comparison, see our guide to credit card insurance in Belgium.

What are the payment and withdrawal fees?

Fees are identical across all three card tiers.

A 200 EUR withdrawal in Belgium costs 7 EUR (5 + 2). Abroad outside the eurozone, the same withdrawal costs 10 EUR (5 + 2 + 3 EUR exchange). Belfius is not the cheapest bank for withdrawals: ING charges 6 EUR + 1% in its own network, Beobank applies 2.5% (minimum 5 EUR). For full details by bank, see our withdrawal fee comparison.

How does Belfius compare for travellers?

The 1.50% exchange margin is in line with traditional Belgian banks (ING: 1.60%, BNP: 1.60%, Beobank: 2.10%). For travel outside the eurozone, a neobank like Revolut (0% up to 1,000 EUR/month) or Wise (from 0.33%) is far more economical. Our guide to fee-free travel cards details these alternatives.

Belfius's advantage for travellers is not the exchange rate. It is the trip cancellation insurance on the Mastercard Star and the Bancontact integration in Apple Pay, which simplifies payments back home in Belgium.

Belfius, ING or BNP Paribas Fortis: which card to choose?

Belfius stands out with its mobile app and included cancellation insurance. ING and BNP are cheaper for basic use. BNP offers both Visa and Mastercard with the card included in the pack. Trip cancellation insurance is not included in either alternative.

Which profile suits Belfius best?

The Beats New pack suits under-25s (free), customers wanting a basic credit card with an all-in-one account, and those who make heavy use of mobile payments via the Belfius app.

The Beats Star pack targets occasional travellers (1 to 3 trips per year) who want cancellation insurance without buying a separate policy. At 5.90 EUR/month all-in, it is the best value in the range.

The Mastercard Platinum is for higher budgets (5,000 EUR limit) and frequent travellers who use the premium insurance. At 18 EUR/month, it only makes sense if you use the concierge and 24/7 assistance.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Belfius credit card cost per month?

The Mastercard New costs 5.50 EUR/month in the Beats New pack (free under 25). The Mastercard Star costs 5.90 EUR/month in the Beats Star pack. The Mastercard Platinum costs 18 EUR/month in the Comfort Platinum pack. These prices include the current account and associated cards.

Can I get a Belfius credit card without the Beats pack?

Yes. The Mastercard New is available standalone at 1.93 EUR/month (23.16 EUR/year). The Platinum is 14.19 EUR/month. But the packs include the account, insurance and sometimes a free second card.

What is the credit limit on a Belfius card?

Mastercard New: 1,900 EUR/month. Mastercard Star: 2,500 EUR/month. Mastercard Platinum: 5,000 EUR/month. These limits are adjustable upon request.

Does Belfius offer cashback?

No. Belfius does not offer any cashback programme on its credit cards. For cashback from a traditional Belgian bank, only Beobank offers 1% capped at 100 EUR/year.

What are the fees for foreign payments?

Eurozone payments: free. Outside the eurozone: 1.50% exchange margin with no fixed transaction fee. Withdrawals cost 5 EUR + 1% + 1.50% exchange outside the eurozone.

Does Belfius work with Apple Pay?

Yes. Belfius supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. It was the first Belgian bank to integrate Bancontact into Apple Pay (September 2022). Setup via the Belfius app or Apple Wallet.

What travel insurance comes with the Belfius Star card?

Trip cancellation up to 6,000 EUR, provided you pay at least 50% of the trip via Belfius. Purchase protection up to 2,200 EUR/claim (10,000 EUR/year). Insurer: Zurich Insurance Europe AG since January 2026.

Belfius or ING for a credit card?

ING (Do More + Visa Classic, ~4 EUR/month) is cheaper for basic use. Belfius (Beats Star, 5.90 EUR/month) includes trip cancellation insurance and Bancontact Apple Pay. Your choice depends on priorities: budget or coverage.